Car Accident Attorneys in Kingsport, TN

Tennessee auto accident lawyers seek full compensation for severe injuries

Kingsport (situated mainly in Sullivan County), with a residential population of more than 55,000, is a key component of the Tri-Cities region of Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia. It is home to industry such as BAE Systems and Domtar Packaging and the headquarters of Eastman Chemical Co.  As part of the Mountain Empire, Kingsport also draws tourists, sightseers, history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country. This means heavy auto traffic along major arteries like I-81 and I-26 as well as on U.S. Routes 11W and 23. And where there’s traffic, there are accidents due to careless driving and other causes, which can inflict serious injuries on innocent drivers and passengers. At Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC, we provide skilled and determined representation for victims of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt or killed in a crash in Kingsport or its vicinity, we are prepared to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Avoiding common weather-related car accidents in Kingsport, TN

Tennessee weather may not be as extreme as in other parts of the country, but we get our share of heavy rain, as well as mountain fog that can seriously impair visibility. Many of our winding roads are treacherous in inclement weather, which can lead to catastrophic auto accidents. To protect yourself while driving in these conditions, you should:

  • Allow more time for your trip and slow down in deference to conditions
  • Increase your distance from the vehicle in front of you
  • Make sure your wipers are functioning properly
  • Use your headlights, but don’t use high beams in fog because the reflection can obscure your vision
  • Avoid abrupt maneuvers, especially stops and sharp turns
  • Use extreme caution when passing
  • Remember to use your signals

Sometimes, pulling off the road may be the safest course of action. Get as far out of traffic as you can and turn your hazard lights on.

How long can the effects of whiplash last?

Whiplash is a neck injury that occurs when an abrupt impact causes the head to snap forward and back or side to side. In severe cases, a victim can suffer tearing of muscles or ligaments, displacement of cervical discs, concussion and even traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of whiplash include:

  • Neck pain
  • Limited neck motion
  • Severe headaches
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Tenderness in the back, upper arms and shoulders
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Irritability
  • Problems sleeping
  • Problems with concentration

The effects of whiplash can last from a few weeks to several months. A victim generally requires physical therapy to regain complete health. If you suffer such an injury, you should not rush into a settlement, which might not adequately compensate you for your suffering, lost wages or the expenses of long-term treatment.

What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Tennessee?

Tennessee’s statute of limitations allows you only one year from the date of a car accident to bring a lawsuit for any and all injuries. An insurance company may take several months to resolve your injury claim, so you need to prepare for litigation within that time or you may lose your right to sue. This is another reason why you should contact an attorney immediately after an accident.  Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC’s attorneys have well over six decades of combined experience practicing in this field.

How FMCSR violations impact recoveries in trucking accident cases

If you are the victim of a truck accident, it may be difficult to recover money damages, because trucking companies’ insurers aggressively defend actions against their clients. Our attorneys carefully investigate whether a trucking company violated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Discovering a violation helps us prove liability and recover the compensation you deserve.

Contact an established Tennessee law firm for auto accident injuries near Kingsport

Established in 1909, Massengill, Caldwell & Coughlin, PC represents victims of car, truck and motorcycle accidents throughout Kingsport and vicinity. Call us today at 423-797-6022 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our office is conveniently located in Bristol, Sullivan County, but we make hospital or home visits whenever necessary.