How to File a Car Accident Claim in Tennessee: Start Here
If you were in a car accident in Tennessee, you need to file a car accident claim quickly to protect your health, vehicle, and finances. Filing the claim the right way helps you get fair payment for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. Our Knoxville car accident lawyer explains the clear steps to take and when you should seek legal help.
In this blog, we show you how to file a car accident claim in Tennessee, explain the insurance process, and outline how working with an experienced Knoxville car accident attorney can help you get full compensation.
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident
Here are the first actions you need to take at the accident scene to protect yourself and ensure a smooth claims process.
Ensure Safety and Call for Help
Check if you or others are injured. Move your vehicle to a safe spot if possible. Call 911 right away. Request police and medical help if needed. Filing a police report is required by Tennessee law under TCA § 55-10-106.
Collect Contact and Insurance Information
Gather names, contact details, and insurance information from all parties involved in the auto accident. Note license plate numbers, vehicle details, and driver’s license numbers. Collect contact details of any witnesses.
Take Photos and Document the Scene
Take clear photos of vehicle damage, accident location, and any visible injuries. Record details about the road, weather, and time of day. Keep these photos and any written notes for your insurance claim.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Get medical care even if you feel fine. Some injuries can show up later. Keep records of medical expenses and treatments for your auto insurance claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident and start your car accident claim. Provide details and documents like photos and the police report. Track your claim’s progress and stay in touch with your insurance adjuster.
Understanding Tennessee’s Insurance Requirements
Knowing the minimum insurance coverage is key for handling a car accident claim in Tennessee.
State Minimum Coverage
Tennessee law requires drivers to have minimum auto insurance. You must have $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident for total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These amounts are set by TCA § 55-12-102(12).
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage helps if the at fault driver has no insurance. It pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. This coverage is not required by law, but many insurance companies include it in their policies.
Policy Limits and Your Claim
Policy limits decide how much the insurance company will pay for your car accident claim. If damages go beyond these limits, you might need to seek more compensation from the at fault driver. Keep copies of your insurance policy to understand what is covered.
Role of the Insurance Adjuster
After you file a claim, an insurance adjuster will review your documents. The adjuster will decide how much to pay for vehicle repairs, medical costs, and other expenses. This review depends on the policy limits and the details you provide.
Filing the Car Accident Claim
Follow these steps to start your car accident claim and protect your rights.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident. Many insurance companies let you file a claim online. Share all details, including the police report, contact info, and photos of the accident scene. Provide any documents that show medical expenses and repair costs.
Submit Supporting Documents
Upload photos of the vehicle damage and the accident scene. Include repair estimates and any notes you took at the scene. These documents help the insurance adjuster understand the accident and decide on the payment for repairs and medical expenses.
Talk with the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance adjuster will review your claim and ask for more information if needed. Stay in touch with them during the claims process. Keep track of what you send and what they ask for.
Track Your Claim’s Progress
Follow up with your insurance company to make sure your car accident claim is moving forward. Ask questions about coverage for a rental car and how long repairs will take. Make sure you understand your insurance policy details.
Working with the Insurance Company
Once you file your car accident claim, you will need to work with your insurance company to complete the claims process.
Role of the Insurance Adjuster
The insurance adjuster will check the accident report, photos, and repair estimates. They will decide if the claim covers vehicle damage, medical expenses, and lost wages. The adjuster may contact you for more information or to clarify accident details.
Vehicle Repairs and Rental Car Coverage
Ask your insurance provider if you can use your own repair shop or if they recommend a repair shop. Make sure you understand who pays for the rental car while your vehicle is in the shop. Keep all receipts for repairs and rental cars to add to your claim.
Reviewing the Settlement Offer
The insurance company will offer a payment based on your policy details and the adjuster’s report. Read the offer carefully. Check if it covers repair costs, medical expenses, and lost wages. Ask your insurance company questions if something is not clear.
Will My Premium Increase
After a car accident, many drivers worry if their premium will increase. Your premium may rise if the insurance company finds you at fault. If the other driver caused the accident, your premium may not change. Always review your policy to see how claims can affect your premium.
Dealing with the At-Fault Party’s Insurance
If the other driver caused the accident, you might need to file your claim with their insurance company.
Filing the Claim
Contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. Share all information you collected, like the police report, photos, and repair estimates. Provide medical records and contact details of any witnesses. This helps the other insurance adjuster review the claim quickly.
Communicating with the Adjuster
The at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster may ask questions about the accident and your injuries. Be clear and direct when you answer. Keep records of all phone calls, emails, and letters. Save copies of any documents you share with them.
Disputes Over Fault or Payment
Sometimes, the other insurance company may dispute who caused the accident or refuse to pay the full amount for repairs or medical expenses. If this happens, stay calm and gather any new evidence you find. Keep notes about any conversations or statements from the at-fault driver.
Protecting Your Rights
If the at-fault driver’s insurance company will not cover your claim fully, talk to a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you get fair payment for your medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. They can also help you if the insurance company delays the claim or denies it without a reason.
When to Consult a Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer
Here is when you should reach out to our Knoxville car accident lawyer to protect your claim and rights after a crash.
Claim Was Denied or Underpaid
If your auto insurance claim is denied or the settlement offer falls short of covering vehicle repairs, medical expenses, or lost wages, we can step in. We help review your policy details, gather missing documents, and demand full compensation.
Serious Injuries or High Medical Costs
If injuries require hospitalization, ongoing treatment, or show up days after the crash, these costs can be high. Our car accident attorney can document these medical expenses, lost income, and related costs to present a strong claim.
Dispute Over Fault or Liability
If insurance companies argue over who is at fault or say you share blame, you need legal support. We analyze police reports, witness statements, and crash data to establish fault and fight for your full recovery under Tennessee’s modified comparative fault rules.
Involvement of Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough coverage, we help you pursue a claim under your uninsured motorist coverage. This step can be complex. We handle that process and press your insurer for fair payment.
Complex Insurance Policy or Low Settlement Offer
Insurance companies may use jargon or delay tactics to limit your claim. We explain policy details, work directly with adjusters, and negotiate aggressively. We know how to address repair estimates, rental car coverage, and injury claims to increase your payout.
Legal Deadlines and Court Needs
Tennessee law gives you one year to file a personal injury lawsuit. If your claim faces delay, denial, or large damages at stake, a car accident lawyer can prepare your case for court. We handle filings, evidence collection, and trial preparation.
Consult With an Experienced Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer ASAP!
We’re ready to help you file your car accident claim and get the payment you deserve for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and lost wages. Let us take care of the details so you can focus on healing and getting back to your normal life. Our team is here to stand up for you and make sure you get the results you need.
Contact us at 800-800-4300 for a free case consultation today!
