Different Types of Car Accidents
The type of collision often shapes everything that follows, including the injuries involved, who is likely at fault, and how to approach your claim. Whether you were rear-ended on I-40, sideswiped downtown, or hit by a driver who ran a red light on Broadway, the crash you were in can affect your ability to collect compensation. As always, our Tennessee personal injury attorneys at Raybin & Weissman are available to assist you in filing your claim.
Rear-End Collisions
Among the most common types of accidents on Tennessee roads, rear-end collisions are often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops in heavy traffic. While the trailing driver is frequently at fault, that assumption shouldn’t be automatic. A sudden, unsafe stop by the lead driver, malfunctioning brake lights, or a chain-reaction pileup can shift liability to the lead driver or cause drivers to share liability.
Head-On Collisions
Though less frequent, head-on collisions tend to be among the most severe due to the force of impact. These often result from a driver crossing the center line, driving the wrong way, or passing unsafely on a two-lane road. Because of the severity of injuries involved, these cases often require careful investigation to establish fault.
T-Bone (Side Impact) Collisions
Also known as broadside or angle collisions, this type of crash caused 8,400 fatalities nationwide in 2024. Generally, these crashes occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield the right of way or runs a red light. Since most vehicles have less structural protection on the sides, T-bone collisions make occupants more vulnerable to serious injury.
Sideswipe Accidents
A sideswipe accident occurs when two vehicles traveling in the same or opposite direction make contact along their sides, often during lane changes or merges. These crashes are often linked to distracted driving, a failure to check blind spots, or unsafe lane changes. At highway speeds, a sideswipe collision can prove fatal.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents frequently occur in vehicles with a higher center of gravity, including SUVs and trucks. A rollover may result from a sharp turn at a high speed, a tire blowout, or a tire hitting a curb or guardrail. While speeding is a major factor in rollover accidents, a product liability claim may arise if faulty design contributed to the rollover.
Chain Reaction or Multi-Vehicle Pileups
A chain reaction accident occurs when three or more vehicles are involved in a crash. These types of collisions are especially common in inclement weather or during sudden highway slowdowns. Determining fault is often complicated in multi-vehicle pileups, with Tennessee’s comparative negligence law allowing fault to be shared among several drivers. As long as you are assigned 50 percent or less blame for the crash, you are eligible for recovery under state law.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
When a driver flees the scene of an accident without stopping to exchange information or render aid, this is known as a hit-and-run. A hit-and-run is a criminal offense (typically a misdemeanor), although in certain circumstances it will be elevated to a felony charge. Victims of hit-and-run accidents can recover compensation through their own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, even if the at-fault driver is never identified.
Tennessee Legal Deadlines
Regardless of the type of crash, Tennessee has strict deadlines for taking your case to court. Under TN Code §28-3-104(a), injury victims have one year to file a personal injury suit, but are permitted three years under TN Code §28-3-105(1) for property damage only claims. While some exceptions can extend your timeline, you will be barred from recovery if you miss the filing deadline. Even if you believe the statute of limitations has run out in your case, you should contact our Tennessee personal injury team.
Contact Our Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers
A crash can happen in the blink of an eye, forcing you to forgo your vacation plans in exchange for a hospital bed. No matter what type of accident you were involved in, our Davidson County personal injury attorneys are here to safeguard your rights. By helping you pursue the compensation you deserve, you will have access to the financial resources you need to promote physical recovery. To schedule your free consultation, contact Raybin & Weissman online or by phone at (615) 256-6666 today.