Car accidents can be devastating. At the scene, emotions are running high, and confusion is high, but there are basic procedures you may take to protect yourself and any claim you may make later. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what you need to do right after your Nashville auto accident.

If you are involved in an auto accident, you should first check to make sure you are not injured. If you don’t see or detect any apparent injuries, exit the automobile as soon as possible and find a safe place away from the accident. If you are able to, get your vehicle off the road and out of harm’s way.

Once you’re sure you’re not hurt, check for injuries of your passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers involved in the incident. If anyone was hurt in the vehicle accident, call 911 immediately to receive immediate medical care.

Calling the police after a car accident does not imply that you have acknowledged responsibility or assigned blame to another driver. While you’re waiting for them to arrive, be sure to locate any witnesses and get their contact info.

After the officers arrive, make every effort to assist them and answer questions truthfully. After they complete their investigation, request a police record as soon as possible. This will assist your insurance company in processing your accident claim, regardless of who is at fault.

If you admit responsibility or liability for the accident to the police, your insurance company may deny your claim. At first, you may believe it is your fault, not having all the facts of the accident, only to discover afterward that the other driver is at fault. Stick to the facts as you know them; don’t offer any other information. Talk to the police, medical personnel, insurance adjuster, or any other professional involved in the collision exclusively about the vehicle accident.

While you wait for the police to arrive at the scene, make sure to get the contact information for all identified witnesses as well as the details of the other driver, such as:

Driver and passenger’s names • License plate number • Insurance information • Vehicle year, make, and model • Location of the collision • Time of the accident • Responding officers’ names and badge numbers

If you’re able, be sure to take pictures of the accident scene, including the crash site, the vehicles involved, and the damages resulting from the collision. Make sure to photograph all involved vehicles from as many different angles as possible. If you’re not able to take pictures, try and find someone who will and then do your best to instruct them so that you have photographical evidence of the accident scene.

After speaking with the officers and collecting all necessary contact information, contact your insurance carrier to file an accident claim. Provide the insurance adjuster with their required requests. They will start by assessing your car for damages. If you disagree with the amount the adjuster valued your vehicle or the amount of damage, be prepared to get multiple estimates.

If you were injured in an auto accident, be sure to document your injuries, the doctors you’ve seen, and the treatments you’ve received. Keep copies of all your medical bills and keep track of days missed at school or work due to your injuries. Consider keeping a journal to document your feelings while recovering from your injuries. If you end up going to trial, it can be difficult to prove “pain and suffering.”

The process for handling a car accident can be complicated and stressful. This is why you need to retain the services of a Nashville car accident attorney who can protect you and manage your case so that you can receive fair compensation for your injuries. Reasonover Law Firm is here to serve you.