Getting into a car accident is one of the most disorienting experiences a person can go through. One moment you are driving down I-65 or sitting at a light on Broadway, and the next moment everything changes. Your hands are shaking, your head is spinning, and you are not sure what to do first. This guide is designed to walk you through exactly what to do after a car accident in Nashville, so that you protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Step 1: Stay at the Scene and Check for Injuries
The very first thing you should do after an accident is stay at the scene. Leaving before police arrive can result in serious criminal charges, even if the accident was not your fault. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Do not try to move anyone who may have a neck or back injury unless there is an immediate danger, such as a fire.
Even if you do not feel injured right away, do not assume you are fine. Adrenaline is a powerful thing. Many people who walk away from car accidents feeling okay discover hours or days later that they have whiplash, a concussion, or internal injuries. Always get checked out by a medical professional after any collision.
Step 2: Call the Police
In Tennessee, you are required to report any accident that involves injury, death, or property damage over $400. That threshold is easy to hit, so when in doubt, call the police. When an officer arrives, give an accurate account of what happened. Do not speculate or guess, and do not admit fault, even if you think you may have contributed to the crash. Fault is a legal determination that takes into account many factors, and it is not something to sort out on the side of the road.
Ask the officer for the accident report number before they leave. You will need this when you file an insurance claim and when you speak with a Nashville car accident attorney.
Step 3: Document Everything at the Scene
If you are physically able to, start gathering evidence before you leave the scene. Use your phone to take photos and video of:
- The position of all vehicles involved
- Damage to every vehicle
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals in the area
- Any visible injuries you or your passengers sustained
- The other driver’s license, registration, and insurance card
Also write down the names and contact information of any witnesses. Eyewitness accounts can be critical to your case, especially if the other driver disputes what happened.
Step 4: Seek Medical Attention Right Away
We cannot stress this enough: go see a doctor as soon as possible after a crash, even if you feel okay. There are two very important reasons for this.
First, some injuries genuinely do not show symptoms for a day or two after an accident. Soft tissue injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding can all be present without obvious pain at first. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these from becoming much more serious.
Second, from a legal standpoint, seeking prompt medical care creates a documented record connecting your injuries to the accident. If you wait too long, the insurance company will argue that your injuries must have come from somewhere else. Do not give them that opening.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to report the accident. Be honest about the facts, but stick to the basics. You do not need to provide a recorded statement right away, and you do not need to go into extensive detail about your injuries before you have had a chance to speak with an attorney.
Be cautious if the other driver’s insurance company contacts you quickly. Adjusters are trained to gather information that helps minimize your claim. Before you speak with any insurance representative in depth, consider calling a lawyer first.
Step 6: Contact a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer Before You Settle
This is perhaps the most important step of all, and it is one many people overlook. Insurance companies are businesses. Their goal is to settle your claim for as little as possible. They may call you within days of the accident and offer what sounds like a reasonable settlement. But if you accept that offer before you fully understand the extent of your injuries and damages, you could be signing away your right to compensation for future medical care, ongoing pain and suffering, and other losses you have not even calculated yet.
A knowledgeable Nashville car accident attorney can review your case, help you understand what your claim is actually worth, and negotiate on your behalf. At Matt Hardin Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. There is no risk in making that call.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. That means you have one year from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. One year may sound like plenty of time, but evidence disappears quickly. Surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses forget details, and vehicles get repaired. The sooner you reach out to an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong case.
Nashville Roads Are Dangerous: Know the Local Risks
Nashville’s roads have become increasingly congested as the city has grown. The metro area sees around 500,000 people commuting in and out every single day. Interstate 24, I-40, I-65, and the stretch of roads around downtown are among the most accident-prone in the state. Understanding where the danger zones are can help, but no amount of careful driving eliminates the risk of being hit by a distracted, drunk, or reckless driver.
According to Middle Tennessee crash data, close to 71,000 serious crashes occurred in the region in 2022. More than 6,700 of those were caused by distracted driving, and 5,000 involved drowsy, impaired, or drugged drivers. If you were hurt by one of these drivers, Tennessee law gives you the right to seek compensation.
You Do Not Have to Handle This Alone
A car accident can upend your life. Medical bills pile up, you may miss time from work, and the physical and emotional toll can be overwhelming. The team at Matt Hardin Law has been helping Nashville accident victims for decades. We know how to investigate crashes, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation our clients deserve, whether that means negotiating a fair settlement or taking a case all the way to trial.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash, reach out today. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, and your initial consultation is completely free.