Tennessee Auto Accident Checklist

At the accident scene:

1. Telephone the police.

2. If anyone appears to be injured:

a. Telephone for an ambulance or arrange for other appropriate transportation to hospital or doctor.

b. Tell the investigating police officer about the injuries.

c. Cooperate fully with the treating doctor and medical staff in rendering reasonable assistance.

3. Unless your vehicle is creating the potential for another accident, do not move it or the accident debris until you are instructed to do so by the investigating police officer.

4. Do not discuss the accident with anyone other than the investigating police officer, your doctors, your own insurance representatives and your lawyer. Cooperate completely with the police.

5. Make notes of any statements made by the driver or occupants of the other vehicle as to how the accident occurred.

6. Get the name, address, telephone number and automobile insurance information from the driver of the other vehicle.

7. Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident.

8. If you believe that the driver of the other vehicle may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol, tell this to the investigating police officer.

9. Telephone a lawyer who is experienced in handling personal injury cases. Most lawyers handle accidental injury cases on a contingent fee basis - that means they are paid only if they win your case and you collect.

10. Telephone your insurance agent and report the accident.

11. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle.

12. If the damage to the vehicles exceeded $400 forward an "Owner/Driver" report with the Tennessee Dept. of Safety, within 20 days.  (These may be obtained from your local police department, or may be downloaded here.)

13. If you experience pain or other symptoms within days or weeks after the accident, see your doctor.

Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions about these issues.