Motor vehicle accidents happen every day in Tennessee due to driver negligence, with some being more serious than others. While many people walk away from an accident with no injuries, others may suffer from life-changing trauma that can require much medical attention to recover. Immediately after an accident, the most important thing to focus on is getting everyone to safety and being assessed by medical professionals. However, once the initial treatment and recovery period is over, one may begin to gather evidence as the first step in proceeding with a lawsuit to seek compensation from the driver at fault.
Requesting a crash report
One of the most important pieces of evidence after a motor vehicle accident is the crash report. Police officers on the scene will take witness statements and write down other information about how the crash happened. In some cases, the crash report may include photographs that show evidence at the scene. One may request a crash report from the agency that investigated the accident.
Requesting a crash report is usually a simple process. If the accident was investigated by the Tennessee Highway Patrol, one may request the report online or go to the nearest THP District office to obtain the report. A small fee is usually required when a report is requested. If another agency investigated the crash, one can request a report from that agency online, over the phone, or in person.
Seeking compensation
Motor vehicle accidents often leave victims with injuries that require time away from work, paying expensive medical bills and attending physical therapy. When the accident was caused by a negligent driver, the victim has the right to seek compensation. A Tennessee personal injury attorney can provide help with the process.