BRENTWOOD, TN — Patterson Bray PLLC, a Brentwood-based law firm representing injury victims throughout Middle Tennessee, is urging local drivers to understand the critical first 24 hours after a car accident and where things often go wrong. With summer bringing a noticeable uptick in crashes across the region due to vacation traffic, road construction, and out-of-town drivers, even the most experienced motorists can find themselves in a collision. Knowing how to respond immediately can make a significant difference in legal and medical outcomes.
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 post-crash 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, which is crucial for insurance claims.
"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 secure, drivers should gather as much documentation as possible, including photographs of the vehicles, the surrounding area, and any visible injuries. They should also exchange contact and insurance information with the other party and file a police report, even after seemingly minor collisions. This evidence can be vital for establishing fault and supporting a claim.
One of the most common missteps happens in the days that follow, when an insurance adjuster reaches out for a statement. Adjusters often come across as 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. Patterson Bray advises drivers to consult with an attorney before speaking to any insurance representative.
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. 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.
Patterson Bray PLLC is a Tennessee law firm with offices in Memphis and Brentwood. The firm handles personal injury, business and commercial litigation, estate planning, asset protection, family law, and more. Their attorneys bring more than 20 years of experience to complex car accident and catastrophic injury cases, working to help Tennessee families recover the compensation they rightfully deserve.
