If you have been in a car accident, you might be wondering what to do next. Regardless of whether it was a minor accident or a serious collision, what you do immediately after the wreck can have a significant impact on whether you will be successful in receiving compensation. Accepting a quick resolution from an insurance company might be tempting, but an experienced lawyer like David E. Gordon can guide you through the steps to take after a Bartlett car accident and ensure you are legally protected.
Part of determining whether you can pursue a claim and be successful is assessing whether the other party was at fault and if their negligence played a part in the crash. A knowledgeable car accident attorney like David can help you with this determination.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Car Accident
After a car accident in Bartlett, take the following steps to protect your safety and ability to pursue potential legal claims.
Assess Injuries
The most important priority is ensuring that everyone involved in the accident is safe. First, see if anyone is injured, and do not be afraid to seek medical attention right away even for minor injuries.
Call the Police
Notify the Bartlett Police Department of the accident and location. An officer will arrive and create an official report. This may involve documenting the scene with notes, photographs, or video, recording any witness statements, etc. The police’s accident report is essential and may become evidence for determining fault. Even if one party suggests and would prefer dealing with the aftermath without police intervention, it is important to call.
Exchange Information
Give your information to the other driver(s) involved and record theirs. Necessary information includes phone numbers, addresses, insurance, and license numbers. If there are witnesses to the crash, obtain their contact information too.
Document the Scene
Take photos of any vehicle damage, traffic signs, and injuries. Photographs of the scene can also serve as evidence in determining fault. The police team will likely document the scene as well, but it is better to have too much evidence rather than not enough.
Notify the Insurance Company
Report the accident to the insurance company, but do not admit fault. Fault will be determined later by insurance adjusters and lawyers when all the information is available.
Talk to a Lawyer
Seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney like David, as he can help you understand your rights and determine whether you should pursue a claim.
Understanding Comparative Negligence
Tennessee operates under a comparative negligence system (Tenn. Code Ann. § 29-11-103). This means that even if someone is at fault for a Bartlett car accident, they may still receive compensation as long as they are not more than 49 percent at fault. But if the individual is responsible for at least half of the accident, they cannot receive any compensation. Determining fault can be challenging in cases where fault appears to be about 50-50. In situations such as this, having a qualified car accident lawyer on your side can be the difference between being able to pursue compensation or not.
Your Next Step After a Bartlett Car Accident: Call Us
Knowing the right steps to take after a Bartlett car accident can give you peace of mind, help you understand all your options, and pursue compensation. Call The Law Office of David E. Gordon for a free consultation today.
