What to Do After a Car Accident in Knoxville: A Step-by-Step Checklist

Even a minor fender bender is stressful, and the first few minutes decide a lot about how smoothly the claim goes. Keep this checklist on your phone.

At the scene

  1. Check for injuries and get safe. If anyone is hurt, call 911. Move vehicles out of traffic if you can do it safely, and turn on your hazards.
  2. Call it in. In Knoxville, call 911 or KPD's non-emergency line at 865-215-4010. KPD may not send an officer to a minor crash with no injuries, so don't count on a police report.
  3. Exchange information. Get the other driver's name, phone, license number, plate, insurance company and policy number. Photograph their insurance card and license.
  4. Take photos. Photograph every vehicle from several angles, the road, traffic signs, skid marks and the weather. Wide shots matter as much as close-ups.
  5. Get witnesses. Ask anyone who stopped for a name and phone number.
  6. Don't argue fault. Stick to facts. Fault gets sorted out by the insurance companies.

Within a day

  1. Report the claim. Call your carrier's claim line (it's on your ID card), or call us and we'll help you start it. You can also report it on our claims page.
  2. See a doctor if you're sore or hurt at all. Some injuries show up a day or two later.
  3. Keep receipts for towing, rental cars and medical visits.

Within 20 days: Tennessee's crash report rule

Tennessee requires a written Owner/Operator report to the Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days if a crash caused injury or death, more than $1,500 in property damage, or more than $400 in damage to government property. This applies regardless of fault and on top of any police report. Missing the deadline can lead to a suspended license and registration. Your insurance claim often handles this, but ask to be sure.

Coverage that makes the week after easier

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: pays you when the other driver has no insurance or too little
  • Rental reimbursement: a few dollars a month for a rental while your car is in the shop
  • Roadside and towing
  • Collision deductible you can actually afford to pay tomorrow

Not sure what's on your policy? Snap a photo of your declarations page and send it to us for a free review.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to call the police after a minor accident in Knoxville?

Tennessee law requires you to immediately notify police of a crash involving injury, death or property damage over $50. Call 911 or KPD's non-emergency line. KPD may not send an officer to a minor, non-injury crash, but the call still counts.

How long do I have to report an accident in Tennessee?

A written Owner/Operator report is due to the Department of Safety within 20 days for crashes with injury, death, more than $1,500 in property damage or more than $400 in damage to government property. Report the claim to your insurance company right away.

Related coverage

Auto insurance · File a claim · How to lower your insurance rates

Need help with a claim?

Call us at (865) 687-5140, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5, or report it on our claims page.

Chaz Goodin