Nashville Car Accident Attorney
Skilled Car Accident Attorneys Serving in Nashville, TN
Many Tennesseans rely on cars every day. Unfortunately, even the most attentive and careful drivers can be injured in a car accident caused by a single negligent person. For decades, the Nashville Car Accident Lawyers at Matt Hardin Law have served the needs of car accident victims in Nashville and throughout Tennessee. If you suffered a personal injury because of a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation.
In 2022, according to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, Nashville reported over 14 million tourists and around 500,000 people commuting either in or out of metro Nashville every day. According to the Middle Tennessee crash report, there were close to 71,000 serious crashes in Middle Tennessee. Of those 71,000 accidents, over 6,700 were caused by distracted drivers and 5,000 were caused by drivers who were either drowsy, drinking, or on drugs. People injured or families who lost a loved one in a car accident caused by one of these drivers are entitled to seek compensation for their financial, emotional, and physical injuries.
Tennessee Law Protects the Victims of Negligent Drivers
A person injured in a car wreck may be able to seek compensation if the accident was caused by the negligence of another person or entity. The victim of the accident can file a negligence lawsuit against the responsible party, and a car accident attorney in Nashville can help. To bring a successful negligence lawsuit the person bringing the suit, the plaintiff, must prove:
- The defendant owed a reasonable person duty to the plaintiff;
- The defendant somehow breached this duty; and
- The plaintiff’s injuries were proximately caused by the defendant’s behavior.
NEVER A FEE UNLESS WE WIN YOUR AUTO ACCIDENT CASE
All drivers in Tennessee owe everyone else on the road a duty to behave the same as a reasonable person under similar circumstances. Failing to live up to this standard is called a breach. Defendants can breach their duty by sending a text message while driving, failing to yield the right of way, driving drunk, or engaging in any other behavior that is unreasonable given the circumstances.
To prove the final element, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s behavior resulted in the plaintiff’s injuries. In accident cases this is a straightforward proposition. A driver distracted by a text message causes an accident that injures the plaintiff. This is a clear example of causation. Any time an accident was directly caused by the defendant’s behavior, there is causation. Our Nashville car accident lawyers can help you determine the presence of this and other elements after a crash.
Why Choose Matt Hardin Law for Your Nashville Car Accident Case?
After a car accident in Nashville, insurance companies move fast to protect their bottom line — not yours. Here’s why injured victims across Nashville and Middle Tennessee trust Matt Hardin Law to fight for the compensation they deserve.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing upfront and owe us nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Unlike many firms, we never increase our fee if your case goes to trial. Our rate stays the same from start to finish, no matter what it takes.
Over Two Decades of Experience
Attorney Matt Hardin spent years on the insurance defense side before switching to represent injured victims. He understands how insurers evaluate car accident claims, how they work to minimize payouts, and exactly how to counter those tactics to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
We’re Prepared to Take Your Case to Court
While some firms push for quick settlements, we are fully prepared to take your car accident case to trial. We gather police reports, witness statements, accident reconstruction data, and evidence of negligence to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.
Available 24/7, Free Consultations
Our team answers phones around the clock. We offer free consultations in person, by phone, or via Zoom — and we can come to you at a hospital or another location if needed. There’s no obligation, just honest guidance on your options.
Recognized for Excellence
Matt Hardin has been recognized by Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, and Martindale-Hubbell®, and served as President of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. Our Nashville car accident attorneys bring that same standard of advocacy to every case we handle.
Our Clients Always Come First
We are committed to clear, consistent communication so you always know where your case stands. We handle the legal heavy lifting — the paperwork, the phone calls, the negotiations — so you can focus on your recovery.
Time matters after a car accident in Nashville. Evidence fades, witnesses become harder to reach, and Tennessee’s statute of limitations is one year. Don’t wait.
Damages Are Available to Successful Plaintiffs
Once the plaintiff proves the three elements of a negligence claim by a preponderance of the evidence, she is entitled to damages, the amount of which is determined by a judge or jury.
Multiple types of damages are available in Tennessee. Economic compensatory damages are objective costs the plaintiff incurred as a result of the accident. Some examples of this type of damages are medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the cost of future medical care or therapy. Complementary to economic damages are so-called noneconomic damages.
These include more subjective injuries, such as pain and suffering or mental anguish. The jury can award both economic and non-economic damages based on the evidence presented at trial.
In some cases, the jury may also award punitive damages, which are special damages intended to punish defendants for egregious behavior. Punitive damages are awarded in a small percentage of cases, so ask an experienced lawyer if you have questions about the types of damages you might seek.
Meet Our Attorneys
Matt Hardin
ATTORNEY & OWNER
Matt Hardin is a second-generation attorney and owner of Matt Hardin Law, PLLC, where he represents clients across Tennessee and Kentucky in personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases. A former President of the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association, Matt brings over two decades of experience and insight gained from his early career in insurance defense. Recognized by Best Lawyers®, Super Lawyers®, and Martindale-Hubbell® for his excellence in advocacy, he is deeply committed to achieving justice for injury victims throughout the region.
William Mayfield
ATTORNEY & PARTNER
William Mayfield is a dedicated personal injury attorney based in Nashville, Tennessee, and a Partner at Matt Hardin Law, PLLC. A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law, William brings a strong background in litigation and client advocacy, having interned with the Nashville Predators Legal Department and the Adams Law Firm. Outside the courtroom, he is deeply involved in community service—coaching youth sports, supporting the ALS Association, and serving on the Board of the Nashville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division.
Andrew Lockert
ATTORNEY & PARTNER
Andrew Lockert completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and completed his legal studies at the Nashville School of Law. He is a long time Middle Tennessee resident. With a focus on personal injury/car wrecks and civil litigation, he is proud to advocate for clients in the greater Middle Tennessee area and Tennessee in general.
Lockert is licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee, the Middle and Eastern District Federal Courts in Tennessee, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, and the United States Supreme Court in Washington D.C. He has a passion for travel and loves living in Nashville, Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions — Nashville Car Accident Cases
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Nashville?
Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Nashville is one year from the date of the car accident. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the United States, making immediate legal consultation critical to preserving your right to compensation. Read more here.
Is Tennessee a “no-fault” or “at-fault” state for car accidents?
Tennessee is an at-fault (tort) state. This means the driver responsible for causing the collision is liable for damages. In Nashville, victims can seek recovery through the at-fault driver’s insurance provider or by filing a personal injury lawsuit to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Learn more.
What is “comparative fault” in Nashville car accident cases?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule (50% bar). You can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the accident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but found 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. Read more here.
What should I do immediately after a car accident in Nashville?
1. Ensure Safety: Move to a safe area and check for injuries.
2. Call 911: Report the accident to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and license plates.
4. Exchange Information: Get names, contact info, and insurance details from all drivers.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Visit a Nashville ER or clinic immediately, as some injuries are delayed.
6. Consult a Lawyer: Speak with a Nashville car accident attorney before giving a statement to insurance adjusters.
How much is the average car accident settlement in Nashville?
There is no “average” settlement, as compensation is based on specific damages. Values are determined by medical expenses, future care needs, lost income, and the severity of pain and suffering. Nashville juries also consider the available insurance policy limits and the clarity of liability.
Can I recover compensation if the other driver was uninsured in Nashville?
Yes. If you have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own Tennessee auto insurance policy, your insurer may cover your damages up to your policy limits. Because many Nashville drivers lack adequate insurance, this coverage is vital for full recovery.
Who is liable in a multi-car pileup on I-40 or I-65?
Liability in Nashville highway accidents is determined by investigating speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, or sudden braking. Often, multiple parties share liability. A lawyer will use police reports, traffic camera footage, and accident reconstruction to identify all responsible parties.
Do I need a lawyer for a minor car accident in Nashville?
While not legally required, a lawyer can prevent insurance companies from underpaying your claim. Even “minor” collisions can result in whiplash or soft tissue injuries that require long-term treatment. An attorney ensures that all medical costs are fully accounted for before you sign a settlement release.
What damages can I claim after a Nashville car accident?
Victims can pursue economic and non-economic damages, including:
Economic: Current and future medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-economic: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
Punitive: In rare cases involving gross negligence (like Drunk Driving), additional damages may be awarded to punish the defendant.
How much does a Nashville car accident lawyer cost?
Matt Hardin Law operates on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only receive a percentage of the final settlement or court award. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing in attorney fees.
Contact a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer Today
The longer you wait to contact an attorney after an auto accident, the more difficult it can be to get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. When you contact the Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law, we’ll act right away and begin preserving evidence, contacting witnesses, and analyzing crash scene debris.
Many car accident victims do not realize that if they were injured by a negligent driver, they are legally entitled to compensation. The first step in that process is contacting a knowledgeable lawyer. With his extensive experience, Nashville car accident attorney Matt Hardin has helped countless Tennesseans seek compensation for their car wreck injuries. Call visit our contact page to schedule a free case evaluation.