One second, you’re driving home. The next, your car is smashed, your heart is racing, and your mind is full of questions:
“Am I hurt? What should I do first? Who’s going to pay for this?”
Car accidents are overwhelming. In the confusion, it’s easy to make mistakes that can harm your health, weaken your insurance claim, or jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
If you’ve been in a crash in Tennessee, knowing what to do in the moments and days afterward can protect your future. Here are the five essential steps every driver should take.
Action #1: Prioritize Safety and Call for Help
The very first step is always safety.
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Check for Injuries: Start with yourself, passengers, and anyone else involved. Even “minor” injuries should be taken seriously.
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Move to Safety: If vehicles are drivable, Tennessee law requires you to move them out of traffic when possible. Turn on hazard lights to warn others.
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Call 911: Tennessee law requires reporting accidents that cause injury, death, or property damage over $1,500 (or $400 if government property is involved). Police will create an official accident report, which will be critical evidence later.
Why it matters: Calling law enforcement not only ensures safety but also creates a paper trail that strengthens your claim.
Action #2: Document the Scene Thoroughly
Evidence can disappear within minutes. Skid marks fade, debris is cleared, and witnesses leave. That’s why documenting everything right away is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
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Take Photos and Videos: Capture damage to all vehicles, the surrounding area, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries.
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Exchange Information: Get the other driver’s name, address, driver’s license number, license plate, and insurance details.
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Talk to Witnesses: Ask for their contact info. Neutral witness statements can be key if the other driver disputes fault.
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Get the Police Report Number: When officers arrive, ask how to obtain a copy for your records.
Why it matters: Solid documentation can prevent insurers from disputing what really happened.
Action #3: Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)
After a crash, adrenaline often masks pain. Many serious injuries—like concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash—don’t show symptoms until hours or days later.
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Get Checked Out Immediately: Visit a doctor or ER within 24–48 hours.
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Follow Doctor’s Orders: Attend follow-up appointments and complete all recommended treatment.
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Keep Medical Records: Save every bill, test result, and prescription. These documents prove your injuries are tied to the accident.
Why it matters: Prompt medical care not only protects your health but also makes it harder for an insurance company to argue your injuries weren’t related to the crash.
Action #4: Notify Your Insurance Company (Carefully)
Tennessee law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage and to report accidents to their insurer. But what you say to your insurance—or to the other driver’s insurance—can affect your claim.
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Report Promptly: Call your insurer as soon as possible.
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Stick to the Basics: Share only facts like time, location, and vehicle information. Avoid speculating about fault or details you’re unsure about.
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Be Wary of the Other Driver’s Insurance: Their adjuster may call quickly, asking for a recorded statement or offering a settlement. Don’t agree to either until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Why it matters: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. A careless comment could cost you thousands.
Action #5: Contact an Experienced Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer
This final step can make the biggest difference in protecting your rights.
Tennessee follows the modified comparative negligence rule (50% bar rule). That means:
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If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
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If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies often use this rule to shift more blame onto victims to reduce or deny claims. A lawyer ensures this doesn’t happen.
A skilled Tennessee car accident lawyer can:
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Investigate the crash and gather evidence.
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Handle communication with insurance companies.
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Calculate the full value of your claim, including medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
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Negotiate a fair settlement—or take your case to court if necessary.
Why it matters: The earlier you involve a lawyer, the stronger your case will be.
Protect Your Health, Your Rights, and Your Future
The aftermath of a car accident is chaotic, but the steps you take matter. To recap:
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Prioritize safety and call for help.
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Document the scene thoroughly.
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Seek medical attention—even if you feel fine.
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Notify your insurance company carefully.
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Contact an experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer.
By following these actions, you not only protect your health but also give yourself the best chance of securing the compensation you deserve.
Speak to a Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer
At Davis Legal, we’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be. From medical bills to aggressive insurance adjusters, the process is stacked against victims.
That’s where we step in. Our team fights to protect your rights, handle the insurance companies, and recover the full compensation you’re entitled to under Tennessee law.
Contact Davis Legal today to request a consultation. Let us fight for your future while you focus on healing.
