Even though a crash my be stressful, it’s important to not panic and calmly asses whether you or your passenger/s have any injuries. Look for cuts, broken bones, sore muscles, whiplash, etc. Call 911 if anything is severe.
Turn off your engine and report the accident to the police. Before calling, collect your thoughts, be aware of your surroundings, and try to remember key details.
Tennessee is an at-fault state, so don’t say that you were responsible when an officer arrives. You may be flustered and not understand the full situation at the scene. It’s better to say nothing and leave the decision to the local authorities.
If you’re able, use your phone to take pictures, at multiple angles, of the crash and any injuries you may have sustained. Prioritize photos of the other driver’s license plate and all vehicles involved.
Although it may be tempting to immediately complain about the accident on social media, it may come back to haunt you if you end up in a lawsuit with another driver. Facebook, Twitter, and other online posts can be entered into evidence against you.
Although you may be frustrated with them, calmly ask the other driver for their full name, phone number, email address, and insurance information. The more details, the better! Don’t forget to share your information with them as well.
Even if you’re able to walk away from the accident, it’s still a good idea to visit a doctor for a full checkup. Any injuries they discover, during an examination, that were caused by the wreck can be used in a case. If you have to sue the other driver, doctor’s records can quickly establish a fair settlement.
If you are injured, it’s important to call a local law firm you trust. With more than 75 years of combined experience, our father/son team has successfully fought for thousands of people involved in car, big truck, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle accidents, ensuring they received everything they deserved.
We are here to answer your questions with a FREE consultation and give you peace of mind as we handle all the details with the insurance companies. Most cases settle through negotiation or mediation but we will file a lawsuit to get an insurance company’s attention if necessary.
Bottom line, you won’t pay anything until we win! We’re available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to call.
