When an accident occurs, responsibility isn’t always clear-cut. In Tennessee, personal injury claims are governed by a legal doctrine known as modified comparative fault. Under this rule, your ability to recover compensation depends on your percentage of fault for the accident. If you are found to be 50% or more responsible, you cannot recover damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, you may still recover—though your compensation will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you’re injured in a car accident and a jury determines you were 30% responsible while the other driver was 70% at fault, you could still recover 70% of your total damages. But if you’re found to be 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This rule applies to many types of cases, including vehicle accidents, slip-and-falls, and other negligence claims. Because fault percentages can drastically impact the outcome of your case, insurance companies often try to shift more blame onto injured parties. Even small increases in fault can significantly reduce the value of a claim—or eliminate it entirely. That’s why strong evidence and experienced legal representation are so important. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we help injury victims across Middle Tennessee push back against unfair fault assessments. Our attorneys work to gather evidence, reconstruct accidents, and advocate for a fair evaluation of responsibility under Tennessee law. If you’ve been injured and are concerned that fault may be disputed in your case, we’re here to help. Contact our Murfreesboro personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

An estate plan isn’t a one-and-done document—it’s a living plan that should evolve as your life does. Too often, people create a will or trust and then forget about it for decades. But when big changes happen in your life, your estate documents need to change, too. In Tennessee, failing to update your estate plan can lead to unintended consequences, including outdated beneficiaries, family disputes, or costly legal delays. Here are a few common life events that should trigger an estate plan review: Marriage or divorce – These major changes in your personal relationships can significantly impact your inheritance wishes. Birth or adoption of a child – You may want to name a guardian or update your list of beneficiaries. Loss of a loved one – If a named executor, trustee, or beneficiary passes away, your plan should be updated immediately. Major financial changes – Starting a business, receiving an inheritance, or buying property can all affect how your estate should be structured. Relocating to or from Tennessee – Every state has different laws, so your documents should comply with local regulations. Tennessee estate laws have their own quirks and requirements. For example, naming an out-of-state executor or failing to use proper witnessing procedures can complicate the probate process. By keeping your estate plan current—and aligned with state laws—you help ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected from unnecessary stress. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we work with families across Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee to review and revise estate plans after life transitions. Whether you created your plan years ago or just experienced a major event, we’ll make sure everything still reflects your intentions. If it’s been a while since you last looked at your will or trust, now is the perfect time. Contact our team today to schedule a review—we’re here to help you keep your plan as up-to-date as your life.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tennessee, there’s a critical deadline you need to know about right away. Tennessee has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country for personal injury cases. In most situations, you only have one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit. If that deadline passes, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation—no matter how strong your case may be. This one-year rule applies to many types of personal injury claims, including car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, product liability cases, and wrongful death claims. In most cases, the clock starts on the date the injury occurred. While there are limited exceptions—such as injuries that are not immediately discoverable—these situations are uncommon and should never be assumed without legal guidance. Acting quickly does more than protect your legal rights. Early action allows your attorney to preserve evidence, collect medical records, interview witnesses, and build a strong case while details are still fresh. Delays can make it harder to prove what happened, especially if physical evidence is lost or memories fade. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we help injured clients throughout Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee take timely, strategic action. Our team understands Tennessee’s strict deadlines and works efficiently to protect our clients’ claims from the very beginning. If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure how much time you have left to take action, don’t wait. Contact Rucker, Rucker & Aymett today for a free consultation and let us help you move forward—before the clock runs out.

Slip-and-fall injuries can happen in an instant—but the consequences can last a lifetime. In Tennessee, these cases fall under a legal category called premises liability, which holds property owners responsible for keeping their premises safe. But just because you were injured doesn’t automatically mean the property owner is at fault. To successfully bring a claim, you need to prove that their negligence caused your fall—and that’s not always easy to do without legal help. To establish liability in a Tennessee slip-and-fall case, you must show that the property owner either knew about the dangerous condition or should have known about it and failed to fix it. This could include things like a wet floor without a warning sign, uneven pavement, poor lighting in stairwells, or debris left in walkways. Gathering strong evidence is crucial: photos of the scene, eyewitness statements, medical records, and incident reports all help build a solid case. It’s also important to act quickly, as Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just one year from the date of the incident. Visitor status can also affect your case. Tennessee law treats visitors differently depending on whether you were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. For example, if you were shopping in a store, you’re considered an invitee and owed the highest duty of care. That means businesses must take active steps to keep the property reasonably safe and warn about hazards. If they fail in that duty and you’re hurt as a result, they could be held legally responsible for your injuries. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we’ve represented slip-and-fall victims throughout Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee for decades. We know what it takes to prove liability and fight for the compensation you deserve—whether it’s for medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in a fall and aren’t sure what to do next, contact our team for a free consultation. We’re here to listen, advise, and help you move forward with confidence.

After an accident, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. You may be dealing with pain, medical appointments, and insurance calls—all while trying to get your life back on track. Unfortunately, certain missteps in the days and weeks after an injury can seriously hurt your personal injury claim. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we’ve seen how these common mistakes can reduce compensation or delay justice for injured Tennesseans. Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Get Medical Care Even if you think your injuries are minor, delaying medical treatment can harm both your health and your case. Medical records are essential evidence, and gaps in care may give insurance companies a reason to question the seriousness of your injuries. Mistake #2: Speaking to Insurance Adjusters Without Legal Advice Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement without consulting an attorney can put your claim at risk. Mistake #3: Failing to Document the Accident and Injuries Photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage can be powerful evidence. If possible, gather witness names and contact information as well. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be. Mistake #4: Posting About the Accident on Social Media What you share online can be taken out of context and used against you. Even innocent posts can be misinterpreted to suggest your injuries aren’t serious. Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Contact an Attorney Tennessee law generally allows only one year from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can limit your options or eliminate your right to compensation altogether. Avoiding these mistakes can make a meaningful difference in your case. With the right legal guidance, you can protect your rights and focus on healing. If you’ve been injured in Middle Tennessee, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Rucker, Rucker & Aymett are ready to help. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the next steps with confidence.

Blended families are more common than ever—but when it comes to estate planning, they present unique challenges that require thoughtful legal guidance. Whether you’ve remarried, have stepchildren, or are part of a household with children from previous relationships, making sure everyone is cared for can be complex. Without a carefully structured estate plan, Tennessee’s default laws could result in unintended consequences—like accidentally disinheriting a child or causing conflict between family members. In Tennessee, if you pass away without a will, the state’s intestate succession laws determine how your assets are divided. This often prioritizes your current spouse and biological children—potentially leaving out stepchildren or others you intended to provide for. Even if you have a will, failing to update it after a remarriage or divorce can create confusion or legal battles. That’s why blended families benefit from tools like revocable living trusts, life insurance planning, and clearly designated beneficiaries to ensure that assets are distributed exactly how you intend. Trusts can be especially helpful in these situations. You might want your surviving spouse to access assets during their lifetime, but ensure that what’s left goes to your children afterward. Or you might want to create specific inheritance plans for stepchildren or biological children from different relationships. With the right estate planning strategy, you can minimize family tension and protect each loved one’s future. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we understand the emotional and legal complexity that blended families face. Our attorneys work closely with clients across Middle Tennessee to create personalized estate plans that reflect their unique family dynamics, wishes, and priorities. We’ll help ensure your plan is clear, fair, and built to stand the test of time. If you’re part of a blended family and don’t yet have a solid estate plan—or if your existing documents need an update—reach out to our Murfreesboro estate planning attorneys today for a consultation.

When you’re injured in an accident, evidence is everything. Whether you’re involved in a car crash, slip-and-fall, or workplace incident, the outcome of your case will often hinge on how well the details were documented. In Tennessee personal injury cases, strong documentation can make the difference between a successful settlement and a denied claim. That’s why taking action early and keeping thorough records is so important. So, what should you document after an accident? Start with photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If there were witnesses, collect their names and contact information right away. Seek medical attention as soon as possible—even if injuries seem minor—and keep copies of all medical reports, bills, prescriptions, and follow-up care instructions. It’s also helpful to maintain a personal journal describing your pain, physical limitations, missed work, and how the injury affects your daily life. These records don’t just strengthen your claim—they help tell your story. In Tennessee, documentation plays a critical role in comparative fault cases. Because you must be less than 50% at fault to recover compensation, clear evidence can help establish who caused the accident and to what extent. Accurate records can show how the incident occurred, when it happened, and the full scope of your damages. Your attorney can then use this information to negotiate with insurance companies or present a strong case in court. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we help injured clients throughout Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee protect their rights from day one. Our team works to ensure evidence is properly gathered, preserved, and used to support your claim. If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what to document or how to protect your case, we’re here to help. Contact our firm today for a free consultation and let us help you build a case that stands up and gets results.

When you’re injured in an accident, evidence is everything. Whether you’re involved in a car crash, slip-and-fall, or workplace incident, the outcome of your case will often hinge on how well you documented the details. In Tennessee personal injury cases, strong documentation can mean the difference between a successful settlement and a denied claim. That’s why we urge clients to take action early and keep thorough records every step of the way. So, what should you document after an accident? Start with photos of the scene, your injuries, and any property damage. If there were witnesses, collect their names and contact information right away. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor—then keep copies of all medical reports, bills, prescriptions, and follow-up care. Maintain a personal journal detailing your pain, mobility issues, time missed from work, and how the injury is impacting your day-to-day life. These records don’t just help build your case—they humanize your experience and help insurance adjusters and juries understand your suffering. In Tennessee, documentation can also support your position in a comparative fault scenario. Since you must be less than 50% at fault to recover damages, having evidence to prove the other party’s responsibility is crucial. Accurate records can clarify who caused the accident, when it happened, and the extent of the harm. Your attorney can use this documentation to negotiate a fair settlement or argue your case effectively in court. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we guide clients across Murfreesboro and Middle Tennessee through the personal injury process from day one—ensuring evidence is collected, preserved, and used to its fullest advantage. Don’t wait until it’s too late to gather the proof your case needs. If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure what to document or how to protect your claim, we’re here to help. Contact our team today for a free consultation, and let us help you build a case that stands up and gets results.

Estate planning is often focused on what happens after we pass away—but what if you're still here and unable to make decisions for yourself? Illness, injury, or cognitive decline can leave you incapacitated and unable to manage your own affairs. That’s why planning for incapacity is a critical part of a comprehensive estate plan. In Tennessee, documents like Durable Powers of Attorney and Living Wills ensure that your wishes are respected and that someone you trust is in place to make decisions on your behalf. A Durable Power of Attorney (POA) allows you to name someone to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. This can include paying bills, handling property, managing investments, and other essential tasks. Without this document, your loved ones may have to go through a time-consuming and expensive conservatorship process to gain authority over your financial matters. Similarly, a Healthcare Power of Attorney and Living Will (also known in Tennessee as an Advance Directive for Health Care) allow you to spell out your medical preferences and designate someone to make healthcare decisions if you’re unable to do so. This includes choices about life-sustaining treatments, end-of-life care, and organ donation. Having these documents in place spares your loved ones from making difficult decisions during emotional times—and helps ensure your values and beliefs guide your care. At Rucker, Rucker & Aymett, we help individuals and families across Middle Tennessee create customized incapacity planning documents that reflect their unique needs and wishes. These tools are just as essential as wills and trusts when it comes to safeguarding your future and protecting your loved ones from unnecessary stress and legal confusion. If you don’t yet have powers of attorney or a living will in place, or if your documents need updating, we’re here to help. Contact our Murfreesboro estate planning attorneys today to begin planning for life’s “what ifs”—so your voice is heard, no matter what the future holds.