What to do after a car accident in nashville: 5 Essential Steps
Your First Steps After a Wreck on Nashville’s Streets
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Nashville is difficult when you’re shaken up on the side of I-24 or a busy street in the Gulch. With more than 20,000 crashes reported in Nashville in 2023, you are not alone. The shock is normal, but the steps you take next are critical.
Here’s what you need to do right now:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Exchange information with the other driver (name, insurance, license plate).
- Document everything with photos of the damage and scene.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine.
- Report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
- Contact a local attorney before accepting any settlement offer.
The moments after a wreck in Davidson County can determine the outcome of your claim. Whether it’s on I-440, in Franklin, or Murfreesboro, acting quickly protects your health and legal rights. Tennessee law generally gives you one year to file a personal injury claim — a very short window courts enforce strictly, so act promptly while evidence is fresh.
This guide walks you through every step, from the scene to settling your claim, covering Tennessee’s reporting laws, dealing with insurers, and knowing when to get an attorney on your side.
Step 1: Prioritize Safety and Report the Accident
In the first few minutes after a crash on a road like I-440, your actions are critical. Your top priority is safety.
First, check for injuries in your vehicle and others involved. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Do not move someone with a serious injury unless they are in immediate danger from fire or traffic.
If there are no serious injuries and your car is drivable, move it out of the travel lane to a safe location like the shoulder. Turn on your hazard lights. Tennessee law requires you to move your vehicle after minor crashes to prevent secondary accidents.
Next, call 911 or the Metro Nashville Police Department to report the accident. An officer will create an official police report, which is invaluable for your insurance claim. For minor incidents without injuries, you can call the non-emergency number at (615) 862-8600 to document what happened.
Under Tennessee’s duty to give information and render aid, you must stay at the scene, exchange information, and help anyone injured. Leaving early can lead to criminal charges.
When and How to File an Official Accident Report in Nashville
Understanding Tennessee’s reporting laws is essential. You must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. With modern repair costs, this applies to most collisions.
Additionally, you must file an Owner/Driver Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days if the crash involved injury, death, or property damage over $400. This is separate from the police report. Missing this deadline can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license.
These rules also apply to accidents on private property, such as parking lots. The Nashville Police Department offers guidance on filing a report for a private property accident. Properly reporting the accident creates the official record you need to protect your legal rights and build your claim.
Step 2: Document the Scene and Exchange Information
After ensuring everyone is safe, your next job is to gather evidence. This documentation is the foundation of your insurance claim and any potential legal case.
First, calmly exchange information with the other driver. Collect their:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate number
If there are witnesses, get their names and phone numbers. Their independent account can be crucial for proving what happened.
Use your smartphone to take extensive photos and videos. Document the damage to all vehicles from multiple angles, the final positions of the cars, skid marks, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs. Photograph any visible injuries as well. A thorough visual record makes it harder for an insurer to dispute the facts.
If you have a dashcam, preserve the footage immediately — it can be powerful evidence. Learn more about the role of dashcam footage in Tennessee car accident cases.
Finally, write down your own account of the accident while it’s fresh in your mind. Note the date, time, location, weather, and a step-by-step description of what occurred. This detailed narrative will be invaluable later. Being thorough at the scene protects your rights and strengthens your claim.
Step 3: Protect Your Health and Deal with Insurance Companies
After a crash, adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash, concussions, or internal damage. Symptoms often don’t appear for hours or even days. That’s why you must seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel fine.
A prompt medical evaluation protects your health and creates the medical record that links your injuries to the accident — and gives you peace of mind about hidden injuries. Without this paper trail, an insurance company can argue your injuries happened later and deny your claim. This is especially critical in cases involving serious head trauma, where our Brain Injury Attorneys can provide specialized guidance. Follow all medical advice, attend follow-up appointments, and keep records of all treatments. For severe injuries with long-term consequences, learn more about Catastrophic Injuries.
When you notify your insurance company, be careful. Stick to the basic facts of the accident—when and where it happened. Do not speculate on fault, downplay your injuries, or give a recorded statement to any insurer without first speaking to an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and anything you say can be used against you.
Be wary of quick settlement offers. These initial offers almost never cover the full extent of your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Accepting one means you forfeit your right to any future compensation for that accident. Before you sign anything, understand the full process by reviewing our Guide to the Personal Injury Claims Process.
Step 4: Understand Your Legal Rights in Tennessee
Navigating your claim requires understanding key Tennessee laws. These rules can determine whether you receive fair compensation or nothing at all.
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At-Fault System: Tennessee is an at-fault state, meaning the person who caused the accident is responsible for the damages. However, proving fault is often a battle with insurance companies.
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Modified Comparative Fault: You can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, as long as you are found to be less than 50% responsible. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies use this to their advantage, which is why fighting back against unfair blame is critical. Learn more in our guide to Comparative Fault in Tennessee Personal Injury Cases.
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Statute of Limitations: Tennessee generally gives you one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This short deadline is strictly enforced; missing it can bar your claim, so consult an attorney promptly to preserve your rights. Read more about the Tennessee Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims.
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Recoverable Damages: If you are injured, you can seek compensation for medical bills (current and future), lost wages, property damage, and your physical and emotional pain and suffering. In the tragic event of a fatal crash, families may pursue Wrongful Death claims.
Step 5: Avoid Common Mistakes and Handle Complications
In the stressful days after an accident, it’s easy to make mistakes that can damage your claim. Be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:
- Admitting Fault: Even a simple “I’m sorry” can be used by an insurer as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts when talking to anyone at the scene.
- Delaying Medical Care: As discussed, waiting to see a doctor gives an insurance company an excuse to deny that your injuries are related to the crash.
- Not Calling the Police: An official police report is a critical piece of independent evidence. Without it, you’re in a “he said, she said” situation.
- Posting on Social Media: Insurance companies will search your social media profiles for photos or posts they can use to argue you aren’t as injured as you claim. It’s safest to stay offline until your case is resolved.
- Accepting a Quick Settlement: Early offers are almost always too low. Don’t sign away your rights to full compensation without speaking to an attorney.
- Giving a Recorded Statement: Politely decline to give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer. They are looking for ways to undermine your claim.
Some cases, like those involving large trucks, have extra layers of complexity. Learn more about why Trucking Accidents Are More Complicated Than Car Crashes.
What to do after a car accident in Nashville involving a hit-and-run
If the other driver flees the scene, your response is critical. Do not pursue them. Your safety is the priority. Instead, pull over safely and:
- Prioritize safety first — do not pursue the fleeing driver. When safe, write down everything you can remember about the vehicle (make, model, color, partial plate) and the driver.
- Call the police immediately to report the hit-and-run.
- Get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
- Contact your own insurance company. Your Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is designed to cover your damages in a hit-and-run. This is also true in tragic Pedestrian Accident cases where a driver flees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Car Accidents
What is the first thing you should do after a car accident?
Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and others for injuries, then call 911 to report the crash and request medical help. If it’s safe and your vehicle is drivable, move it out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. Importantly, stay at the scene until law enforcement permits you to leave, as required by Tennessee law.
Do I have to report a minor car accident in Nashville?
Yes. In Tennessee, you must report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Even for minor damage, a police report provides crucial evidence for your claim. Additionally, you must file a separate Owner/Driver Report with the TN Department of Safety within 20 days if damage exceeds $400 or there was an injury. Failing to do so can lead to license suspension.
When should I contact a lawyer after a car accident?
You should contact a lawyer as soon as possible, especially if you were injured. Tennessee has a strict one-year statute of limitations to file a lawsuit, which is one of the shortest in the nation. An attorney protects you from insurance company tactics, preserves evidence, and ensures all deadlines are met so you can focus on your recovery. If you’re unsure, our article explains Do I Really Need a Lawyer to Help With My Personal Injury Claim?
Get Trusted Local Guidance for Your Nashville Car Accident Claim
The aftermath of a car wreck is overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. The clock on your claim starts ticking immediately. With Tennessee’s unforgiving one-year statute of limitations, acting quickly is essential to protect your right to compensation.
Knowing what to do after a car accident in Nashville is easier with a trusted local attorney on your side. At Bill Easterly & Associates, we focus on local, client-first service rather than high-volume billboard advertising. We are your neighbors, deeply rooted in the Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro communities. We offer the results of a big firm with the personal attention you deserve.
Our team is committed to justice for Tennessee families. We handle the legal complexities and fight insurance companies so you can focus on healing. We offer free consultations and no upfront fees—you only pay if we win your case.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait. Contact us for a free consultation about your car accident and let our team help you on the path to recovery.
Editorial note: Manual review completed by our Nashville legal team on December 19, 2024 (Manual review: yes).