Accidents happen every day. Knowing what to do when you are involved in a car accident in Tennessee, however, can help you get through this difficult time in your life. Everyone should use the following guidelines when they have been involved in a vehicular accident.
Notify Law Enforcement
The first thing that you must do when you have been involved in an accident is notify law enforcement. If possible, move your vehicles to the side of the road and then call the police to report the accident. Having a police report is mandatory for filing an insurance claim.
Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured, regardless of how minor the injury seems seek immediate medical attention. While you do have the option to seek medical care for up to seven days after the accident, most insurers will not acknowledge these injuries unless medical care is given right after the event occurs. Many claims are denied under the pretenses that the injury happened somewhere else other than at the accident.
Report Accident To The Tennessee Department Of Safety
Any vehicular accident that causes in excess of $400 worth of property damage, or has a personal injury or death involved must be reported to the Department of Safety. You can obtain the forms online or get one from the police department. Failure to report the accident within the allotted time period will result in the suspension of your driver’s license.
Contact Your Insurer
You will need to contact your insurance company and report the accident. It is very important, at this point in time, that you only report the accident and do not give a complete statement to the insurance company. It is always in your best interest to speak to an attorney before giving a recorded or written statement to the insurer. If your insurer asks for a complete statement, advise them that you need to speak to your attorney prior to giving any type of statement.
Contact A Car Accident Attorney
In an effort to protect your rights as a car accident victim, you will need to contact a car accident attorney. Insurance companies often overlook benefits that accident victims are entitled to or deny medical treatments as unnecessary when the victim is not represented by an attorney. Insurance adjustors are pushed by the insurance companies to save as much money as possible on every claim, so they work aggressively to close these cases fast and “forget” certain benefits. Hiring a personal injury attorney protects your rights and ensures that the insurance company treats you fair.
Other Important Facts To Remember
Following these simple tips will allow you to overcome many of the problems that people face when they have been involved in a car accident in Tennessee.
