Seven Tips to Follow After a Tennessee Auto Accident

Our free auto accident book Every Step You Take Matters After A Tennessee Auto Accident: Tips For Injury Victims provides lots of useful information for anyone involved in a auto accident. In addition, here are a few quick tips to consider:

1. Get Medical Help

Call 911 immediately if anyone appears hurt. Medical treatment within the first hour after an accident can be critical so do not hesitate to allow an ambulance to take you to the ER if needed. If you start to experience negative health symptoms hours after the accident, have someone take you to the ER immediately and follow-up with any specialist to which you are referred. Delay in medical treatment can put your health at risk and will make it harder to get fair compensation.

2. Notify the Police

Do not just exchange information with the other driver and think that everything will work out. Call the police and be sure to get the officer’s name and contact information. The police report can be crucial in determining who was at fault.

3. Gather Other Driver’s Information

Don’t assume that the driver is insured or even legally able to operate a motor vehicle. Ask for his or her driver’s license and insurance card. Write down the driver’s name and license number. Also, jot down the driver’s insurance company and the policy number. If the name on the insurance card is different than that of the driver, get the policy holder’s name and telephone number too. Finally, be sure to find out the owner of the vehicle and relationship of the owner to the driver.

4. Take Pictures

When you are involved in an accident, don’t be afraid to take pictures at the scene. Most cell phones are now equipped with cameras. It might feel awkward snapping photos of the wreckage and even your injuries, but if you decide to file a personal injury claim later, these pictures will be invaluable.

5. Call Your Insurance Agent

This action item applies to an uninsured (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) claim. UM motorist coverage comes into play when the other driver does not have insurance to cover your injuries or doesn’t have enough. It is a part of your policy, meaning you would be making a claim with your own insurance company. While you are on the phone with your insurance company, ask about Med Pay coverage. If this coverage is part of your policy, it can be used to pay for your medical expenses associated with the accident.

6. Do Not Speak to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company

By far, most mistakes happen when talking with the other driver’s insurance company. The reason? Insurance adjusters have a way of making injury victims feel comfortable and can often get them to agree to a recorded statement. Things might be said during this recorded call that end up being used against you. You have to remember that the adjuster’s job is to settle the claim for as little money as possible. This person’s loyalty will be to his or her employer, not you.

7. Protect Your Rights

Not every car accident case requires a lawyer. There are simple fender benders where no one was hurt and fault is not an issue. On the other hand, there are wrecks that result in serious injuries. Those are the circumstances in which you need a lawyer. An experienced Tennessee auto accident lawyer will be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and take your case to trial, if needed. Call us at 901-680-9777 for a free consultation.