A car accident on I-24 or I-65 in Nashville, TN can go from routine to overwhelming in seconds — merging traffic, high speeds, and backed-up lanes mean crashes here are rarely minor. What you do in the minutes and hours right after matters more than most people realize.
This guide walks you through the practical steps: what to do at the scene, how to protect your health, and how to handle insurance before you've had a chance to think clearly. None of this is legal advice — it's a plain account of what tends to matter in a crash claim and why speed counts.
What should you do the moment your car stops after a Nashville highway crash?
Check for injuries first, then move to safety if you can. On a high-speed corridor like I-24 near Murfreesboro Road or the I-65 interchange, staying in a live lane is dangerous. If the vehicles are driveable and it is safe to do so, pull onto the shoulder or the nearest exit.
Call 911 immediately, even if the damage looks minor. A police report from a responding officer is one of the most important documents in a crash claim — it records the scene, the parties, witness statements, and often an initial fault assessment.
Do not leave the scene. Tennessee law requires drivers to remain after a collision involving injury or property damage. Leaving can create serious legal exposure entirely separate from the accident itself.
What information should you gather at the scene?
Collect as much documentation as you can before vehicles are moved or towed. Insurance adjusters and attorneys rely heavily on what exists from the first hour — after that, evidence starts disappearing.
At minimum, try to gather the following seven things:
- The other driver's full name, license number, and insurance information
- License plate numbers for every vehicle involved
- The responding officer's name and badge number
- The crash report number (you can request the full report later)
- Photos of all vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- The exact location — exit number, mile marker, or cross street
Nashville's highway interchanges can be confusing for location details. Note the direction you were traveling and any visible landmarks or signs nearby.
Should you see a doctor even if you feel okay?
Yes — getting checked out promptly is one of the most important steps you can take after any crash. Adrenaline masks pain. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and even concussions often don't fully surface until 24 to 72 hours after impact.
A gap in medical treatment — meaning you waited days or weeks before seeing a doctor — is one of the most common ways insurance companies reduce or dispute injury claims. They argue that if you were really hurt, you would have sought care sooner.
Go to an emergency room, urgent care, or your primary care physician as soon as possible. Make sure the provider documents the mechanism of injury (the crash) and your reported symptoms in detail.
How do you handle the other driver's insurance company?
Be careful — the other driver's insurer is not on your side. Their job is to resolve your claim for as little as possible. Adjusters are trained to gather information that limits the payout, and they often call within hours of a crash.
In many crash situations, giving a recorded statement to the at-fault driver's insurer before speaking with an attorney can hurt your claim. You are generally not required to give one to their insurer. An attorney can advise you on what to say, when, and to whom before you commit to anything on the record.
Report the crash to your own insurer promptly — most policies require timely notification. That's a different obligation from cooperating with the opposing carrier.
Does fault matter differently on a Nashville highway than a surface street?
Fault is fault, but highway crashes often involve more disputed facts. On I-24 or I-65 in Nashville, TN, common causes include lane changes without signaling, rear-end collisions in stop-and-go construction zones, distracted driving, and merging errors near the I-40 interchange. Multiple vehicles are sometimes involved.
Tennessee uses a comparative fault system, which means your own percentage of fault can affect what you recover. An attorney can review how fault is being allocated in your specific situation — do not assume the initial police report or the other driver's insurance assessment is the final word.
What happens to your car while you're dealing with injuries?
Property damage and bodily injury are handled as separate tracks, and mixing them up can create problems. Accepting a property damage settlement — a check for your car — does not automatically close out your injury claim, but the paperwork you sign matters. Read everything carefully before signing anything.
If your car is totaled, the at-fault insurer will typically offer an actual cash value based on market comps. If you disagree with their number, that figure is negotiable. An attorney or a public adjuster can help you push back.
Is there a deadline to file a claim in Tennessee?
Yes, and missing it generally means losing your right to recover anything. Statutes of limitations vary, and Tennessee's rules for personal injury claims have specific timeframes that an attorney can confirm for your case. The clock typically starts on the date of the crash.
Evidence also degrades fast. Surveillance footage from highway cameras or nearby businesses gets overwritten. Witness memories fade. Vehicles get repaired or scrapped. Moving quickly — even just to have a free conversation with an attorney — protects your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a police report after a crash on I-24 or I-65?
Yes. A police report documents the scene, parties, and initial fault findings. It is one of the most referenced documents in any Nashville, TN crash claim and is worth requesting as soon as it is available.
What if the other driver had no insurance?
Your own uninsured motorist coverage may apply. An attorney can review your policy and explain your options — this coverage exists specifically for situations where the at-fault driver cannot pay.
Can I still recover if I was partly at fault?
Possibly. Tennessee's comparative fault rules affect recovery based on your percentage of fault. An attorney can review the facts of your crash and explain how fault allocation may apply to your claim.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee?
Statutes of limitations vary. Tennessee has specific deadlines for personal injury claims — an attorney can confirm the exact timeframe for your situation. Do not wait to find out.
Should I accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company?
Not without understanding what you're giving up. First offers often come before the full scope of your injuries is clear. An attorney can review any offer before you sign a release.
If you were hurt in a crash on I-24, I-65, or anywhere else in the Nashville, TN area, After the Crash can connect you with a local, independent car accident attorney for a free case review — no obligation, no cost to you to find out where you stand.