Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Tennessee
January 30, 2026
Car accidents happen fast, but your actions afterward can determine your safety, legal rights, and financial recovery. In Wilson County, traffic crashes have shown a steady upward trend in recent years according to Tennessee Department of Safety data, with the county consistently ranking among Middle Tennessee's highest-crash areas due to population growth and I-40 congestion. Hagar & Phillips in Lebanon guides injured drivers through this process every day.
First, pull your vehicle to a safe spot out of traffic if possible, or stay put and activate hazard lights. Check yourself and passengers for injuries before adrenaline fades. Call 911 immediately if anyone shows signs of serious harm, like confusion, bleeding, or loss of consciousness. Even minor crashes can cause whiplash or concussions, so err on the side of caution.
Tennessee law requires reporting accidents to police if they involve injury, death, or property damage over $50 to any vehicle or $400 to government property. Officers create an official crash report, essential for insurance claims and fault determination. Request a copy of the report. This is your proof of what happened. In Lebanon, local police or the Tennessee Highway Patrol typically respond.
While waiting for police, gather evidence without moving vehicles prematurely. Take timestamped photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals, and injuries. Exchange info with other drivers: names, phone numbers, insurance details, license plates, and driver’s licenses. Collect witness contacts too because their statements may be needed later.
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor within 72 hours. Delayed symptoms are common, and medical records establish a timeline linking injuries to the crash.
Drivers must submit a written Owner/Driver Report to the Tennessee Department of Safety within 20 days for crashes causing over $1,500 in private property damage or $400 to public property. Your insurer needs notification ASAP, even for minor damage as policies often require prompt reporting. Provide your crash report, photos, and witness info without admitting fault.
Don’t apologize or say “I’m sorry”, it can be twisted as admitting liability. Never leave the scene; hit-and-runs carry felony charges. Skip social media posts about the accident, as insurers scour them for inconsistencies.
Tennessee is a fault state: the at-fault driver's insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and repairs up to policy limits. If injuries linger or insurance falls short, personal injury claims may apply. The one-year statute of limitations for most injury suits starts from the crash date so don't delay.
Car accidents disrupt lives, but proper steps protect your rights. Contact Hagar & Phillips, Attorneys at Law at 615-784-4588 to schedule a confidential consultation. Our team will review your case, explain timelines, and build a strong claim so you can focus on recovery.
