Close

Fatal Car Accidents

Knoxville Car Accident Attorney

The sudden loss of a loved one in a car accident can have a devastating impact on you and your family. Knoxville car accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe has represented clients throughout Tennessee in wrongful death and other accident claims over the span of two decades. Mr. Hartsoe is dedicated to helping individuals and families seek the compensation they deserve in the aftermath of a fatal car accident. If you lost a relative in a fatal crash, contact attorney Mark C. Hartsoe today to discuss your rights.

Fatal Car Accidents in Tennessee

Car accidents are a daily occurrence in Tennessee, and some of those crashes can be fatal. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were over 900 fatal traffic crashes in 2012. Most fatal car accidents in Tennessee occur in the summer months. The young and the elderly are particularly susceptible to serious injury and death due to car accidents.

Several factors can contribute to car-related fatalities, including alcohol, distracted drivers, failure to stay in the proper lane, and running off the road. Families who have lost relatives in car accidents are often left with the financial burden of covering medical bills, funeral expenses, and the loss of a source of income. Theses financial burdens are in addition to the incomparable emotional pain brought on by the unexpected death of a loved one.

Liability for Fatal Car Accidents

The sudden death of a person in a car accident can have a long-term emotional and financial effect on that person’s family. If your loved one succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident, you may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for your relative’s death by filing a wrongful death claim.

In Tennessee, drivers are required by law to exercise due care when they operate a vehicle. Among the many requirements under Tennessee law, drivers must:

  • Drive at a safe speed
  • Keep their car under proper control
  • Devote their full time and attention to operating their vehicles
  • Avoid colliding with pedestrians

If a driver does not exercise this duty of care, he or she may be liable for any death or injury that results from their negligent or reckless behavior.

Under Tennessee law, if a person’s death is caused by another’s negligence or wrongdoing, the deceased person’s relatives or estate can pursue a wrongful death claim against the wrongdoer, and potentially recover damages.

Compensation and Recovery

A wrongful death claim can ease the financial burden of your loss. Tennessee allows relatives to recover damages that may include compensation for:

  • Mental and physical pain and suffering
  • Lost wages and future earnings
  • Loss of companionship

You may also recover punitive damages if a person’s malicious or serious wrongdoing, such as drunk driving, caused the death of your loved one. Tennessee sets certain time restrictions on when a person can file a wrongful death claim, so it is important that you speak with an experienced car accident attorney to learn your rights as soon as possible.

Dedicated to Helping You When You Need It Most

If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, Knoxville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help. Mr. Hartsoe has successfully represented families and estates across Tennessee in numerous wrongful death claims. He brings over twenty years of caring, knowledgeable experience to guide you through this challenging process. Mr. Hartsoe will evaluate your case, and provide you with the guidance and advocacy you need to seek the compensation you deserve. If you lost a relative in a fatal car accident, call us at 865-804-1011 or contact us online today for a free consultation.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson
★★★★★
I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder
★★★★★
I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger
★★★★★
I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter
★★★★★
Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar
Contact Us