Car Accident Attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee

January 1, 2026 / Comments Off

1. Rocky McElhaney Law Firm

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, workers compensation

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, hit-and-run accidents, rideshare accidents

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering compensation, wrongful death claims, computer animation and accident reconstruction

Background: Rocky McElhaney has been named the “Best Attorney in Nashville” by the Nashville Scene for 10 consecutive years from 2014-2024. The firm uses cutting-edge technology including computer animation and accident reconstruction to present visually compelling arguments at trial. Works with experts in medicine, economics, accounting, and forensic evidence. Known for representing young, innovative legal professionals. The firm serves clients throughout Middle Tennessee and is recognized for fierce advocacy and extensive knowledge of Tennessee law.

Location: 414 Union Street, Suite 1140, Nashville, TN 37219

Contact: (615) 425-2500 | https://www.rockylawfirm.com/

Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement

2. Matt Hardin Law, PLLC

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, workers compensation, personal injury

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, drowsy driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents

Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, personal injury litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage compensation, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, future medical care valuation

Background: Matt Hardin is a second-generation attorney and owner of the firm. Former President of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. Over two decades of experience in personal injury law. Early career experience in insurance defense provides insight into defense tactics. Recognized by Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell for excellence in advocacy. Partner William Mayfield is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law and serves on the Board of the Nashville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.

Location: 150 4th Avenue North, Suite 2050, Nashville, TN 37219

Contact: (615) 200-1111 | https://www.matthardinlaw.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis

3. Jeff Roberts & Associates

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, workers compensation, Social Security Disability, civil rights violations

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injury cases

Background: Jeff Roberts has over 20 years of experience representing injured individuals in Tennessee. Member of the Melvin M. Belli Society and American Association for Justice. The firm takes on select cases to provide personalized attention to each client. Located in the heart of downtown Nashville in the “Fifth Avenue of the Arts District” since 2002. Has successfully recovered millions of dollars for clients. Available for home visits if clients cannot come to the office.

Location: 610 Commerce Street, Suite 800, Nashville, TN 37203

Contact: (615) 425-4400 | https://www.jeffrobertsassociates.com/

Consultation: Free, no-obligation consultation, contingency fee basis (no payment unless compensation secured)

4. The Law Office of Eric Beasley

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, hit-and-run accidents

Background: Eric Beasley is a native Tennessean who has been representing injury victims for 25 years. Attended Goodlettsville Elementary School and Beech High School in Hendersonville before graduating from Texas Tech University School of Law. The firm has earned a reputation as tenacious litigators through taking cases other lawyers declined. Receives referrals from other attorneys and even insurance companies. Speaks at seminars and teaches continuing legal education classes on personal injury law. Active in charitable organizations supporting children with disabilities and special needs.

Location: 104 Maple Row Boulevard, Suite 400, Hendersonville, TN 37075

Contact: (615) 859-2223 | https://www.tennesseeinjuryattorney.com/

Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee arrangement

5. Ponce Law

Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, premises liability, Social Security Disability, workers compensation

Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, intersection accidents, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents

Background: The firm has been serving Middle Tennessee for more than 31 years in personal injury litigation. Has exclusive access to the CrashCam Network across Tennessee with over 500 cameras and 350,000 hours of recorded traffic footage to help document accidents. Legal professionals available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Experienced in handling claims under Tennessee’s modified comparative negligence system.

Location: 1001 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211

Contact: (615) 590-9669 | https://www.poncelaw.com/

Consultation: Free initial consultation, 24/7 availability, contingency fee basis

Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Tennessee

Statute of Limitations:
Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the nation for personal injury claims. You have only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline applies to car accident claims, wrongful death claims, and most other personal injury claims. For minors, the one-year period begins on their 18th birthday. Missing this deadline bars the claim from proceeding in court.

Fault System:
Tennessee is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver responsible for causing an accident is liable for resulting damages. Injured parties must prove the other driver was negligent to recover compensation.

Comparative Negligence:
Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. If an injured party is found to be 49% or less at fault for the accident, they can recover damages, but the award will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If fault is 50% or more, the injured party is completely barred from recovering any compensation. For example, if awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, the recovery would be reduced to $80,000.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
Tennessee requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage:

$25,000 bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
$15,000 property damage liability per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage:
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is optional but recommended in Tennessee. If you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, UM/UIM coverage allows you to file a claim with your own insurance company.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP):
Tennessee does not require PIP coverage. Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) is available as an optional coverage that pays for medical expenses regardless of fault.

Damage Caps:
Tennessee caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. For most cases, the cap is $750,000. In cases involving catastrophic injuries or certain intentional acts, the cap may be higher. There is no cap on economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of $500,000 or twice the amount of compensatory damages.

Dram Shop Liability:
Tennessee has dram shop laws that may allow injured parties to pursue claims against establishments that served alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then caused an accident.

Reporting Requirements:
Tennessee law requires drivers to report accidents involving injuries, death, or significant property damage to law enforcement. An accident report should be filed promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for filing a car accident lawsuit in Tennessee?

Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the United States for personal injury claims. You have only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This applies to car accident injury claims, wrongful death claims, and property damage claims. If you were a minor at the time of the accident, the one-year period begins on your 18th birthday. Missing this deadline means the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system. Given this short timeframe, consulting with an attorney promptly after an accident is critical.

How does Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rule affect my case?

Tennessee follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. This means if you share some responsibility for the accident but are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but the jury finds you 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000. Critically, if you are found to be 50% or more responsible for the accident, you are completely barred from recovering any damages from the other party. Insurance adjusters often attempt to attribute fault to claimants to reduce or eliminate payouts.

What types of damages can I recover in a Tennessee car accident case?

In Tennessee, you may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and property damage. Non-economic damages compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Tennessee caps non-economic damages at $750,000 for most cases, though higher caps apply in cases involving catastrophic injuries such as paraplegia, amputation, or severe burns. There is no cap on economic damages. In cases involving particularly egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available, capped at the greater of $500,000 or twice the compensatory damages.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

Generally, it is advisable not to accept an initial settlement offer from an insurance company without first consulting an attorney. Insurance companies typically make initial offers that are significantly lower than the full value of the claim. Early offers often fail to account for ongoing medical treatment, future medical expenses, long-term lost wages, and the full extent of pain and suffering. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you cannot seek additional compensation later even if your injuries prove more serious than initially believed. An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim, calculate all damages, and negotiate for fair compensation.

What should I do if the at-fault driver was uninsured in Tennessee?

If you are injured by an uninsured driver in Tennessee, you may still have options for recovery. Check whether your own auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which would pay for your injuries and damages up to your policy limits. While UM coverage is optional in Tennessee, it provides important protection in these situations. You may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver, though collecting a judgment may be difficult if they lack assets. An attorney can help you identify all potential sources of compensation and advise on the most effective strategy for your situation.