If you are not seriously injured, thoroughly document the scene of the accident by taking pictures and make notes about what happened.
Take pictures of all the vehicles involved in the crash, drivers and passengers involved in the crash, and other elements of the scene, such as smashed guard rails, tire tracks, and broken glass. Any pictures or notes you take can assist in the handling of a potential claim. Download: to-do checklist after a car accident.
The most important thing to do can also be the most challenging—stay calm. First and foremost, take care of yourself and others. Check yourself for any injuries and then do the same for your passengers and anyone else involved in the accident. If anyone involved requires medical attention, call emergency services right away.
Check to see if you were injured. Call 911 if you can. If possible, check on your passengers. How are they doing? is anyone injured?.
3. Get to safety
Whether it's with another vehicle, an animal or pedestrian, the first priority is safety.
Call 911 if there are any injuries. It you're able, move to safety but don't leave the scene of the accident. If safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene and all vehicle damages.
In some situations, you must report an accident to the tennessee department of safety. You are required to complete and submit an owner/driver report within 20 days of an accident, if any of the following apply: the accident caused injury or death. The accident resulted in property damage in excess of $400. If you fail to report an accident to the tennessee dos, you may have your registration or license suspended. In the event that another driver offers to pay for damages and asks you not to report an accident, you are still required to file the report in any of the situations outlined above.
Try to ensure your own safety and the safety of others. Steps to take to accomplish this may include the following: move yourself and your vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so contact 911 if anyone has been injured contact the police to provide notice of the accident the most important thing is to prevent anyone else from being injured and to make sure any damage you and your passengers incur is minimized.
Photos or videos of the scene of a car crash provide strong evidence. If you can, take photos of the vehicles involved, injuries and any other evidence, including road conditions, signs, skid marks or blown tires. If you do not have a camera, diagram and describe the accident. Do not wait until the insurance company takes pictures of the property damage. Photos of property damage taken by insurance companies are taken in the light most favorable to their insured, not you.
You need to get the name and insurance information of the other driver who was involved in the crash, and you must provide the same details to him. If the other driver is not being cooperative or does not want to share information, wait until law enforcement comes. The police can write down his or her insurance details for you, and you can request a copy. If you suspect the other driver may try to leave without giving contact information to you, then jot down the license plate. Leaving the scene of an accident can be considered a hit-and-run.
Leave the cars where they came to rest. The police may need to see the vehicles if there are any issues. Traffic can go around the vehicles, so just turn them off and wait for the police to arrive. If you can safely set up flares near your car, this can help alert other drivers.