Tennessee Injury Law Center
Here is a list of 14 things you can do after a car accident:
1. Do your best to remain calm.
2. Assess the scene. Do not get out of your car if it is not safe to do so.
3. Check for injuries, both of yourself and others, rendering aid to others where necessary and appropriate.
4. Call the police. Tell them where you are, what happened and if there are injuries.
5. Do not discuss what occurred without anyone but the investigating police officer.
6. If you are able, exchange information with the other drivers. Get the name, address, insurer’s name and policy number for all of the drivers involved.
7. Get names and phone numbers of witnesses.
8. Take photos/video of the scene including the damage to all cars. Cell phone photos will work to document initial damage.
9.. If the police respond, find out where to get a copy of the police report for your claim. If the police do not come to the scene, ask police dispatch where you can file an incident report.
10. Tell the police officer the truth. Do not give opinions about what you think happened, tell the officer only what you observed and heard. Be polite and cooperative with the officer.
11. Promptly seek medical attention. Tell the health care providers the truth. Carefully explain your symptoms. Do not magnify or ignore any problem you are having.
12. If you are told by the emergency room to follow-up with your family doctor, do so. Do not delay in seeking additional medical treatment in the hope that you will be alright.
13. Carefully explain to your subsequent health care provider the medical problems you are having as a result of the injuries. Once again, do not magnify or ignore any injury.
14. If the accident was not your fault and you were injured, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to learn your rights. At The Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we recommend that you do this promptly, before giving a statement to any insurance company. At our firm, initial consultations are free.