With summer traffic increasing across Middle Tennessee, the risk of car accidents rises significantly. Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims, is highlighting what drivers should do in the critical first 24 hours after a collision—and where many go wrong.
According to the firm, safety is the top priority immediately after a crash. Drivers should move to a secure location if possible, call 911, and seek medical attention even if they feel uninjured. Adrenaline can mask symptoms of whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries, and prompt medical care creates a record linking any later-discovered injuries 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 the scene is secured, the firm advises gathering thorough documentation, including photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. Drivers should exchange contact and insurance information with the other party and file a police report, even for minor collisions.
One of the most common missteps occurs in the days following the crash when an insurance adjuster contacts the driver for a statement. Adjusters may appear helpful but work to limit their company's financial exposure. Providing a recorded statement before understanding one's rights can significantly weaken a claim.
Calling an attorney within the first 24 hours is nearly as important as calling a doctor. Tennessee enforces a one-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, and evidence can disappear before that deadline. Patterson Bray PLLC offers free consultations to anyone injured in a Brentwood-area crash, and the firm's attorneys emphasize the importance of early intervention to preserve evidence, deal with insurance carriers, and allow clients to focus on recovery.
The firm notes that summer brings a noticeable uptick in crashes due to vacation traffic, road construction, and out-of-town drivers. Even experienced drivers can find themselves in a collision, making it essential to know how to respond.
By taking the right steps in the first 24 hours—prioritizing safety, documenting the scene, avoiding premature statements to insurers, and seeking legal counsel—Brentwood drivers can protect their health and their right to compensation.
