If you have been injured in a Nashville, Tennessee car accident, you will find that the single most important thing you can do—aside from seeking medical assistance—is to immediately contact a Nashville personal injury attorney with a history of positive outcomes on behalf of his or her clients. Auto accidents are a fairly frequent occurrence in Nashville and in Davidson County, due to the large number of automobiles on the roadways.

In fact, recently, on a single day, the following accidents occurred in the city of Nashville: an accident in Midtown at the Old Town Trolley, resulting in only property damage, a more serious auto accident in Midtown between Granny White and Belmont Terrace at 1205 Harding Place, and another serious accident with injuries close to Charlotte Park between Briley Parkway and White Bridge. There were other accidents on the same day at various locations across the city, and every day in the city brings new auto accidents, from relatively minor bump-ins to serious accidents with injuries.

Auto Accident Statistics in Tennessee and in Davidson County

In 2015, the state of Tennessee saw an overall fatality rate from auto accidents of 14.51 fatalities per 100,000 people, putting the state in 38^th place. The state ranked 32^nd in alcohol-related auto accident fatalities, and 30^th, in terms of pedestrian fatalities resulting from an auto accident. Nashville was ranked fourth in the state of Tennessee, in terms of changes in car accident fatalities between 2014 and 2015, with an increase of 14.1 percent. From 2012 to 2016, Davidson County ranked first in overall crash rates, first in the number of injuries from auto crashes, first in the number of auto accidents involving young people (between the ages of 15 and 24), first in the number of auto accidents involving seniors (65 and older), and first in crashes involving excessive speed.

The Importance of an Attorney Following Your Accident

Even if your injuries do not appear all that serious, you could find, down the road, that you are suffering from long-term medical issues related to your auto accident. This is why it is so important that you have a strong legal advocate by your side who will ensure your rights and your future are fully protected, following your auto accident. If you would like more detailed information regarding auto accident, click here to read our Car Accident Guide.

What to Do Following Your Nashville Car Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is likely you experienced at least some level of disbelief following the accident. Your adrenaline is pumping—which can mask symptoms of serious injury—and you are probably also anxious and stressed about how this accident will play out in terms of repairs to your vehicle and medical expenses for your injuries.

If the police are not already at the accident, you should dial 911 if you are able, or have another person do it for you. Tennessee law requires that a report be filed with the DMV if there were injuries, a fatality, or if there was property damage of more than $1,000. A police report is a good idea following any auto crash, simply as a resource should legal disputes arise.

In addition to obtaining a police report, if you are physically able it can be helpful to take photographs at the scene of the accident, including damage to both vehicles. If there were witnesses, see if you can get their contact information. The more information you can provide to your attorney, the better chance he or she has of obtaining the best outcome possible on your behalf. After doing what you can at the scene of the accident, make sure you see a physician, even if you don’t think you are seriously injured. As noted, the rush of adrenaline your body experiences following an accident can mask the symptoms of an injury, and, in many cases, symptoms may occur days, or even weeks after your accident.

Once you have seen a medical professional for your injuries, you will need to contact your own insurance company, even if the accident was not your fault. Tennessee is a “fault” state meaning the insurance company of the driver who is found to be at fault in the accident will be responsible for paying for the damages to your vehicle and your medical expenses for injuries stemming from the accident.

Therefore, if the other driver was at fault, you will file a third-party claim with the driver’s insurance company. If the other driver has no insurance, is under-insured, or the insurance company denies your claim, you can file a claim with your own insurance company who will then attempt to recover from the at-fault driver. If neither of those solutions work, you may have to hire an attorney who will file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver in civil court.

Do You Need Experienced Legal Help After a Car Accident?

If you suffered injury following your Nashville, Tennessee auto accident as a result of the negligence of another person, it can be extremely beneficial to have an experienced personal injury attorney by your side. The personal injury attorneys at Martinson & Beason, P.C. have consistently protected those injured in an auto accident since 1937. Call Martinson & Beason for a free consultation to find out how we can help you during this difficult time.