If you’re involved in a car accident in TN, start by making sure everyone is safe and check for any injuries. Call 911 to report the crash and request medical help if needed. Exchange insurance and contact details with the other driver(s), and document the scene with photos and notes. Be sure to collect contact information from any witnesses as well. Avoid admitting fault at the scene, and notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.

In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is generally one year from the date of the accident. This means you have one year to file a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage. If the accident resulted in a fatality, a wrongful death claim must also be filed within one year.

If you’re in a car accident in Knoxville, TN and the other driver is uninsured or doesn’t have enough coverage, you may be able to file a claim through your own insurance—if you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of coverage can help pay for things like medical expenses, lost income, and other damages when the at-fault driver’s insurance isn’t enough to cover your losses.

Fault in a car accident is determined using evidence like police reports, witness statements, traffic laws, and any available video footage. Tennessee follows a “modified comparative fault” system, which means you can recover damages as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of fault.

After a car accident in Tennessee, you may be eligible for compensation covering medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages. The amount and types of compensation depend on the details and severity of your accident.