What to Do After a Car Accident in Murfreesboro?

If you’re involved in a car accident in Murfreesboro, your actions in the first few minutes and days can determine how well you recover—both physically and financially. Tennessee law requires you to stop, render aid, exchange information, and report qualifying crashes to the state within 20 days. Since Tennessee follows a fault-based system with a 50% modified comparative fault rule, determining liability early is key. Protect yourself by gathering evidence, seeking medical care, and understanding your legal rights.

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident

The moments after a collision can be overwhelming. Knowing what to do ensures your safety and protects your potential claim.

Stop and Secure the Scene

Tennessee law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop at or near the scene, provide identifying information, and help anyone injured. Leaving the scene can result in serious penalties under state law.

• Move your vehicle to a safe spot if possible.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Call 911 right away to report injuries or significant property damage.

Police will prepare a report that becomes valuable evidence for your insurance or injury claim.

Exchange Information and Document Everything

Exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver. Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.

Even if you feel fine, get medical attention immediately. Many injuries (like whiplash or soft tissue damage) may not appear for hours or days. Having early medical documentation protects your health and claim.

Filing the Required Tennessee Accident Report

Under Tennessee law (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-107), you must file an Owner/Driver Report with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days if:

• Anyone was injured or killed, or
• Property damage exceeded $1,500, or
• Damage to government property exceeded $400.

Failing to file this report can lead to suspension of your license or registration. The form can be downloaded from the Tennessee Department of Safety website and submitted online or by mail.

In Murfreesboro, you can also obtain a copy of your police crash report through the Murfreesboro Police Department’s Records Division or online. This document often plays a central role in insurance and personal injury claims.

Understanding Fault and Liability in Tennessee

Tennessee follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver responsible for the crash (and their insurer) must pay for damages.

Modified Comparative Fault Rule

Tennessee applies the modified comparative fault rule—you can recover compensation only if you are less than 50% at fault for the crash. If you are partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Example: If you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you could recover $80,000.
If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages at all.

This rule makes evidence collection critical. Photos, witness statements, and the official crash report help prove fault and minimize blame assigned to you.

Deadlines to File a Claim or Lawsuit

Timing is everything when it comes to car accident claims. Tennessee law sets strict statutes of limitation:

• One year from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• Three years from the accident date for vehicle or property damage claims.

Missing these deadlines typically bars you from pursuing compensation. It’s best to act quickly, especially if you’re dealing with insurance adjusters or disputed fault.

Insurance Requirements and Financial Responsibility

Tennessee’s Financial Responsibility Law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 for property damage

While these are the minimums, severe accidents often result in damages far beyond these limits. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage can help bridge the gap if the at-fault driver’s policy is insufficient.

Gathering Evidence and Protecting Your Claim

Preserving the right evidence makes a significant difference in how smoothly your claim proceeds. Here are practical actions you can take:

• Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, injuries, and surroundings.
• Get medical reports documenting all treatments and diagnoses.
• Keep receipts and bills for repairs, towing, medications, and therapy.
• Track lost wages with employer notes or pay stubs.
• Save all communication with insurance companies.

Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what happened. Let the evidence and the investigation determine liability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Car Accident

Even honest errors can weaken your potential claim. Here are some missteps to avoid:

• Leaving the scene prematurely. This is a legal violation and could hurt your case.
• Failing to seek medical care. Delayed treatment can be used against you by insurers.
• Posting on social media. Statements or photos online may be used to challenge your injuries.
• Accepting early settlement offers. Insurance companies often make quick offers that undervalue long-term costs.
• Missing deadlines. Filing late can eliminate your right to recover damages.

How Comparative Fault Affects Your Case

Tennessee’s comparative fault system encourages both sides to argue percentages of responsibility. Insurers often claim you share blame to lower their payout.

Having a personal injury attorney familiar with Tennessee traffic laws and accident reconstruction can help counter these tactics. Lawyers can gather additional evidence such as traffic camera footage, expert testimony, or accident reconstruction reports to protect your right to fair compensation.

Why Legal Representation Matters

While not every accident requires a lawyer, having experienced legal guidance can make a substantial difference, especially when:

• Injuries are serious or long-term.
• The other driver’s insurer disputes fault.
• Medical costs and lost wages exceed minimum policy limits.
• Multiple vehicles or parties are involved.

An attorney can handle negotiations, manage communication with insurance companies, and, if needed, file a lawsuit to recover the compensation you deserve.

The Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC handles personal injury and auto accident cases across Tennessee, including Murfreesboro. Their team helps accident victims navigate insurance disputes, investigate liability, and pursue full compensation under state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the other driver admits fault at the scene? Document it, but don’t rely solely on their admission. Fault determinations are based on evidence and the official police report.

Do I need to report every accident? Not necessarily. You must report crashes that involve injury, death, or property damage exceeding the state thresholds.

What if I was partially at fault? You can still recover compensation as long as you are under 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long does it take to settle a car accident claim? Every case differs. Simple property damage cases may settle in weeks, while injury cases can take months depending on medical recovery and negotiation progress.

What if the at-fault driver is uninsured? Your uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Legal assistance can help ensure your insurer meets its obligations under the policy.

Key Takeaways

• Stop, call 911, and exchange information.
• File a state crash report within 20 days if required.
• Tennessee law follows a fault-based system and a 50% modified comparative fault rule.
• You have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit.
• Evidence and early medical care are essential for a strong claim.
• An experienced attorney can protect your rights and handle negotiations.

Contact the Law Office of Gritton & Gritton, PLLC