Nashville Fatal Car Accident Lawyers
Losing a loved one in a motor vehicle accident is one of the most painful things a family can endure. The caring wrongful death attorneys at Grissim & Waterman are here to help you understand your legal options and support you throughout the claims process.
Navigating the Aftermath of a Tragic Loss in Nashville
Knowing what happens after a fatal car accident in Nashville can offer you a sense of control over the process.
Tennessee law requires that drivers report any accident where someone died or was injured (TN Code § 55-10-106). Nashville police or the Tennessee Highway Patrol will secure the site and ask questions to determine what factors contributed to the crash. This is the start of the investigation into negligence, which can lead to both civil and criminal claims.
Deceased vehicle occupants or pedestrians will be carefully transported to a medical facility or morgue, and the next of kin will be notified. The police can provide you with information on the next steps, including grief counseling and local funeral homes. Once this is complete, you can begin taking legal action by contacting our law firm.
Statistics on Fatal Crashes in Tennessee
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security notes that there were 1,137 fatalities on Tennessee’s roads in 2024. This is a significant drop from 2024, when there were 1,264 deaths. Of the 2024 fatal crashes, 642 occurred in urban areas such as Nashville, while 495 occurred in rural areas.
Passenger vehicles like cars, trucks, and SUVs made up the largest percentage of fatal crashes in 2024, with 767 accidents. Sadly, 151 pedestrians died in 2024.
Common Causes of Deadly Car Accidents on Nashville Roads
Some of the most common causes of fatal crashes in Nashville are:
- Distracted driving
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Infrastructure and poor road design
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most powerful ways that drivers and passengers can protect themselves. Proper seatbelt usage can be the deciding factor between being injured or killed, making it essential that everyone click it or ticket.
Seeking Justice Through a Tennessee Wrongful Death Claim
A wrongful death suit is a type of personal injury claim filed by the deceased’s next of kin, meant to recover damages for the loss of life. While no amount of money can bring people back, loved ones are often left with medical expenses, loss of financial support, and funeral costs. A personal injury claim can cover those costs, allowing families to take time off work and heal.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Tennessee?
Only the next of kin or personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a claim. In Tennessee, the surviving spouse is automatically considered next of kin (TN Code § 20-5-106). If the person was unmarried, then the next of kin would be their children, parents, or a personal representative.
What Compensation Can Your Family Recover?
Wrongful death damages cover your financial and emotional losses. The state of Tennessee uses a hybrid compensation approach that allocates survival awards to the estate, separate from damages for next of kin.
Compensation is based on factors such as the victim’s age, number of dependents, occupation, and pre-death expenses. In Tennessee, this is restricted to $1,000,000. Common types of compensation are:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and loss of financial support
- Pain and suffering
- Grief
- Loss of consortium
It’s important to note that Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury. Contact us immediately so that we can begin the investigation and secure a fair settlement for your needs.
How Our Nashville Attorneys Support Your Family Through This Process
Our team manages the legal aspect of these claims so that you can focus on healing. Our services encompass the following tasks.
Case Evaluation: We will identify all liable parties, including the negligent driver or their employer. We’ll also assess your expenses, like vehicle repair and medical bills, to determine a fair settlement amount.
Investigation: Our team will search through police records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and witness statements. This information will prove the driver’s liability and justify our settlement demand.
Settlement Negotiation: We’ll negotiate with the negligent driver’s auto insurance policy to recover damages for burial expenses, loss of financial support, and grief. Insurance companies often take advantage of grieving families, offering them a fraction of what they deserve. This is why it’s crucial to let an attorney handle third-party communications.
Settlement Agreement: We will thoroughly read the agreement and ensure that it meets your needs.
Trial Preparation: Many cases settle out of court, sparing families from facing a crowded courtroom. However, there are sometimes complex legal questions surrounding liability, or insurance companies refuse to offer a fair sum. In this instance, we’ll guide you through civil litigation, including sharing documents with the other parties and attending pre-trial hearings.
Trial Representation: We are ranked among the top 100 trial law firms in the country and are fully prepared to advocate for you in court. We’ll prepare you for the court date and minimize disruption to your life while keeping you updated on any new developments.
Grissim & Waterman works on a contingency fee basis. This means that we are paid a percentage of your settlement or trial verdict. We only get paid if you win, so you do not have to worry about paying legal fees while sorting through your loved one’s final affairs or grieving.
Contact Grissim & Waterman for a Confidential Consultation
Losing a loved one in a fatal crash is overwhelming and painful, especially when the negligent driver’s insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement. Grissim & Waterman’s associates have guided hundreds of Nashville families through the legal process, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way.
We are a Super Lawyers-rated firm, recognized by our peers for our professionalism and compassion. We care deeply about each client and will seek to understand your needs while offering the best legal representation in Middle Tennessee.
The caring attorneys at Grissim & Waterman are ready to listen and advocate for you. Contact us at 615-255-9999 or use our online contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal options.
