What To Do After Car Crash Nashville?

2023 has seen a total of 826 car accidents in the state of Tennessee as of August 16, according to the Tennessee government. And while in comparison to the United States as a whole which reportedly saw a total of 35,766 fatal car accidents in 2020, Tennessee’s number of crashes is relatively low, the state has seen an increase in car crashes that involve fatalities.

But no matter the type of car accident you may experience in Nashville, there are a number of questions that come up after the accident itself. One of the most important questions is what to do after a car crash in Nashville, from the immediate aftermath to the days and weeks afterward.

Below, we take a closer look at the things you should do after a car accident in Nashville.

Things You Should Do After a Car Accident in Metro Nashville

Following a car accident in metro Nashville, there are a few different steps you can take to help yourself.

1. Call 911 if they have not been called already. Even if you do not feel injured after a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention. You may have injuries that are not immediately apparent, and a medical professional will be able to look you over closely.
2. Be sure to document the scene as soon as you are able to. This can include taking photos and videos of the cars involved, the surrounding area, and other details like posted signs.
3. Collect insurance information from anyone involved in the accident.
4. Collect the contact information of anyone involved in the accident as well as anyone who may have seen the accident. This can be helpful later on, especially if you work with a car crash lawyer in Nashville.
5. Contact a law firm after the accident. Connecting with a car crash lawyer in Nashville after a car accident will allow us to begin helping you as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will be able to provide you with legal representation and advice should you have grounds for a Nashville personal injury claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Nashville, the above is a basic list of steps that you can take in the aftermath.

Do You Have to Call Police After a Minor Car Accident in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, you can report minor car accidents that fit certain requirements online. As per the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County website, you can file a minor vehicle crash report only if the following is true:

• Involved drivers are 18 years or older
• The vehicle crash involves no injuries
• The crash did not involve a hit-and-run on the roadway
• The vehicle(s) do not require a tow truck
• The vehicle(s) are not blocking a roadway
• The crash does not involve a driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

In other instances of car accidents, you should call the police.

Do You Have to Report a Fender Bender in Tennessee?

As mentioned above, minor car accidents can be reported online in Tennessee under specific circumstances. But if a car accident can be classified as a non-injury fender bender, the police may not show up unless at least one driver insists on it.

In early 2021, the Nashville police department stated that they would discontinue dispatching police officers to property damage only fender-bender accidents. This announcement came in an effort to prioritize other calls, such as accidents that involve injuries.

Police will still respond to fender bender accidents, but there are certain circumstances that will need to be met – such as a driver insisting, a heated argument occurring between parties, or if a vehicle is disabled in a roadway. You may also want to expect a longer response time to fender bender reports as well.

Is Tennessee a No-Fault State for Auto Accidents?

No, Tennessee is not a no-fault state when it comes to auto accidents. Tennessee is an at-fault state. This means that if you are hurt in a car accident within the state and another driver is at fault for the accident, you may be able to recover damages from them and their insurance company if you file a personal injury claim.

The driver who is found to be at fault for the accident will be held legally responsible for damages and injuries that result from the accident. It is important to note that fault will need to be proven.

Fault is typically determined by a few different factors, including the severity of your injuries and whether or not you were partially responsible for the accident.

Contact an Experienced Car Crash Lawyer in Nashville, Tennessee

Following a car accident of any severity, you may feel like you are alone. The good news is that you aren’t! Corey Heit of Heit Law, LLC is an experienced car crash lawyer in Nashville who is ready and waiting to help you pursue a personal injury claim following a car accident.

If you are unsure of what further steps to take after a car accident, reach out to Heit Law, LLC today to schedule a free and confidential consultation. You can reach us over the phone at 615-962-3000 or by connecting with us online.