Advocating For Victims Of Car Accidents
Last updated on November 13, 2026
At Capps & Byrd LLP, our lawyers advocate for you and your family after a car accident. We represent individuals and families in Morristown and the surrounding areas in Tennessee after all types of accidents.
Our attorneys have over 70 years of combined experience helping victims understand their rights and explore their legal options in filing a personal injury claim. We will help you through every step of the process after an accident. This includes getting the right medical attention, filing an insurance claim, collecting evidence from the crash scene and filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible for your injuries.
Building A Strong Case
Evidence can play a significant role in proving liability after an accident. What type of evidence is used in car accident claims? We try to collect all evidence related to the crash, including:
- Accident report or police report
- Photos of damage to all vehicles
- Photos of the scene of the crash
- Witness contact information
- Medical records
We will help you pursue all options after an accident. Our goal is to maximize the compensation available in your claim so you can obtain the best recovery. We have represented victims in car accident claims in both state and federal court. We know how to protect your rights and advocate for you in court so you can focus on your recovery.
Motor Vehicle Accident: Questions You Might Have
Here are some answers to questions clients and their families typically ask.
What should I do at the scene of a car accident?
At the scene of a car accident, check for injuries, move to safety if possible and call 911 right away. Stay at the scene and wait for law enforcement to arrive. The steps you take in those first moments can protect your health and your legal rights. Here is a checklist of what to do:
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Call 911
- Move to a safe location if possible
- Stay at the scene
- Exchange information with the other driver
- Photograph the vehicles and the scene
- Collect witness contact information
- Avoid admitting fault
Following these steps helps preserve key evidence for any future claim.
Should I call the police after a minor car crash?
Yes, you should call the police even after a minor car crash. A police report creates an official record of the accident. Insurance companies often require this documentation when you file a claim. Without a report, the other driver could later dispute the facts of what happened.
In Tennessee, the law requires you to report any crash that results in injury or property damage over $1,500 within 20 days. When in doubt, call 911 and let the officer determine whether a formal report is necessary.
What information should I exchange with the other driver after a car crash?
Always exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver after a crash. Get the other driver’s full name, driver’s license number, license plate number, phone number, address and insurance carrier name along with the policy number. Collect contact information from any passengers or witnesses as well. Note the vehicle’s brand, model and color. This information proves essential when filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury case.
What are the most common injuries suffered in car crashes?
Common injuries include whiplash, which affects the neck due to sudden movement, and concussions from head impacts. Broken bones are frequent, particularly in the arms, legs and ribs. Cuts and lacerations from shattered glass or metal are also typical. Soft tissue injuries like bruises and sprains often occur, and more severe crashes can result in internal bleeding or organ damage. Emotional trauma, such as anxiety and PTSD, is also prevalent following accidents.
What if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident?
Call 911 immediately if the other driver flees the scene. A hit-and-run is a serious crime in Tennessee, and law enforcement needs to respond right away. Try to note the other vehicle’s brand, model, color and license plate number before it leaves. Gather photos of the scene and get contact details of people who saw what happened.
Your uninsured motorist coverage may cover your losses if the at-fault driver remains unidentified. Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as possible.
How long do I have before filing a personal injury claim after a car accident?
The time limit to file a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations, is one year from the date of the crash here in Tennessee. It’s critical to start the process early because gathering evidence, contacting witnesses and building a strong case takes time. Consulting with an attorney soon after your accident can help ensure that you file within the appropriate timeframe.
Who pays your medical bills after a collision?
The responsible party’s auto insurance typically covers medical bills under their liability coverage. However, you may initially use your personal health insurance or medical payments coverage (MedPay) from your own auto policy.
What if the driver doesn’t have insurance?
In Tennessee, if an uninsured driver causes an accident, the victim may turn to their own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage (UM) for compensation. This coverage is designed to pay for medical bills, property damage, and other losses. If the victim doesn’t have UM coverage or the costs exceed their policy limits, they may have to sue the at-fault driver directly. However, collecting damages can be challenging if the driver lacks sufficient assets or income.
What kind of compensation can I expect as a victim filing a personal injury claim after a crash?
Compensation for damages in a personal injury claim can cover various losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The amount you can expect depends on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. We can assess your situation and give you a clearer picture of the potential value of your claim. Remember that each case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
Plaintiffs often wonder whether their situation merits a claim. Generally, a valid claim must demonstrate that the other party was at fault due to negligence or intentional harm, that the plaintiff suffered injuries, and that these injuries resulted in losses (such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering).
What should I do if I’m partially at fault for the automobile accident?
Even if you are partially at fault, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% responsible for the crash. Tennessee has a “modified comparative negligence” rule, which allows recovery of damages minus the percentage of fault.
How can a lawyer help after a car accident?
An attorney can hold the negligent party accountable for actions or inactions while the client focuses on their recovery. We can stand up to insurance carriers who will try to lowball or claim it was your fault or someone else’s. Our injury lawyers work with crash experts who can investigate the circumstances and build a strong case.
Why should I go to a doctor after an accident?
Pain may not appear immediately after a crash. It may take days or weeks to fully recognize your injuries. Do not wait to get medical attention after a car accident. We can help you get the right medical care and diagnostic screenings to make sure your injuries are diagnosed and properly documented.
Should I talk to the other driver’s insurance company?
You are not legally required to speak with an insurer after a car accident. Representatives know how to ask confusing questions designed to minimize your injuries or shift blame onto you under Tennessee’s comparative fault laws. Politely decline to discuss the crash and let a personal injury attorney handle all communications on your behalf.
Do I need to take photos after an accident?
Yes, if it is safe to do so. Visual evidence disappears quickly once vehicles are moved and roads are cleared. Use your phone to capture wide shots of the crash scene, skid marks, close-ups of damage from multiple angles, weather conditions and injuries. These photos prevent the other party from disputing how the collision occurred later on.
What if the accident was caused by a distracted driver?
Under state law, holding a phone, texting or watching videos while driving is illegal. If a driver’s distraction caused your crash, they can be held liable for negligence. Because distracted drivers rarely admit fault, an attorney can act quickly to subpoena cell phone records, obtain nearby surveillance or dash-cam footage and interview witnesses to prove the driver was not paying attention.
What if bad weather contributed to the crash?
Poor weather does not excuse negligent driving. Tennessee law requires motorists to adjust their speed, following distance and headlight use to match road conditions. Insurance companies often try to blame the weather to avoid paying claims, but if the other driver was driving too fast for the conditions, they can still be held financially responsible for your injuries.
We Are Here To Help
Life after an accident is difficult. We work for you, not the insurance company. We will help you every step of the way and make sure your interests are protected. Contact us right away after a crash to get the care and attention you need. Call 423-616-1921 or fill out our online form to arrange a free consultation. Hablamos español.