A car accident can happen instantly, but the decisions you make in the following moments and days can have a lasting impact on your health, finances, and legal rights. Whether you’re dealing with a minor fender-bender on Broad Street or a major collision on I-24, knowing what to do after a car accident in Murfreesboro can make a world of difference.
At Labrum Law Firm, we’ve helped countless clients across Rutherford County navigate the confusion and stress that comes after a crash. In this post, we’ll break down the key steps to take after a car accident to protect your safety and set yourself up for a successful insurance claim or personal injury case.
1. Prioritize Safety First
Immediately after a car accident, your top priority should be safety for yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
Here’s what you should do:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move your vehicle out of traffic if it’s safe to do so.
- Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
- Stay calm and avoid arguments or confrontations with other drivers.
Even if the accident seems minor, it’s still important to stay at the scene and document what happened.
2. Call the Police and File an Accident Report
In Tennessee, you are required to report any accident that involves injury, death, or more than $1,500 in property damage. In Murfreesboro, the responding law enforcement agency may be the Murfreesboro Police Department or Tennessee Highway Patrol, depending on where the crash occurs.
Why it matters:
- A police report provides an official record of the accident.
- It can help determine fault and support your insurance or legal claim.
- Officers can help manage the scene, gather witness information, and issue citations if needed.
Be honest with officers, but avoid admitting fault—stick to the facts and let the investigation determine who was responsible.
3. Exchange Information With the Other Driver
After ensuring everyone is safe and contacting the authorities, you should exchange information with all other drivers involved.
Be sure to collect:
- Full name and contact info
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and color
If there are witnesses nearby, try to get their names and phone numbers as well—they may be crucial if fault is disputed later.
4. Document the Scene
Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of everything related to the accident. This includes:
- Damage to all vehicles
- Road conditions, traffic signs, and signals
- Skid marks or debris
- Any visible injuries
- The overall layout of the scene
Visual evidence is incredibly valuable when dealing with insurance adjusters or presenting your case in court.
5. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Even if you feel “fine” after the crash, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Many common injuries—such as whiplash, concussions, or internal injuries—may not show symptoms right away.
Why this step is critical:
- It protects your health and helps detect hidden injuries.
- It provides medical documentation linking your injuries to the accident.
- Delaying care can hurt your credibility in a personal injury claim.
You can visit a local emergency room, urgent care clinic, or your primary physician. Keep records of all visits, prescriptions, and recommended treatments.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies require you to report accidents within a certain timeframe. Call your provider and give them the basic facts about what happened, but avoid going into too much detail.
Important tip: Do not admit fault or speculate about the cause of the crash—just stick to the facts. Also, don’t agree to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
7. Understand Tennessee’s Fault and Injury Laws
Tennessee is a “fault” state, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying for the damages. Tennessee also follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning:
- You can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault.
- Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your total damages are $50,000, you would receive $40,000. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you’re barred from recovery.
Because of this rule, it’s common for insurance companies to try to shift blame—which is why legal representation is so important.
8. Contact a Murfreesboro Car Accident Lawyer
Before accepting any settlement offer or dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, speak with an experienced local attorney. At Labrum Law Firm, we help car accident victims throughout Murfreesboro and Rutherford County pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Long-term rehabilitation or disability
Our legal team investigates your accident, gathers evidence, negotiates with insurance adjusters, and—if needed—takes your case to court to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
9. Avoid Common Mistakes
In the days following an accident, be careful about what you say and do. Mistakes can weaken your claim or reduce the amount you’re able to recover.
Don’t:
- Post about the accident or your injuries on social media
- Apologize or accept blame
- Skip medical appointments
- Agree to a quick settlement without legal advice
Let your lawyer guide your decisions and protect your best interests from the beginning.
10. Know the Legal Deadline
Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. That means you only have 12 months from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to seek compensation—no matter how strong your case is.
That’s why it’s important to act quickly. The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case and securing a favorable outcome.
Contact Our Murfreesboro Car Accident Lawyers Today!
A car accident can be one of the most stressful experiences in your life. But with the right information and support, you can take control of the situation and protect your future.
At Labrum Law Firm, we’re proud to serve accident victims across Murfreesboro with compassionate, aggressive, and results-driven legal representation. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, don’t wait—call us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step forward.
