How to Read a Tennessee Car Accident Report

Call 865-558-8030 Today!
HomeBlogs

Every state has a unique method of validating auto accidents through the report process. Tennessee has chosen to use a standard form of multiple choice questions for officers to use that can be confusing for many individuals, and nearly impossible for others. Many of the entries on the form can be stated in ranges, which can result in vague interpretations of the preparing officer testimony. The form has a page full of data fields containing information regarding the crash and subsequent accident investigation that any attorney can use while building a case for their clients, for whatever reason. The information on the report is vital to proper adjudication of an accident and receiving whole financial damages, along with listing potential citations issued following a wreck. Accident reconstruction specialists can also be cross-examined by attorneys when the information on the report is not clear or could be questioned. It is important for all parties to understand how the official accident report applies to a case.

Vehicle Information

The first entry on the report is about vehicle identification. It lists the owners and drivers as well as the number assigned by the preparing agency for each automobile involved. It is important to remember which number is assigned to you throughout the report. Also included will be the name and address of each operator along with their drivers license number. Registration numbers for each vehicle are included as well as the time and date of the accident. This information is very important during the case negotiations, and every accident victim should ensure that all information is absolutely correct. Technicalities can matter in an accident settlement.

Violations

The next section of the report will address driving infractions or criminal charges given to any involved driver. This is a very important part of the report as well because impaired or distracted drivers can be found responsible for the accident when the case is evaluated for comparative fault. And, this information is particularly crucial when a driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash. It will also list other specifics to the case such as uninsured or reckless driving citations and driving an unregistered vehicle.

Driver Actions and Condition

The actions and physical condition of each driver regarding the causation of the accident is the next section. The actions section indicates what the driver was actually doing at the time of the crash, such as talking on a cell phone or some other distraction. It will also assess the actions of all responding drivers in determining comparative negligence. The physical condition of the driver can matter as well, such as being sleepy or under the influence of alcohol or medication. All of these issues become material case factors when the case is being settled by the court and personal injury lawyers along with the insurance companies, and who is at fault is important in Tennessee because the state does not recognize no fault auto insurance law and uses modified comparative negligence that bars responsible drivers from collecting damages if they are over 50% at fault for causing an accident.

Many times an official accident report can be the deciding factor regarding whether to retain an attorney to settle your accident case. But, the truth is, all accidents can get complicated when the official accident report is brought into question by an experienced personal injury and auto accident attorney. A case may be much more valuable than the injured party realizes, and even initial evaluation of the crash using the accident report can require the legal professionism of an attorney. Many times a first contact with an attorney can actually be incorporated with asking for assistance in reading the accident report accurately during a case evaluation.

Free Consultation

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.