Back in 2021, a total of 39,508 fatal motor vehicle accidents were reported in the United States. Over 42,000 people lost their lives in these accidents. That means in 2021, the US saw almost 13 road accident deaths for every 100,000 people.
The fatality rate varied from state to state. This rate ranged from 5.7 per 100,000 people in Rhode Island to 26.2 per 100,000 people in Mississippi. Over the years, this rate has increased in many parts of the US. One such area that has seen a drastic increase in road accidents is Rutherford County, Tennessee.
In 2021, Rutherford saw a total of 9,956 traffic accidents. Of all these accidents, 2,402 people were injured, and 30 lost their lives. A year later, in 2022, the number of road accidents in Rutherford crossed the 10,000 mark. That year, 37 people lost their lives in road accidents. Recently, the city of Murfreesboro in Rutherford, TN, has been witnessing a concerning surge in road accidents.
An Overview of the Situation in Murfreesboro, TN
On June 11, 2023, a few people were injured in a three-way car accident in Murfreesboro, which is now being seen as a typical hit-and-run case. A few days before that, a road accident in the city forced the temporary shutdown of Joe B. Jackson Parkway. Back in April of this year, a road rage incident over there claimed the life of a 34-year-old man.
Needless to say, the situation in Murfreesboro, TN, is dire. If you’re a resident of this city, you must be very careful on the roads. You must also be aware of how to deal with the legal side of things if you’re ever involved in an auto accident. In case you don’t, here’s what you should know.
Call the Police First
The first and most important thing to do is to call the police right after the accident or crash. If you’re unable to do so and need medical attention first, ask someone at the scene to do it on your behalf if you can. The police will be there to note down accurate details about the incident. The police report will be an official document that will outline the circumstances surrounding the incident. If necessary, the police will look into CCTV footage as well as interrogate eyewitnesses present at the scene.
Document the Scene Yourself
If you’re not badly injured or need urgent medical care, try to document the scene by yourself as much as possible. Take photographs of the vehicles involved in the accident, especially yours. Take pictures of any visible injuries as well. Once done, collect the contact information of the other driver(s) involved in the crash as well as witnesses who can help provide statements later on.
Get in Touch with an Attorney
Get in touch with experienced attorneys in Murfreesboro, TN, whose practice areas involve personal injury cases. A personal injury lawyer can help their clients seek compensation for damages related to the accident. From medical bills and vehicle repair costs to lost income as well as mental trauma, you might be entitled to receive compensation for several reasons, and your attorney can help you manage all that.
According to Murfreesboro’s Hudson, Reed & Christiansen, the lawyers you work with will do their best to ensure a settlement of your case. However, the case might go to trial, but even then, you shouldn’t worry because your lawyers will be there to support your claim in court too.
Preserve the Evidence
Keep copies of the photographs for yourself as well as medical records and police reports. You should also keep a copy of your insurance correspondence and any other relevant documentation related to the accident.
The evidence will be needed to support your claim and establish liability later on. Unless you can provide evidence from your end, it might become difficult for you to back your credibility with just words.
Keep Your Insurance Company in the Loop
Contact your insurance provider to report the accident, preferably on the same day. Give them accurate information regarding what happened and how, and what type of damage you’re having to deal with.
When discussing the accident with your insurance representatives, be cautious. Anything you say could be used against you later and can also weaken your insurance claims.
Legal battles can be exhausting, but as long as you know how to approach them, things tend to feel a lot easier. Plus, if you have all the evidence to support your claim and the right lawyers by your side, you have nothing to worry about. Rest assured, you will be compensated for the damages you incurred due to the auto accident.
Source: Hudson Reeve & Christiansen PLLC
