Harlene Labrum | October 29, 2025 | Motorcycle Accidents
What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident in Nashville
Have you ever wondered what to do right after a motorcycle accident in Nashville? The shock, confusion, and sudden rush of pain can make it hard to think clearly. Yet the steps you take in those first few moments can have a lasting impact on your health and your legal rights.
After a crash, every move matters. Calling the police, seeking medical help, and collecting evidence can protect both your recovery and your claim. Understanding how Tennessee’s fault laws work gives you the knowledge to make smart decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
With help from an experienced Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer, you can stay focused on healing while your attorney handles the rest. The right guidance ensures your rights are protected and your case moves toward the fair outcome you deserve.
Call 911 and Report the Accident
Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-106, drivers must immediately notify law enforcement when a crash involves injury, death, or apparent property damage. Calling 911 ensures that emergency services arrive quickly and that an official police record is created—an essential step for any insurance or injury claim.
Emergency Steps
After a motorcycle accident in Nashville, prioritize safety and move your vehicle to a secure location if possible. Call 911 immediately, remain calm, and provide clear, truthful details to officers without admitting fault. Note the officer’s name, badge number, and report number. These details create a reliable foundation for your recovery and support your lawyer in building a strong case.
Fulfilling Legal Duties
Stay at the scene until authorities permit you to leave. Exchange contact, license, and insurance information with everyone involved. Offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured and make brief notes about what occurred. These early observations help your motorcycle accident attorney in Nashville, TN, verify key facts and protect your legal rights during the claims process.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
Evidence collected immediately after a motorcycle crash can determine who is at fault and how much compensation you receive. The more organized and detailed your documentation, the stronger your insurance and legal claims will be.
What to Record
At the scene, focus on gathering details that clearly show how the accident occurred.
- Take photos of vehicles, debris, skid marks, traffic signals, and surroundings.
- Capture road and weather conditions, visible injuries, and damage to your motorcycle.
- Obtain witness names, contact information, and short statements if possible.
- Keep all official documents, including the police report or crash reference number.
How to Organize Evidence
Once home, compile everything into a single, secure location.
- Store photos, receipts, and notes in a folder or digital drive.
- Write a same-day summary while memories are fresh.
- Keep repair estimates, towing bills, and gear replacement receipts together.
- Well-organized records strengthen both your insurance and legal case.
Get Medical Help and Document Injuries
Even accidents that seem minor can cause hidden or delayed injuries. Seeking immediate medical attention protects both your health and your legal rights. Early diagnosis ensures that every symptom and treatment is documented accurately, forming the foundation of your future claim for compensation.
Immediate Medical Action
Visit an emergency room or urgent care facility right after the crash to rule out serious injuries. Inform your doctor that your injuries resulted from a motorcycle accident in Nashville so the details are properly recorded. Request copies of all records, test results, and prescriptions, and follow your doctor’s advice, including therapy or rehabilitation. These steps support your physical recovery and strengthen your case for fair compensation.
Building a Strong Record
Comprehensive documentation plays a major role in proving damages. Keep a journal of pain levels, emotional effects, and recovery progress, and store all bills and receipts. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-9-302, Tennessee requires all riders to wear helmets that meet federal standard 49 CFR 571.218.
Understand Fault and Compensation
Tennessee’s modified comparative-fault rule, established in McIntyre v. Balentine (1992), allows recovery only if your fault is less than the defendant’s; at 50 percent or more, you cannot recover. Understanding this rule is vital after a motorcycle accident in Nashville to protect your eligibility for damages.
Determining Responsibility
Fault is determined through evidence such as police reports, witness accounts, and crash analysis. Common causes include speeding, distracted driving, or unsafe lane changes. Preserve your helmet, clothing, and damaged motorcycle parts for inspection. Stay factual when speaking with insurers and avoid speculation.
Maximizing Recovery
Detailed documentation helps secure full compensation. Keep all medical bills, repair estimates, and records of lost income. Wait to settle until treatment is complete to ensure all injuries are addressed. Following your doctor’s plan supports recovery and avoids insurance disputes. A motorcycle accident attorney in Nashville can evaluate your damages, negotiate with insurers, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Notify Insurers and Protect Your Claim
Prompt reporting ensures compliance with your insurance policy deadlines and prevents disputes over coverage. Taking the right steps early strengthens both your insurance and legal position.
Contacting Insurance
When communicating with insurers, accuracy and caution matter most.
- Report the crash promptly using only verified, factual information.
- Decline recorded statements until you fully understand your rights.
- Keep a record of claim numbers, adjuster names, and all correspondence.
- Confirm which coverages apply to vehicle repairs, medical payments, and rental cars.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
After a crash, even small missteps can weaken your claim.
- Do not post accident details or photos on social media.
- Save every estimate, bill, and medical receipt related to the crash.
- Review any settlement offer with a lawyer before signing.
- Early legal guidance helps prevent undervalued or denied claims.
Conclusion
After a motorcycle accident in Nashville, focus on immediate safety and medical care before anything else. Call 911, document the scene, and follow through with all recommended treatments. These early actions protect both your health and your legal position when seeking compensation.
Understanding your rights under Tennessee law is equally vital. Tennessee law generally allows one year to file a personal-injury claim and three years for property-damage claims. Working early with an experienced Nashville motorcycle accident lawyer ensures every document, report, and piece of evidence is properly handled so your case remains strong from start to finish.
At Labrum Law Firm, we know how overwhelming a motorcycle accident in Nashville can be. Between medical bills, insurance calls, and physical recovery, it is easy to feel lost. Our experienced Nashville motorcycle accident attorneys are here to protect your rights, handle complex paperwork, and guide you through every legal step with care. Contact us today at (615) 265-0000 for a free consultation available 24/7.
