What to Do After a Car Accident: A Tennessee Guide

Car accidents are a daily risk on Tennessee roads. They can happen quickly and leave you feeling overwhelmed. Knowing what to do after a car accident can help you stay safe, protect your rights, and make the insurance claim process easier. These steps can help you avoid common mistakes and help you get fair compensation for your injuries and property damage.

In this blog, we will walk you through the five essential steps to take after a car accident in Tennessee, and show how working with an experienced Knoxville car accident attorney can help protect your rights and support your insurance claim.

Step 1: Stay Safe and Stay Calm

The immediate aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and confusing. However, staying calm and focused is essential for your safety and to handle the insurance claim process smoothly.

Move to a Safe Location

If you can do so safely, move your vehicle to a secure spot. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers. This helps reduce the chance of further accidents and protects everyone at the accident scene.

Check for Injuries

Check for injuries to yourself and any passengers in your vehicle. Look to see if the other driver and passengers are injured. Call 911 if anyone is hurt or if there is significant vehicle damage. Quick medical help can save lives and reduce the risk of further injury.

Stay Calm and Avoid Arguments

Keep your emotions steady and avoid arguments with the other driver or anyone else at the scene. Speak calmly and clearly. How you communicate now can make a difference in future conversations with insurance companies, your car accident lawyer, and other parties.

Call the Police and Make a Report

Call the police to report the accident. Tennessee law (TCA § 55-10-106) says you must report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of more than $400. Police officers will arrive and make an official accident report. This report is vital for your insurance claim and any potential legal case.

Stay Aware and Focus on Safety

Even after moving to a safe place and calling for help, stay alert. Watch for traffic and keep yourself, passengers, and others involved away from more danger. Your safety is the top priority before gathering insurance information or starting your insurance claim.

Step 2: Call the Police and File a Report

Reporting the accident to the police is a critical step for your safety and any insurance claim you need to file later.

Why Calling the Police Matters

Calling the police helps create an official record of the car accident. The accident report will include important details such as vehicle damage, statements from the drivers involved, and contact information for all the parties. This report helps your insurance company and your car accident lawyer later in the process.

Legal Requirements in Tennessee

Tennessee law says you must report an accident if there are injuries, death, or property damage over $400. Failing to call the police can lead to fines and make it harder to file an insurance claim. Always call the police even for a minor accident if you are unsure about the damage or injuries.

Provide Accurate Information

When the police arrive, stay calm and answer their questions clearly. Give them your driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Make sure your statements are factual and accurate. Do not admit fault or guess about what happened.

Obtain the Police Report Number

Before leaving the scene of the accident, ask the police officers for the report number and the name of the officer making the report. You will need this information when you file a claim with your insurance company or speak to a car accident lawyer.

Step 3: Exchange Information and Document the Scene

After making sure everyone is safe and the police have been called, it is important to gather information and keep accurate records of the accident scene.

Exchange Contact and Insurance Information

Talk to the other driver and exchange details. Get their insurance company name and policy number, driver’s license number, and telephone number. Also, get their vehicle details, including the license plate number. If there are other passengers or witnesses, collect their names and phone numbers.

Take Photos and Videos of the Scene

Use your phone to take photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture the vehicle damage from different angles and any property damage. Make sure you include pictures of the license plates, the overall scene of the accident, and any visible injuries.

Record Important Details

Write down the location of the accident and note the weather conditions and road conditions. Include any other facts you think are important, such as the time of the accident and how the crash happened. Keeping detailed records will help you with your insurance claim and can support your case if you need to speak with a car accident lawyer.

Be Thorough and Stay Organized

Store all the information you gather in a safe place. Having clear and organized records will help you when dealing with the insurance adjuster or your car accident attorney. These records will also help protect you in case of further damage or disputes later.

Step 4: Seek Medical Care and Keep Records

Even if you feel fine after a car accident, it is important to see a doctor and save all your medical records.

Get Checked by a Medical Professional

Visit a doctor or medical professional after the accident. Injuries from a car crash can be hidden at first, and early treatment can prevent problems later. If you have pain, dizziness, or other symptoms, see a doctor immediately. This step also protects your health and gives you the medical records you need for an insurance claim.

Save All Medical Records and Bills

Keep a copy of every medical bill, treatment record, and prescription you receive. This includes receipts for doctor visits, therapy, and any medical equipment. These records show the medical expenses you have because of the accident and help with the insurance claim process.

Track Lost Wages and Other Costs

If you miss work because of the accident, keep records of lost wages. This includes any time you took off for medical appointments or because of your injuries. Save copies of pay stubs and notes from your doctor about work restrictions. This information is important for your insurance claim and can help your car accident lawyer if you file a personal injury claim.

Know Your Legal Deadline

Tennessee law (TCA § 28-3-104) says you have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly and keeping your records in order helps you meet this deadline and protect your rights.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company and Get Legal Advice

Reporting the accident and speaking with a car accident lawyer are important steps after you leave the accident scene.

Call Your Insurance Company Promptly

Contact your insurance company or insurance agent as soon as possible. Give them the information you collected, such as the accident report number, driver’s license number, and vehicle details. Be honest and clear in your statement about the accident and any property damage. Avoid guessing about what happened or admitting fault.

Understand the Insurance Claim Process

Ask your insurance agent about the next steps for your insurance claim. Find out if you can get a rental car and how repairs will be handled. Keep copies of everything you send to the insurance company, including photos, estimates for repair costs, and medical bills. Knowing the process helps you stay in control of your claim.

Be Careful with Recorded Statements

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, do not give a recorded statement without legal advice. Recorded statements can be used to lower your payment later. Speaking with a car accident attorney before you talk to the other insurance company can help protect your claim.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident lawyer can explain your rights and help you understand the insurance claim process. A lawyer can also help if you have questions about the accident report, lost wages, or medical expenses. Many lawyers offer a free consultation, so you can learn what to do next without any risk.

Contact an Experienced Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer Today!

If you have questions or need help after a car accident, reach out to our team at Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer. We provide a free consultation to review your situation and offer straightforward guidance on what to do next. Our experienced Knoxville car accident attorneys are ready to protect your rights and help you move forward after an accident.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident