Victims in a Tennessee car accident must take action following the incident to set themselves on the best path to pursue compensation for the costs incurred. Personal injury cases are complex- even car accidents- so the sooner a person takes the necessary steps, the better the chance they have of a successful settlement.
Here are the six things someone involved in a Tennessee car accident should do straight away.
Act Immediately
The most important thing to do is act immediately- or have someone else act on the victim's behalf as soon as possible if their injuries are too severe.
Details are often lost or skewed in the aftermath- especially if it takes too long to respond, so any delays should be avoided.
One of the first things to do is collect insurance information from any drivers involved in the car accident- and contact details from any witnesses.
Call the Police
It is essential that local law enforcement be called to the accident scene immediately after the car accident- no matter how big or small the incident was. The police report is a crucial piece of the puzzle in a personal injury case- without one, it can be very difficult to pinpoint details and apply blame.
Another reason why calling the police is important is their input in the case. They will look into the accident and the vehicles involved- and can secure the scene to make sure nothing is touched. Police can also ensure medical attention is given to those who need it.
As well as calling the police, anyone involved in a car accident must not leave the scene until they arrive. Tennessee law prohibits anyone from fleeing an accident scene where any injury was sustained- or significant property damage occurred. Doing so would dramatically impact a person's ability to make a claim or defend themselves- and they could face criminal charges.
Seek Medical Treatment
Any injured person should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If necessary, an ambulance should be called to the scene- if not, victims should make their way to a hospital as soon as the police allow them to leave. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help advise on who pays for medical bills in a car accident in Tennessee.
Some people put off getting treatment because of the expense of medical bills- but they should not. If the car accident was not their fault, they can claim back for these expenses as part of their lawsuit.
Gather Evidence
Evidence is crucial in car accidents in Tennessee. It is a fault-based state- meaning the at-fault driver (or their insurance company) is responsible for covering costs charged to the victim or victims- but this can only happen if there is substantial evidence to prove their negligence.
Without proof, it is extremely difficult to win a settlement. The law is clear that victims must show that someone else caused the car accident through failure to perform a duty of care as a fellow road user.
Some valuable pieces of evidence include police reports, witness statements, medical records, photos, and video footage of the accident scene.
If possible, try to get a recorded statement from any witness. Car accident lawyers can help secure this following a car accident.
Contact the Insurance Company
Anyone involved in a car accident must contact their auto insurance provider and (where relevant) their health insurance company. Even if the fault lies with someone else, they still need to know- as there could be some expenses that fall on them.
Be cautious- insurance companies do not want to pay out any more than they have to, and even the victim's own provider may take steps to limit their damages- so only provide basic information that the crash has happened and medical treatment is being pursued. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also answer questions such as, "How long does an insurance company have to investigate a claim in Tennessee?"
What About the Negligent Party's Insurance Company?
If the other driver's insurance company tries to contact a victim directly, they do not have to speak to them. In fact, they should not speak to them without legal counsel present. Insurance companies should never reach out to victims in personal injury claims, but they sometimes do. Victims and their families should ignore contact attempts and speak to a lawyer instead.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
One of the most important things all victims of accidents in Tennessee should do is contact an attorney. Personal injury lawyers are experts in handling these types of cases- and are invaluable assets to have in the pursuit of compensation.
Recovering from an accident- both physically and mentally- is a grueling process, and it is only made worse when facing a legal battle alone. A legal team is there to bear the weight of the proceedings, make sure victims understand their legal rights and fend off unsolicited contact or lowball settlement offers from at-fault insurance companies and the people they represent.
They also take the lead in settlement negotiations- and advise victims on every possible angle for compensation. There is more than just bills and expenses to consider- car accidents also have a lasting emotional impact in more ways than one, and that too has value as far as compensation is concerned.
Why Shuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys?
Shuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys are leading experts in car accident and personal injury claims in Tennessee. They go to war for their clients in every possible way- fighting with passion, dedication, and the weight of years of legal experience behind them.
At this law firm, the team does not rest until every avenue for justice and compensation is exhausted- and they know the ins and outs of how these cases work in the Tennessee legal system. They work with victims, their families, witnesses, local police, and all other relevant parties to secure maximum settlements for their clients.
Contact the Team Today
Speak to the team at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys today, and let them go to war for you after a Tennessee car accident.