What to do after a car wreck in Knoxville.

1. Get medical care when you need it.

Your health comes first. If you have significant symptoms or believe you may be injured, seek appropriate medical attention. Some symptoms are obvious immediately; others become clearer after the initial shock of a collision. Be accurate with medical providers about what happened and how you feel.

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2. Report the wreck and preserve the basic information.

If law enforcement responds, cooperate with the investigation and obtain the information needed to locate the crash report. Exchange identifying and insurance information as appropriate. Write down or save the names and contact information of witnesses if you can do so safely.

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3. Take photographs and preserve evidence.

Photographs can help document vehicle positions, damage, road conditions, visible injuries and the scene. Save dash-camera footage, relevant text messages and other information that may disappear. Do not destroy or alter evidence simply because you believe the insurance company already has enough information.

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4. Notify the appropriate insurance companies.

Insurance policies commonly require notice of an accident. Providing notice is different from agreeing to every request an adjuster makes. Be careful about detailed recorded statements, broad medical authorizations and settlement releases before you understand their purpose and potential effect.

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5. Keep track of treatment, expenses and missed work.

Save medical-provider information, bills, receipts, work-loss documentation and insurance correspondence. A simple folder or digital file can make it much easier to understand what the collision has actually cost you.

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6. Do not rush to sign a release.

A quick settlement can be tempting, particularly when a vehicle is damaged and bills are arriving. Before resolving an injury claim, understand what the release covers and whether signing it will end your ability to seek additional compensation.

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7. Be careful about social media.

Assume that public posts, photographs and videos could eventually be seen by an insurer or opposing party. You do not need to dramatize your injuries online, and you should not misrepresent your condition. Ordinary posts can still be taken out of context.

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8. Know that Tennessee deadlines can be short.

Tennessee generally requires actions for injuries to the person to be commenced within one year after the cause of action accrues. Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104 includes exceptions, and particular facts can affect a deadline. Do not wait until the end of the general period to investigate a claim.

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9. Consider legal advice if you were injured.

Not every fender-bender needs an attorney. A consultation becomes more important when there is meaningful bodily injury, disputed fault, inadequate insurance, pressure from an adjuster, significant medical treatment or uncertainty about the long-term effects of the crash.

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For more information about representation, visit our Knoxville car accident lawyer page or our broader personal injury practice page.

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What should you bring when you call?

You do not need a perfect file before speaking with us. If available, have the accident date and location, crash-report information, photographs, insurance information, the names of medical providers and any written offer or correspondence from an insurer.