Steps to follow after a Car Accident
Nashville is one of the fastest growing cities in America. Nashville’s population increases on average by 100 people per day. With the increase in population and the busy roadways, car accidents are bound to happen. You need to be prepared and know what to do if you are involved in a car accident. Below are 10 important things to do if you are involved in a car accident in the Nashville area.
1. Never drive away from the scene of an auto accident. It’s always best to wait until the police have arrived and they let you know it’s safe to leave.
2. Call the police. The police should be called anytime there is a car wreck. A police report should be made that describes the car accident in detail. This report can be used later and may be requested by the insurance company, an attorney, or doctor.
3. Once you’ve established there are no life-threatening injuries you should exchange information with the other people involved in the car accident. This information should include names, phone numbers, addresses, drivers’ license numbers, license plate numbers, and car insurance information. The same information should be collected from all passengers involved in the auto accident as well.
4. It is common for car accident victims to be in shock immediately after a wreck. Do your best to calm down and keep accurate details of how the accident happened. Write down specifics of the car accident or type them in your phone for later use. Share the same information with the officer when the police arrive. Do not guess or speculate on the details of the accident. If you’re unsure about a question then just say so.
5. If you require immediate medical attention (ambulance ride to the ER) then let the officer know. If you are unsure about your injuries it is usually best to say that you are not sure. It is very common for victims in car accidents to not feel any pain until hours, days, or weeks, after the wreck. Stating you are not hurt at the scene and then suffering real pain and injuries later could hurt your case.
6. Pictures! Pictures! Pictures! Almost everyone has a cell phone with a camera these days. Take pictures of everything involved with the auto accident. Take pictures of both vehicles, especially where there is damage.Look underneath the vehicles as well to snap pictures of unseen damages. Take pictures your injuries or the passenger’s injuries.
7. Inform your car insurance company as soon as possible. Be completely honest with them regarding the details of the car accident. The state of Tennessee does not require MedPay nor does it support PIP like Kentucky. If you’re not sure if you have MedPay coverage, ask your insurance company.
8. Seek care for your injuries immediately. Again, it is common for pain and injuries to show up a few days after a car accident. Delays in care can delay your healing as well as damage your case. Call Nashville Neck & Back for a FREE consultation regarding your car accident. Dr. Roberts has advanced training in Motor Vehicle Collisions (MVC) and the injuries that follow.
9. Protect yourself and your auto accident case. Only discuss the details of the car accident with the police, your doctor(s), and YOUR car insurance company. Refer any calls from other insurance companies to your attorney.Do not sign or agree to any settlements without your personal injury attorney’s knowledge. Request a damage evaluation from the insurance company and discuss this with your attorney. Obtain independent damage evaluations if needed.
10. Find a trusted Personal Injury Attorney to help you with your case.
Call today to schedule your FREE Auto Injury Consultation with Nashville’s Auto Injury Specialist.
We see patients from all over Nashville including Madison, Rivergate, Hendersonville, Goodlettsville, Hermitage, Portland, and Gallatin.
615-645-9994