Car accidents are always unexpected. You never get a heads-up that you should double-check your seatbelt, strap down all objects, and have your phone charged so you can take crash scene photos. You just have to be as prepared as you can be at any given time and do the best you can. Why? Because the first things you do after a Tennessee car accident may make or break your personal injury claim. The more prepared and calm you are, the better you can use this time.
Finding the right legal representation for your car accident claim plays a significant role in your efforts to recoup your losses. We can help. Call Banks & Jones now to set up a consultation.
Ensure your safety and call 911
The first priority after an accident is your safety and the safety of your passengers. If your car is still able to be moved and you can safely do so, consider moving it out of traffic to keep it from turning into a multi-car pileup. Turn on your hazard lights, turn off the vehicle, and don’t get out of your vehicle until you know it’s safe to do so. This is especially important if you’re on a busy road or highway.
Once you’ve verified that you aren’t in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Accidents resulting in injury or serious property damage must be reported under Tennessee law, and an accident report can make it much easier for you to get the compensation you are entitled to.
Check for injuries
As you are on the phone with emergency services, check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is injured, the 911 operator will likely choose to send an ambulance so everyone can get checked out by paramedics.
If anyone is injured, do not risk making it worse. Don’t try to move them or get them into a more comfortable position unless they are in immediate danger. You could actually make their injury significantly worse or cause permanent damage. If you’re fine but someone else is injured, try to keep them calm while you wait for emergency responders to arrive.
Document the scene and gather information
When it’s safe to leave your vehicle, take the opportunity to document the crash scene. This is your only chance to do so, so don’t let it go to waste. Take photos of the vehicles involved from different angles and distances so you can catch all necessary details and provide some context to the accident. Ensure that you can see license plates in as many photos as possible. You may also want to capture road signs, road conditions, and nearby homes or businesses in your photos. This proves where the accident occurred and under what conditions it happened.
You’ll also need to talk to the other driver before leaving the scene. You should exchange contact and insurance information. If they are aggressive or making you feel unsafe, you can ask the police officer who reports to the scene to facilitate the exchange of information.
Cooperate with the police and other party
Cooperation is key. The police will want to talk to you and get your version of events. Be clear and concise, but only state things you know for a fact. Don’t guess at what happened or insert your opinions. Avoid saying anything that admits fault, as the other party’s insurance company will likely take this statement and run with it.
Avoid confrontation with the other driver. If they are angry, shouting at you, or uncooperative, keep your distance and only communicate with them through the police officer. Road rage is frightening and it can cause even more serious injuries than a car accident.
Seek medical treatment
Regardless of whether or not you think you are injured after a car accident, you must make medical treatment a top priority. You may feel fine—that doesn’t mean that you are. The body is good at masking pain after a traumatic event, and you may not feel the full force of the crash for several hours. Additionally, there are injuries that remain hidden until they are almost too far gone to treat. If you’ve suffered any of those injuries, catching them early can give you a better shot at a full recovery. When you go to see the doctor, keep copies of all records and forms you get.
Reach out to an attorney
After you have made it through the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it’s time to talk to local car accident attorneys and find the right lawyer for your case. You could be entitled to compensation, but you won’t truly know until you talk to a car accident lawyer. Tell them what happened, give them a copy of the police report, and give them any other evidence you have. They’ll be able to look more deeply into your accident, figure out how strong your case is, and determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation.
Another benefit of hiring an attorney: they take over communication with the other party’s insurance company. You can expect them to call you after a crash, particularly if it’s obvious that their client is at fault. They want to get a recorded statement that they can use against you, get you to agree to a lowball settlement, and protect themselves from future financial liability. Your goal is to protect yourself and fight for a settlement that actually covers your losses.
Call Banks & Jones today—we’re here to help
Injured in a Tennessee car accident? Let’s talk about your legal options and next steps. You don’t have to go against the insurance company alone. Call us or send us a quick message online to discuss your case in greater detail.
T. Scott knows the importance of interacting with colleagues to stay abreast of developments and changes in the legal world. T. Scott frequently teaches CLE courses on trial strategy, teaching other lawyers his methods for success in the courtroom, and is certified as a Rule 31 Mediator in the Tennessee Supreme Court. He is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers, and both the Tennessee and American Associations for Justice.
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