If you have ever been involved in an automobile accident, you’re aware of how confusing the situation can be in the immediate aftermath. Even a minor car accident can leave you feeling disoriented and shaken up. It is important to promptly obtain the information you need to address any personal injuries or property damage that result from the accident.
If you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney, get in touch with Flexer Law right away. We have been providing legal services to the Middle Tennessee community since 1981, practicing law with kindness, understanding, and respect.
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What To Do When You Get into a Car Accident?
Nobody plans on getting into an automobile accident — that’s why it’s called an accident. However, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unforeseeable events. Keeping a car accident checklist stored in your glove compartment can be invaluable in the unfortunate event of a car accident.
Ensure the Safety of Everyone Involved
After a car accident, safety is the number one priority. If anyone is injured, call the police and request immediate medical assistance. If anyone involved is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, be sure to report that to the police as well. Once the safety of everyone involved has been secured, it’s time to start gathering evidence.
Gather Evidence
If you are physically able, take photos and videos of the accident scene. This can later be used as evidence in your insurance claim. Document vehicle damage (and license plates) along with any other property damage that resulted from the accident. If you have suffered any injuries, it is a good idea to document that as well.
Your insurance company will want the contact information of everyone involved in the accident. This includes drivers, passengers, and witnesses such as pedestrians or other drivers. Try to get full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license information, and eye-witness accounts. Having a smartphone can make the evidence gathering process much easier than it used to be.
Lastly, take note of the precise location, along with any weather conditions or other circumstances that may have been contributing factors in the accident. If the police show up and file an accident report, be sure to request a copy of the police report. It’s also a good idea to take note of the officer’s name and badge number.
Fully Investigate Fault
In many car accidents, the at-fault driver will be immediately apparent to witnesses and bystanders. However, fault is sometimes a little more complicated. For example, if the at-fault driver was on the job at the time of the accident, their employer may be at fault. Additionally, the entity responsible for maintaining the road could be at fault.
An experienced attorney who specializes in car accidents is an invaluable asset. To help them be as effective as possible, make sure you provide them with as much information about the accident as possible. This will help them secure the maximum amount of compensation for any sustained injuries or property damage.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Regardless of who is at fault, it is important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible following the accident. Your insurance company will make you aware of what next steps need to be taken along with any options you may have. Failing to report the accident to your insurance company in a timely fashion can jeopardize your ability to file a claim.
If the other driver’s insurance company wishes to get a statement from you, it is advised that you politely decline until you have obtained proper legal advice.
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What To Do if You were Injured in a Car Accident?
If you were injured in a car accident, seek immediate medical attention. Even if your injuries were minor and didn’t merit an emergency room visit, it is still advised that you get a medical evaluation.
Injuries sustained in an automobile accident, even permanent injuries, can take 24 hours or more to appear. If you show any signs of injury in the days following your accident, get a medical evaluation and notify your insurance company. Be sure to meticulously follow any and all medical advice and follow-up care.
It is important to stress that time is of the essence. Even slight symptoms should be reported to your doctor. Failure to do so can have serious consequences.
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Do You Need a Car Accident Attorney in Tennessee?
If your car accident was minor and involved only property damage, hiring an attorney may be unnecessary. On the other hand, if you sustain injuries in addition to property damage, your claim is likely to be contested. If this is the case, you should probably get an experienced lawyer on your side.
If you have been injured in any type of auto accident, the attorneys at Flexer Law will do whatever it takes to maximize the compensation you recover from all available sources. Insurance companies have money and experience on their side. You need to make sure your rights are protected in your dealings with them.
Contact us for a free consultation, either in-person or virtually, and we’ll discuss your options for the best path forward. We have three law offices located conveniently throughout Middle Tennessee.
Flexer Law Office Locations
- Nashville, TN
- Murfreesboro, TN
- Columbia, TN