Depending on the type and severity of the crash you may be required to call the police and file a report after being involved in a car accident. It is better to be safe than sorry so if you are unsure whether or not your accident has to be reported, it is recommended to call law enforcement anyway. If you sustained injury or property damage in an auto collision, speak with a Memphis car accident lawyer for information about your rights and legal options.
Do I Have to Call the Police After a Car Accident in TN?
Tennessee state law doesn’t technically require you to report all car accidents. However, the laws regarding when to report are vague and generally apply to most collisions. According to the Tennessee Vehicle Code, you are required by law to immediately report the accident to law enforcement if:
- The accident resulted in bodily injury or death
- The accident resulted in more than $50 worth of property damage
- The accident occurred in a location that requires drivers to report all accidents
- Your insurance policy requires you to notify the police
For accidents resulting in more than $400 in property damage, you must report them to the Tennessee Department of Safety. If you call the police to the scene of the accident they can file a report for you, otherwise you must file one on your own. A report must be filed within 20 days of the crash.
If you neglect to file an accident report you could face various penalties including having your license suspended, having your registration suspended, or being fined.
What Should I Do in the Aftermath of a Car Accident?
Being involved in a car crash can be jarring and overwhelming. You may be paralyzed with indecision, unsure of the right steps to take. Immediately following the collision, refer to the following helpful tips.
- Get out of your vehicle and assess the damage. This includes checking yourself, passengers, and other drivers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately to have officers and an ambulance dispatched to your location.
- If possible, move the cars involved off of the road. If the damage is not severe enough that it prevents you from driving the car, try to move it out of the way to avoid hazards on the road for yourself and passing cars.
- If there are no injuries or urgent issues, determine the extent of the property damage. If you believe there is more than $50 worth of damage to either vehicle, call a non-emergency number to report the accident. An officer may or may not be dispatched to a minor accident. If they do not arrive at the scene file a report independently.
- Exchange information with the other driver or drivers involved. Important information to gather includes license numbers, names, insurance information, vehicle registration information, and more.
Completing the above steps immediately following the accident can help ensure your safety and rights are protected.
