The Best Things to Do after a Tennessee Auto Accident

By Thomas Greer | January 25, 2015

Every day we hear about, read about, or even see car accidents. But until it happens to us, we do not stop to think what we should do if we are involved in a Tennessee car crash.

Knowing the best steps to take after an accident can prevent legal problems, avoid further injury, and even save lives. Here are our top strategies for dealing with car accidents:

  • Find out if there are injuries and how serious they are. If you are able, first check any passengers in your car for obvious signs of injury. Check the other car’s occupants, too, if it is safe to do so. Call an ambulance immediately if there is any doubt. And, above all, stay calm.
  • Secure the accident site. If it is possible, move the cars involved to a safe place away from traffic. If you can’t do that, turn on your hazard lights. If you have safety cones, these will also help keep you safe from further harm.
  • Call the police and file a report. No matter how minor the accident, you should call the police, wait until they get there, and file a report. Sometimes injuries can become evident after you have left the scene, and you want to be sure to have a legal document in place.
  • Talk only to the police about the accident. Most accident victims are badly shaken, if not severely injured. It is important that you do not talk to anyone other than the police about your accident.
  • Get the information you will need later. You will need the license numbers, names, phone numbers, insurance information, and vehicle identification numbers of all parties involved in the accident.
  • Let your insurance agent know about the accident. It is a good idea to tell your insurance agent that you have been involved in an accident. You should do this as soon as possible after the accident.
  • Watch what you say. Do not admit fault to anyone at the scene, in the ambulance, or later, even if you think you might have been at fault. It is best to keep quiet until you have calmed down and all the facts and evidence are put together.
  • Try to determine what caused the accident. You need to know how your accident occurred. If you are able, look all around the accident scene, and make some notes. Was the road safely marked and maintained? Was there some kind of equipment failure? If you are injured, ask a trusted friend or family member to do this later.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an auto accident and feel that someone else was at fault, please contact the Memphis law firm of Bailey & Greer. We can help you pursue your legal rights in serious personal injury cases. Call us today toll-free at 901-680-9777 for a free consultation about your accident.

Posted in Auto Accidents, Library