BRENTWOOD, TN – Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims throughout Middle Tennessee, is urging local drivers to understand the critical steps they should take in the first 24 hours after a car accident and the common pitfalls that can jeopardize their claims.
Summer brings a noticeable increase in crashes across the region as vacation traffic, road construction, and out-of-town drivers fill local highways and surface streets. Even experienced and cautious drivers can find themselves in a collision, making it essential for every driver to know how to respond.
The first priority after any crash should always be safety. Drivers need to move to a secure location if possible, call 911, and seek medical attention even if they feel uninjured. During this period, adrenaline can mask symptoms of whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries. Prompt medical care also establishes a record that connects any later-discovered injuries directly to the accident.
“We see people make the same mistakes again and again in those first 24 hours,” said Chris Patterson, Managing Partner at Patterson Bray PLLC. “They skip the ER because they feel okay, or they tell the insurance adjuster more than they should, or they wait too long to call a lawyer. Any one of those things can hurt their case when it comes time to file a claim for compensation.”
Once drivers secure the scene, they should gather as much documentation as possible, including photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Drivers should also exchange contact and insurance information with the other party and file a police report, even after seemingly minor collisions.
One of the most common missteps occurs in the days that follow, when an insurance adjuster reaches out for a statement. Adjusters often appear helpful, but they work to limit their company's financial exposure. A recorded statement given before understanding one's rights can significantly weaken a claim.
Calling an attorney within those first 24 hours matters nearly as much as calling a doctor. Tennessee enforces a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, and evidence can disappear well before that deadline. Patterson Bray PLLC offers free consultations to anyone injured in a Brentwood-area crash, and the firm's attorneys know how important it is to step in early to preserve evidence, deal with insurance carriers, and carry the legal load so clients can focus on healing.
This guidance comes as summer traffic peaks, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Understanding these steps can help Brentwood drivers protect their rights and secure fair compensation after a crash.
