Fatal Car Accident Attorney in Nashville

Board-Certified Civil Trial Representation for Nashville Families After a Fatal Crash

When a negligent driver kills a family member, the grief is immediate and the legal clock starts running. We represent Nashville families in fatal car accident wrongful death cases, and we bring a credential to that work that fewer than 300 Tennessee attorneys hold: Stanley A. Davis is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney through the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification, with an additional certification in Civil Pre-Trial Advocacy. Insurance companies recognize that designation. It signals a lawyer who is prepared to take a case to verdict, and that readiness can affect how settlement negotiations proceed.

Stanley A. Davis founded this firm in 1997 and has spent nearly three decades fighting for Tennessee families. He has been recognized among the most prolific trial lawyers in Tennessee by the Tennessee Jury Verdict Reporter for multiple consecutive years. Navigating a legal claim while grieving is a burden no family should carry alone. We handle the legal work so you can focus on yours.

You don’t have to face this alone. Call (615) 866-3938 to schedule your free consultation with our Nashville fatal car accident attorney.

Types of Fatal Car Accident Claims We Handle in Nashville

Deadly crashes happen anywhere, on major highways like I-24 and I-65 or on local roads throughout Nashville. Wherever the accident occurred, our team at Law Office of Stanley A. Davis can guide you.

Our Nashville fatal car accident lawyer handles cases involving:

• Distracted driving accidents
• Drunk driving accidents
• Hit-and-run accidents
• Motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian accidents
• Truck accidents

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security data shows more than 150,000 crashes occur in the state every year, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities in almost every year of the past half-century. Behind each of those numbers is a family whose life was upended by someone else’s negligence. Common contributing factors in fatal Nashville crashes include speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, failure to yield, and failure to maintain lane.

Damages Available in a Tennessee Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Tennessee provides two types of recovery after a fatal crash, and they are typically pursued together. A wrongful death claim compensates surviving family members for their own financial and emotional losses. A survival action compensates for losses the deceased suffered between the injury and death, including pre-death pain and suffering and medical expenses. Both claims are generally brought by the same qualifying family members or personal representative, and we can advise which apply to your family’s situation.

Family members can receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium
• And more

Stanley A. Davis understands what is at stake for grieving families and puts their needs first. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, Stan can use his board-certified trial experience to pursue compensation available under Tennessee law for your family. Our firm obtained a $900,000 wrongful death settlement for a family whose loved one was killed by a defendant’s negligence, and we bring that same commitment to every case we accept.

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Fatal Car Accident in Tennessee?

Tennessee law gives families one year to file a wrongful death claim. The clock runs from the date of the fatal injury, which may differ from the date of death. Missing this deadline typically eliminates any right to compensation, no matter how strong the evidence is. Limited exceptions exist, including tolling for minor beneficiaries and certain circumstances involving criminal charges arising from the same conduct, but no family should count on an exception applying. The safest step is to consult with a Nashville fatal car accident attorney as soon as possible after the loss.

How Our Firm Supports Families After a Fatal Crash

Stanley A. Davis believes grieving families shouldn’t have to deal with insurance companies while they’re mourning. He handles every legal matter on their behalf, managing the timeline and paperwork so families can focus on healing.

Here is what that support looks like in practice:

• Gathering records: We collect and organize crash reports, medical documents, and other evidence related to your loved one’s case.
• Explaining the process: We walk you through each stage in clear, plain language so you know what to expect.
• Evaluating settlements: We review every offer and advise whether it reflects the full financial and emotional impact of your loss.
• Preparing for court: We build your case for trial when that is the path needed to pursue the justice your family deserves.
• Contingency fee: We handle cases on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win.

Contact our Nashville fatal car accident attorney at Law Office of Stanley A. Davis to set up a free consultation, discuss your claim, and take the first steps toward justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Car Crash in Tennessee?

Under Tennessee law, the right to bring a wrongful death claim begins with the surviving spouse. If there is no spouse, a child, parent, next of kin, or the personal representative of the estate may file. The specific order can vary based on your family’s circumstances, so it’s worth reviewing the facts with an attorney who knows Tennessee law.

Does a Fatal Car Accident Claim Always Go to Trial?

Most wrongful death cases don’t go to trial. Many resolve through negotiated settlements, and whether a case proceeds to court depends on the strength of the evidence, the parties involved, and whether the insurer will offer an amount that genuinely reflects the family’s loss. We walk families through the pros and cons of settlement versus trial so they can make the decision that fits their situation.

Will a Fatal Car Accident Case Affect Criminal Charges From the Crash?

A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil matter, entirely separate from any criminal charges that may be filed, such as DUI or vehicular homicide. The outcome of a criminal case doesn’t control what happens in the civil claim, though information from one proceeding can sometimes be relevant in the other. Families can pursue a wrongful death case regardless of whether prosecutors choose to bring or continue criminal charges.