Understanding Your Rights After a Nashville Car Accident
A Nashville car accident lawyer can be your greatest ally when you’re dealing with the overwhelming aftermath of a wreck. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a severe collision, knowing what to do after a Nashville car accident can protect your rights, ensure your safety, and improve your chances of securing fair compensation. In this guide, we’ll walk you through every essential step to take in 2025 if you find yourself in this difficult situation.
Ensure Safety and Check for Injuries
After a Nashville car accident, your top priority is safety—for yourself, passengers, and others involved.
- Move vehicles involved out of traffic if possible to avoid further collisions.
- Turn on hazard lights and place warning triangles if available.
- Check for injury and call emergency services immediately if anyone is injured or unable to move.
- Avoid moving severely injured victims unless there’s immediate danger, such as fire.
The Metro Nashville Police Department will dispatch officers to assess the scene, provide medical assistance, and document the accident.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Tennessee law requires you to report most crashes. This is especially true if:
- There’s an injury or death.
- The vehicles involved have significant damage.
- You are unable to drive away from the scene.
When calling, provide your exact location, details about any victims, and whether there’s a pedestrian involved. The police will create an official crash report that can be crucial to your case.
Cooperate with Metro Nashville Police Department
When officers from the Metro Nashville Police Department arrive:
- Answer questions honestly but avoid speculating about the cause of the crash.
- Provide your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration.
- Take note of the officer’s name, badge number, and office contact information.
Your goal here is to keep a clear record that will be vital later when dealing with insurance or legal action.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
Documenting the scene of a Nashville car accident is essential for protecting your rights.
- Photograph all vehicles involved, damage, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs.
- Get contact details from the driver, passengers, and any pedestrian witnesses.
- Record the speed of the vehicles if known, and note any environmental factors.
This evidence can make a difference in determining liability, especially in hit and run driver cases.
Dealing with Hit and Run Drivers
If you’re the victim of a hit and run driver, don’t chase the vehicle—it’s dangerous and could make your case more complicated. Instead:
- Try to remember the vehicle’s color, make, model, and license plate.
- Note the time, location, and direction the driver was heading.
- Contact the Metro Nashville Police Department immediately.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Tennessee, and the driver could be charged when caught.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
Even if you feel fine after a Nashville car accident, you should get checked by a medical professional.
- Some injuries appear hours or days later.
- A medical report creates a paper trail connecting your injury to the accident.
- Delaying treatment can harm your health and your legal case.
Don’t assume you’re safe because you can walk away from the scene.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer as soon as possible after a Nashville car accident. Provide:
- The police report number.
- Photos and documentation from the scene.
- Details about all vehicles involved.
Avoid admitting fault until you’ve spoken to a Nashville car accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Nashville Car Accident
Many drivers hurt their own claims by making costly errors. Be mindful of these:
- Leaving the scene without reporting the accident.
- Failing to gather evidence or contact information.
- Making statements that could be seen as accepting blame.
- Posting about the crash on social media.
The judgment you use now can directly affect the result of your legal action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When you’re in a Nashville car accident, confusion is common. At Ross Moore Law, we often hear the same concerns from drivers, pedestrians, and accident victims. Here are quick answers to the most common questions.
What should I do if the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene?
Stay calm, focus on safety, and note any details about the vehicle involved—color, make, plate number, or direction. Call the Metro Nashville Police Department immediately. Your uninsured motorist coverage may help with your claim. Always notify your insurer and keep the police report.
How do I get a copy of my police report?
Request it from the Metro Nashville Police Department records office with your report number, name, date, and location of the crash. Many are available online, by email, or in person for a small fee.
How long does a car accident claim take to settle?
It varies by the number of vehicles involved, injury severity, and insurer response time. Minor claims may take weeks; injury or hit and run driver cases may take months. Providing complete information quickly can speed up the process.
What if I’m a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a vehicle?
Call the police, get medical care, and document injuries and location. The driver’s insurance may cover you; your own policy might help. If you can’t identify the driver, officers will investigate.
What happens if I’m partially at fault?
Tennessee’s modified comparative fault system lets you recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault, reduced by your fault percentage. At 50% or more, you can’t recover.
Should I move my vehicle after a crash?
Move it out of traffic if it’s safe and injuries are minor. If anyone is injured or you’re unable to move it, leave it in place and wait for officers.
What if I can’t call police at the scene?
Report the accident as soon as possible to the Metro Nashville Police Department and your insurer. Tennessee law requires reporting accidents with injury, death, or major damage. A family member or attorney can help if you’re unable.
If you have more questions about your case, contact Ross Moore Law. We’ll guide you through every step after a Nashville car accident.
Ross Moore Law – Your Advocate After a Nashville Car Accident
If you’ve been in a Nashville car accident—whether it’s a minor crash, a serious collision, or a hit and run driver situation—you don’t have to face it alone. Call Ross Moore Law today 404-445-8122 for a free consultation. Our office is ready to take your calls and answer your questions.
📞 Call now or click here to schedule a consultation. Let us help you get your life back on track after a Nashville car accident.
