You’ve probably encountered your fair share of reckless drivers if you live or regularly travel through Tennessee. As more people move to this part of the country, traffic congestion is on a steady incline, as is the number of car accidents reported each year. In fact, the National Traffic Research Group recently reported that traffic fatalities in the state of Tennessee have increased by roughly 35% over the last decade. One unfortunate cause of motor vehicle [...]

Over the last 50 years, the number of children killed in car accidents each year has declined significantly thanks to states’ adoption of more stringent legislation pertaining to motor vehicle safety. Nevertheless, parents and guardians of young children are responsible for the safety of any minors in their care, and failing to comply with established traffic safety laws is a surefire way to put young lives in jeopardy. Tennessee is one of 20 states that require [...]

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Knoxville, one of the first things you should understand is the state’s fault laws. Fault laws determine who’s responsible for the accident and who pays for damages, and they can have a big effect on the outcome of your claim. Tennessee’s fault laws are based on a concept called “comparative negligence,” and you need to understand them if you’re considering filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. What [...]

Being injured in a car accident can cause a lot of emotional and financial concerns. You’re likely dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and the stress of recovering from your injuries. We understand that you don’t want to add the cost of a lawyer into that mix. However, the good news is that hiring a lawyer is often much more affordable than you might think. Contingency fee agreements The most common way lawyers charge for Knoxville [...]

Two people have been identified after a DUI crash in Knoxville. The individuals, a 76-year-old from Virginia and a 45-year-old from Knoxville, were killed, and three others were injured in the accident. 6 News on Your Side reports: Based on an investigation, it is believed that two vehicles traveling east on I-40 were involved in a rear-end crash just after 5:30 a.m. on Saturday. The first vehicle came to a rest in a lane of [...]

If you're involved in a car accident in Tennessee that's not your fault, taking the right steps can protect your interests and help you manage the situation effectively. However, not everyone knows what to do in the aftermath of one of these traumatic experiences. Here’s a quick guide to help you know what steps to take. A post-accident checklist Following a crash, take each of these steps to protect yourself and others and to preserve [...]

The Eddie Conrad Act, enacted in 2024, is a Tennessee law designed to combat distracted driving among drivers under 18. By imposing stricter penalties for violations of the Hands-Free Law, this legislation aims to address the growing issue of distracted driving in the state. Does Tennessee have a distracted driving problem? Yes. According to 2023 USAA data, Tennessee ranks #8 among the states with the highest number of distracted driving incidents. The other top 10 [...]

If you’re involved in a car accident in Knoxville, Tennessee, filing a police report is crucial for insurance claims and potential legal actions. The responding officer will typically file an accident report, which you can later obtain from the local police department, sheriff's office, or the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do: Ensure safety and medical attention Ensuring safety and determining whether medical attention is needed [...]

You may be required to appear in court after you file your car accident claim. At Banks & Jones, we understand that most car accident victims would prefer to avoid court appearances. We’ll explain when you might have to go to court, such as when you’re called to give a deposition - and when it might be in your best interest to go to court, such as when insurance companies are not making a fair settlement [...]

A car accident settlement is a formal agreement between the victim and the insurance company to pay your claim for damages. In return for a cash payment, you agree that the settlement is final – that you won’t seek any more money from the defendant’s insurance company. You should never negotiate a settlement on your own. The insurance company for the defendant is not your friend. They want to pay you as little as possible. [...]