Navigating a Car Accident in Memphis Tennessee

Memphis is one of the worst cities in Tennessee for fatal car crashes. Law enforcement reports that speeding, distracted driving, and other unsafe behaviors are growing problems.

As accident rates continue to increase, it’s more important than ever to know what to do after a car accident in Memphis, Tennessee.

Understanding Legal Obligations

Everyone involved in an accident has a few legal obligations to meet. Failing to meet these obligations can result in steep punishment and make it difficult to obtain compensation after the crash.

Here are some of the rules to follow:

• You are legally obligated to call for medical help if someone is injured.
• You must stay at the scene of the accident until a police officer says you can leave.
• Tennessee law dictates that you should move the vehicles out of the way if it's safe to do so.
• Under the Tennessee Code, you are required to share your name, contact information, and insurance information with other drivers involved in the crash.
• You also have an obligation to report the accident.

You should gather as much information as possible before leaving the scene of a car accident in Memphis, Tennessee. You are not legally obligated to document the crash, but the information you gather will support your insurance claim.

Take pictures of the scene before moving the vehicles. Write down everyone's name and contact information, including any potential witnesses.

Tennessee operates under a fault-based system for car insurance. This means the driver who caused the crash will pay for the damages through their insurance company. It is crucial to reconstruct the cause of the crash to establish liability.

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident in Memphis, Tennessee

Knowing the steps to take after a car crash will help you stay calm and ensure you meet all your legal obligations while protecting your rights.

First, ensure everyone is safe, and call 911 if someone needs medical assistance. If no serious injuries require treatment, you should report the crash by calling the Memphis Police Department's non-emergency number at 901-545-2677.

If the crash caused more than $1,500 in property damage or more than $400 in damage to state property, you have 20 days to file a personal crash report with the state's Department of Security.

You should also gather as much information as possible at the scene of the car accident in Memphis, Tennessee. It is wise to have a doctor examine you even if you didn't sustain any obvious major injuries since conditions like whiplash or concussion can appear later.

Your next step should be to prepare your insurance claim. You can get started by requesting a copy of your police report. Note that it can take up to 48 hours after the crash for your report to become available online.

The Memphis Police Department has a convenient online platform to access your police report after entering your name and contact information. If your information doesn't match what's on the report or you can't access the report for any other reason, you can visit the MPD's Central Records Division on North Main Street or call 901-636-3650 for help.

Dealing with Insurance Claims

Once you have a copy of your police report, gather additional documents to support your insurance claim:

• Document the crash with pictures you took and written statements from witnesses.
• Prove the extent of the injuries and damages with medical records or repair bills.

Reach out to the insurance company of the driver who caused the crash to file a claim. An adjuster will review your claim and determine your eligibility for compensation. Note that your own share of the blame must be less than 50% to receive compensation.

During this process, be careful not to admit fault, and submit as much documentation as possible to help adjusters reconstruct the crash.

Filing an insurance claim can be a lengthy process, and establishing liability can be challenging. Legal representation can make all the difference. An experienced car accident lawyer uses their knowledge and experience to gather evidence, submit a claim, and negotiate with the insurer.

Your lawyer can also help you explore the possibility of recovering additional damages after a car accident in Memphis, Tennessee, through a personal injury lawsuit if you sustained extensive injuries that exceed the amount of coverage available.

How Accident.com Can Help After a Car Accident in Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis stands out as one of the most dangerous places for drivers with more than 260 fatal crashes and over 8,500 injuries reported in Shelby County in 2023. As a Memphis driver, it's essential to know the steps to take after an accident.

Stay calm, call 911 if needed, document the crash, and make sure to report the accident. You can then look into obtaining a copy of your police report and filing an insurance claim.

Having a lawyer by your side will make this process less stressful and can result in a better outcome when dealing with insurance companies. If you need legal help, fill out our online form, and we will put you in touch with a local lawyer who can perform a free case review.