Franklin, Tennessee, is more than just a thriving community in Williamson County; it’s also part of a broader regional picture where motor vehicle collisions are a real concern for everyday drivers. In Tennessee as a whole, recent traffic data show that there were over 178,000 reported car accidents in 2023, with thousands resulting in serious injuries and more than 1,300 fatal crashes statewide, underscoring how dangerous the roads can be even in growing cities like Franklin. Locally, Franklin’s traffic volume contributes to this trend, with hundreds of crashes annually that range from minor collisions to more serious, life-altering incidents.

If you or a loved one has been hurt on Franklin’s roadways, knowing how to protect your rights and why that matters becomes critical. That’s where a Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer from Griffith Law can make a real difference, helping you navigate insurance disputes, legal deadlines, and complex claims after a crash. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key actions you should take after an accident in Franklin so you’re prepared to safeguard your interests and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Step 1: Prioritize Safety First

Before anything, everyone must assess injuries immediately following a collision. If an individual requires immediate care, calling emergency services is the top priority. Proceeds to a safe place (if possible) to avoid additional danger. Hazard lights can warn other drivers and reduce further risk. Remaining calm and composed helps to make clear decisions in these important moments.

Step 2: Contact Authorities

Contacting law enforcement right away ensures the incident is documented in an official report. The officers offer an impartial perspective, which becomes the most important evidence in backing claims or lawsuits. When correct information is shared with the authorities, the report will reflect the actual situation and be useful for further investigation. Getting a copy of the accident report can be useful for future insurance discussions.

Step 3: Exchange Information

Parties involved should swap names, numbers, and addresses. This includes collecting the other side’s license plate number, insurance information, and vehicle description. This provides participants with the ability to reach out to one another as necessary.

Step 4: Collect Evidence

Capture images of the vehicles, the scene of the accident, the road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images may subsequently back up claims about what occurred. Documenting the time, place, and details of the incident helps to retain important information over time. Names and contact information of witnesses can also be helpful in case questions come up down the road.

Step 5: Avoid Admitting Fault

It is best to avoid making inflammatory statements at the scene, as they can help save individual rights. Blame-deflecting statements are the best means of avoiding problems later. Rather, communicating solely in facts makes things simple. It’s best to let the authorities and insurance representatives figure out who is at fault.

Step 6: Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the severity of injuries, a healthcare provider can document all side effects of the accident. In some cases, symptoms develop hours or days later. A medical record can link the crash to the injuries. It may also be associated with a reduction in long-term physical health problems and improved recovery.

Step 7: Inform Your Insurance Company

Reporting the incident to an insurance company as soon as possible is likely to make the claims process smoother. Providing accurate and complete information can prevent delays or questions from being raised. This helps in assessing the incident by providing supplementary documentation like pictures and police reports. Another good thing to do is to save a record of all communication with the insurer, as this can be useful if there are any questions.

Step 8: Seek Professional Legal Advice

A consultation with a lawyer can provide clarity on rights and the specifics of a claim, especially in complicated situations. A professional review is essential to ensure that no steps are skipped. Guidance can help an individual see whether they may be compensated and the potential next steps in the process. Having timely advice can often be the difference between a fair outcome and the opposite.

Final Thoughts

Car accidents are confusing and stressful, but following these eight steps will help you manage the aftermath. A solid response starts with safety first, reaching out to the authorities, and documenting evidence. Getting medical attention and protecting the individual’s rights that have been breached through careful communication is vital. Informing an insurance company and consulting a lawyer when necessary provides extra protection. Taking these actions helps victims approach the situation in a well-informed and confident manner and gives them the opportunity to protect themselves following a crash.