What to Do and Not to Do | Knoxville Car Accident Lawyer The Hartsoe Law Firm

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What to Do and Not to Do

Once you are out of harm’s way (off the side of a freeway, for example), collect the following information about the drivers/owners of the other vehicles involved:

each driver’s name, address, and phone number
the name of the insurance company and the policy number for each driver
each driver’s driver license number
the license plate of each vehicle involved

Jot down a description of each car involved (including make, model, year, and color).

Jot down a description of the accident scene and of what happened right before the accident.

Jot down the time of day and the weather and road conditions where the accident occurred.

Gather and write down the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses who may have observed the accident.

If you have a camera (perhaps on your cell phone), take pictures of the accident scene.

File an accident report.

If you are contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the other party’s insurance company, decline to provide a statement until you’ve discussed your case with an experienced Tennessee car accident attorney.

Discuss the accident with your own insurance agent, lawyer, or the police, rather than the potential defendant’s insurance company.

Don’t accept a premature offer of settlement: following a car accident, the full extent of your injuries may not become apparent right away, but an early settlement may keep you from seeking compensation for all the past and future harm related to the accident.

Seek a complete medical evaluation and follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctors.

Keep copies of all your medical bills.

If possible, take notes about the physical and emotional effects of the accident on you and your family members.

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I was on my way to Atlanta and a huge truck rear-ended me and knocked me off the side of the road. I was scared. Didn’t know what to do. I tried working with the insurance company. They are just difficult to work with. I had to call somebody to take care of me. So, My brother told me to call Mark Hartsoe. As soon as I called Mark Hartsoe, he let me know real quick that everything was going to be okay and that he would take care of everything. And, he did. He got me a great settlement. He took the worry off of me. Mickey Anderson

I was hit coming home late at night by a drunk driver who took off. And the next day I was able to track down his vehicle and get the state police involved. At that point, a family friend recommended that I talk to Mark Hartsoe. Pretty much at that point, Mark handled the police, the insurance company and the guy who hit me. Settled with the actual person that hit me. Outside of that, everything came out great. Did not have to go to court. Got a great settlement. Got my car replaced. Got a check. Mark Hartsoe is my lawyer. Nate Holder

I was involved in a motorcycle accident. It was a head-on collision. I broke my arm, injured by knee. I was out of work for a long time and had medical bills, other expenses. A personal friend handed me a card for Mark Hartsoe. I called Mark Hartsoe from the side of the road and he took care of everything. My case was settled out of court. I received a great settlement. Bike was totaled, motorcycle was replaced. It was easy, painless. About as painless as something like this can be. This is why my lawyer is Mark Hartsoe. John Lusinger

I wanted to thank you for the excellent representation and your ability to handle the situation so well with such compassion and strength. We appreciate all of your help, concern and for answering my many questions. It has been a difficult road to travel but when we come across people like you, it really helps to lighten the load. We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate what you’ve done and your ability to handle the situation so well. S. Carter

Thank you so much for all the work you did on our case. We received more than we expected. You were great through the whole time from the first meeting until the last. Thank you so very much. Sam & Judy Kachar

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