What Should I Do After a Serious Car Accident in Tennessee?

There are many times in life where it pays to be prepared. Although it is not always possible to know what to do after a serious auto accident, if you have not experienced this traumatic event, it is a good idea to think about what you would do while hoping to avoid the situation entirely.

An auto accident may occur anywhere. Some locations lend themselves to an easier solution about where to go with your vehicle if you can move it. Being hit on a quiet roadway or in a parking lot likely means that you can leave your car where it is, but an accident on a busy highway may require you to move the car, if possible, to a safer location. This is one of many considerations. Your first priority must be to get you and any passengers to safety and contact the police to get them to the scene as soon as possible. Prioritize getting necessary medical treatment for you and anyone under your care.

If I am not injured, what should I do?

You should focus on gathering information from the scene of the accident. Use your smart phone or some other camera to take pictures of the accident location in order to aid in a later reconstruction. While it is still fresh in your mind, write down notes about the accident, including the weather conditions, any road debris, and details about the other vehicle and the driver. It is especially important to note whether there was any indication that the driver was texting or was otherwise distracted. You may think that these details will remain with you, but they disappear quickly once the excitement of the moment wears off. Make note of any witnesses and get as much contact information as possible. Although the law enforcement investigator also will record this type of data, it is good to have an independent source of information.

If my car cannot be driver, should I have it towed?

Yes, presuming that you are able to make these arrangements. You should call your insurance agent while at the scene, if possible. Your agent may take over the details of getting your car to the right auto repair shop. Involving your insurance company at the outset will facilitate the adjuster and repair process. If the accident scene is in a place where the police are responsible for towing the vehicle, you may have to arrange to have the vehicle towed from a contract lot to an auto repair shop. You should do this as soon as possible because you will be charged storage for every day that your vehicle remains in this type of lot. Also, you will not be able to access your car to remove paperwork or any personal items while it is in this type of storage facility.

If my car can be driven, what should I do?

If your car made it through the accident in a drivable state, you should drive straight to an auto repair shop. Although an adjuster still will have to inspect the vehicle, you will be able to get an estimate of repairs that can be used if you choose to negotiate directly the insurance company. You should not drive the vehicle any more than necessary because the insurance company may claim that you made the damage worse and try to avoid paying for some of the repairs or refuse to replace the vehicle.

These suggestions only should be followed if it is safe for you to do so and taking these actions will not jeopardize your safety or health in any way.

Getting into an auto accident is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. It is important to have the right attorney who knows how to put together an effective case, such as the compassionate and skilled personal injury attorneys at the Tennessee auto accident attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers. We dedicate ourselves to getting the justice that our clients deserve. To schedule an appointment in which we can review your case and develop a plan to compensate you for your injuries, please call us at 888-470-9143.