What Should I Do After a Car Crash in Nashville?

Reputable car accident lawyers are paid through an arrangement known as “contingency fees.” With this payment structure, the accident victim does not pay a single dime unless their attorney recovers money for them.
 
When you hire a skilled Nashville attorney through Morgan & Morgan, you will discuss a certain percentage of the winnings from your case to be set aside in the event that your case is won or settled. 

After we have recovered the money that is rightfully yours, that percentage will cover attorneys’ fees.
 
You should never hire a personal injury law firm that requires upfront payment. At Morgan & Morgan, we do not get paid unless you do.

Premier Legal Representation With Morgan & Morgan

If you or someone you love has been involved in a traffic collision in Nashville, do not wait. You may be owed financial compensation for the damages that another party's negligent driving has caused. 
 
The skilled team at Morgan & Morgan boasts over 1,000,000 positive verdicts and settlements. Our track record of success has resulted in more than $20 billion in recovery for our clients.
 
You should not bear the financial burdens of someone else’s negligence. Fill out the simple contact form on our website. Our friendly staff in Nashville will arrange a free initial consultation for you!

When people drive in a reckless or negligent manner, accidents are much more likely. Every traffic accident is the result of a unique set of circumstances.
 
Still, some types of accidents are more common than others. No matter what type of collision you have been involved in, it is vital to know what to do after a car crash in Nashville.
 
Some of the most common types of motor vehicle crashes include:

Rear-End Accidents

This is the most common type of car accident. Rear-end collisions happen when the front-end of one vehicle collides with the rear of another.
 
These accidents can range from minor and frustrating to life-changing and devastating. Especially at high speeds, rear-end collisions can be disastrous.
 
Oftentimes, these accidents are the result of distracted driving by the motorist who hits the other vehicle from behind. Typical examples of distracted driving include:

• Texting while driving
• Eating while driving
• Driving while drowsy
• Using a GPS or other electronic device
• And more

No matter what the cause, it is important to speak with a Nashville lawyer after a rear-end collision.

Sideswipe Accidents

Another common type of car accident is a sideswipe collision. This happens when one motorist merges into another’s path.
 
The most common circumstance in which sideswipe collisions happen is when a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes. A sideswipe can also occur when a motorist weaves out of their lane because they are distracted.
 
Although sideswipe accidents can be minor, at high speeds, they can result in massive amounts of damage.

“T-Bone” Accidents

A “T-Bone” accident is also known as an intersectional collision. These accidents happen when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another.
 
Typically, this type of collision occurs at traffic intersections. While common, intersectional collisions are some of the most dangerous car accidents that happen.
 
This type of traffic accident is often the result of negligent, reckless, or distracted driving.
 
Regardless of what type of car accident you have experienced, it is vital to take the right steps in the moments after. Knowing what to do after a car crash in Nashville can help you to protect your rights and pursue the financial recovery that you are due.

The moments after a traffic accident are chaotic and uncertain. Emotions run high and accident victims are scared and frustrated.
 
It is critical to stay as calm as possible in the moments following a collision. By knowing what to do after a car crash in Nashville, you can ensure the best possible outcome in your case.

Remain at the Scene

This first step should be obvious, but it is important to note: You should never drive away from the site of a motor vehicle crash.
 
In some cases, it is illegal to leave the scene before the authorities arrive. Even if the crash seems minor, do not flee.

Call 911

Even in the case of a minor accident, the police will respond and draft a report about the incident. In the case of severe collisions, medical professionals will also come to the scene of the crash.

Check for Injuries – Yourself and Others

Your first priority after an accident should be the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. Check yourself for injuries in the moments after the crash.
 
If you are badly hurt, do not move. You should wait for medical assistance to arrive on the scene before moving if you sustained a serious injury.
 
If you have not been hurt, check on other passengers and motorists who were involved in the crash. In the case that another person is severely injured, help in any way that you can.
 
If you do not have any relevant medical knowledge, do not attempt to move someone with extensive injuries. At the very least, you should contact the authorities and request medical assistance be sent to the scene.

Remember Details About the Crash

This is one of the most important tips for what to do after a car crash in Nashville. It can be difficult to pay close attention when you are shaken from an accident.
 
However, the more information that you can accurately remember, the stronger your car accident case will be. A skilled attorney will use information about the crash to build a powerful claim for you.
 
Make a mental note or use your smartphone to record the following elements of the situation:

• The damage to your vehicle
• The number and condition of passengers
• The position of the vehicles relative to one another
• The date, time, and location
• The weather conditions
• Any roadway obstructions, road work, or signage

The more information you have, the better.

Exchange Information With the Other Drivers

If the other drivers are relatively unharmed, speak with them briefly following the crash. It is important to exchange the following information with other motorists involved in the accident:

• Name and address
• License plate numbers
• Phone number
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Insurance information

Keep your conversation with the other drivers brief. After you exchange information, wait quietly for the authorities to arrive.

Do Not Admit Fault

You should never say or do anything that implies you are responsible for the traffic accident. This is true even if you believe you caused the crash.
 
It is important to remember that you could be wrong about who is at fault for the incident. Accepting responsibility at the scene of the crash is extremely inadvisable.
 
You should let the evidence of the traffic accident speak for itself. Never lie about the circumstances of the crash, but do not purposefully accept the blame.

Collect Photographic Evidence

The prevalence of smartphones has made this step much easier to accomplish. It is crucial to collect photographic or video evidence of the accident site.
 
Take pictures of any vehicle damage, injuries, and other relevant factors. Even taking pictures of tire marks on the road can be helpful.

Gather Contact Information From Witnesses

If anyone saw the collision happen, speak with them immediately following the accident. Witnesses can help to build a very powerful car accident case.
 
This is especially true for any eyewitnesses who can corroborate your account of the crash. Ask for the names and phone numbers of any witnesses so that you can contact them at a later date.

Seek a Medical Examination

If a medical professional is on the scene, you should be examined there. If not, seek a medical examination elsewhere as soon as possible.
 
You should be examined even if you do not believe that you are injured. Some types of car accident injuries do not result in noticeable symptoms for days or weeks after the incident.

Never Speak With Another Party’s Insurance Provider

Although you should report the car accident to your own insurance company, never speak with the other driver’s provider. Insurance companies are not working in the best interests of accident victims.
 
The goal of an insurance provider is to maximize profit by denying or undervaluing claims. Oftentimes, the other driver’s insurance company will offer you an immediate lowball settlement.
 
If the other motorist’s provider contacts you, be polite and tell them that your lawyer will be in touch. 

One of the most important steps for what to do after a car crash in Nashville is to contact a personal injury law firm. Hiring a legal representative early in the process ensures the highest likelihood of financial recovery.
 
An accomplished attorney will carefully examine the evidence and details of your case. They will work diligently to recover the money that is rightfully yours.