The aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can leave you stunned and confused. However, you may immediately start worrying about contacting law enforcement. This is a good thing since you will need to make a report about the accident.
According to FindLaw, the Tennessee Code Annotated explains when you need to make an accident report in specific situations.
Property damage
If you have a minor accident that results only in damage to vehicles or other property, you will need to determine how minor it is. If the damage is under $50, you do not have to make any report.
However, if the damage is over $50, you will have to make a report with local law enforcement. You can also file your report with the sheriff in the county in which the accident occurs or any State Highway Patrol post.
If you have damage amounting to over $400, there are different rules. You have 20 days in which to make a report with the Division of Safety.
Other accidents
Accidents with injuries or the loss of life have stricter reporting requirements. For injury-only accidents where nobody has lost his or her life, you will need to contact law enforcement immediately. You also must ensure your report gets to the Division of Safety within 20 days if you must submit it yourself.
In the event of a fatality, you need to contact emergency services right away, which bring law enforcement to the scene. An officer will make a report. You may also have to complete a report. If you are submitting the documentation to the Department of Safety, you must do so within 20 days.
It is essential to always check if you must make an accident report. You could face some legal issues if the law requires a report and you do not submit it on time.