How to File an Accident Report in Tennessee

Each year, nearly 150 million injured individuals visit emergency rooms across the United States, often for preventable injuries caused by someone else. As a Tennessee car accident lawyer serving Johnson City and the surrounding communities for over two decades, firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt has helped countless injured victims file an accident report in Tennessee.  He has also recovered millions of dollars in compensation for injured clients and the families of wrongful death victims.

Do I Need to File an Accident Report in Tennessee?

If you (or a loved one) were involved in an automobile accident in Tennessee, you might be wondering whether you are required to file an accident report. Under Tennessee law, drivers and vehicle owners are required to report most accidents that occur within the state.

If you have car accident questions, need assistance reporting an accident, or would like to file a claim for damages, we urge you to call our office to schedule a free consultation with experienced Tennessee car accident lawyer Mark Hurt. At Mark Hurt Law Firm, our dedicated team represents injured victims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we are only entitled to a fee if we recover compensation.

We also invite you to read the following article to learn more about Tennessee car accident reporting requirements.

Consequences of Failing to File a Report in Tennessee

Failing to file an accident report in Tennessee can lead to serious consequences, both legally and financially. Drivers who neglect to submit the required Owner/Driver Report within the 20-day deadline may face license suspension by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. In addition, failing to document the incident properly can make it difficult to file an insurance claim or recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Insurance companies often require proof of accident details, such as date, location, and fault, and a missing report can severely undermine your case. If you’re ever unsure whether a crash needs to be reported, it’s better to err on the side of caution and file promptly.

Who Is Required to File a Car Accident Report in Tennessee?

When a car, truck, or motorcycle accident causes only minor damage, filing an accident report may seem unnecessary, especially in cases where insurance companies are not involved. However, Tennessee has strict legal requirements regarding car accident reporting.

A Tennessee automobile accident must be reported to law enforcement if:

• Any person is injured or killed;
• Property damage exceeds $50; or
• Your insurance policy requires you to notify authorities.

Individuals are also required to separately file an Owner/Driver Accident Report if:

• Any person is injured or killed; or
• Property damage exceeds $400.

Reporting an accident is not based on liability, meaning that a report must be submitted regardless of who was at fault for a collision. This applies even if an investigating officer creates their own report.

What to Collect at the Scene of a Tennessee Car Accident

To properly file your Owner/Driver Report and strengthen your injury claim, you’ll want to gather the following key information before leaving the scene:

• Driver Details
  Get the full names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license numbers, and insurance info of everyone involved in the crash.
  
• Vehicle Information
  Record the make, model, color, and license plate of each vehicle. Note visible damage to each car, including location and severity.
  
• Photos of the Scene
  Use your phone to take wide shots and close-ups. Include damage, the position of vehicles, traffic signals, road conditions, and any skid marks or debris.
  
• Eyewitnesses
  If anyone saw the crash happen, ask for their name and contact info. If they’re willing, write down or record a quick statement from them.
  
• Environmental Details
  Jot down the date, time, location (intersection or nearest landmark), weather conditions, lighting, and anything else that might have contributed to the accident.
  
• Your Own Notes
  As soon as possible, write down what you remember: how the crash happened, what each driver said, and any relevant actions or reactions.

How Do I Report a Car Accident or Truck Collision in Tennessee?

In accordance with Tennessee law, nearly every car accident, even minor incidents, should be reported to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDSHS) by submitting a written Owner/Driver Report within twenty days from the date of a crash.

If you are required to notify authorities about a car accident, you must fill out a physical reporting form and mail it to the following:

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security
P.O. Box 945
Nashville, TN 37202

Should I Notify the Police If I Am Involved in a Car Accident in Tennessee?

While reporting a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle accident to law enforcement is required by law in most cases, it can also be highly beneficial, as it typically leads to the creation of a police accident report, which is often a crucial element in documenting subsequent claims.

Police reports contain a wealth of pertinent details and vital information which can be used to substantiate a claim for maximum compensation, such as:

• Time, date, and location of an accident
• Contact and insurance information of all involved parties
• Eyewitness contact information
• Eyewitness statements
• Statements from involved parties
• Types of vehicles and damages caused by a collision
• Information regarding the scene (e.g., road, lighting, and weather conditions)
• Citations
• Toxicology results
• Official opinions regarding the cause of an accident

How Accident Reports Strengthen Injury Claims

Accident reports play a vital role in strengthening personal injury claims by providing an objective, time-stamped account of the incident. Police reports often include details that insurance adjusters and courts rely on, such as witness statements, officer observations, citations issued, and diagrams of the crash scene. These reports help establish fault and causation, both of which are essential in pursuing compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Even if the report does not assign blame directly, it creates a foundation of facts that your attorney can use to build a compelling case on your behalf.

How Can I Request a Police Report for a Tennessee Car Accident?

A police report for a car accident can be requested online, in person, or by mail by completing the following steps:

• Online Request. Purchase a crash report for $10 with a credit card at Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security.

• THP District Office In-Person Request. Individuals can obtain a Crash Report for a fee of $4 at a Tennessee Highway Patrol (“THP”) District Office. The reports are generally available seven days after the date of the crash.

• Mail Request. Crash reports can also be requested by mail by sending a $4 cashier’s check, money order, or personal/business check and a return address to the following address:

Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security
Financial Responsibility Division
P.O. Box 945
Nashville, TN 37202-0945

Understanding the Difference Between a Police Report and the Owner/Driver Report

It’s important to understand that the police report and the Owner/Driver Report serve distinct purposes in Tennessee’s car accident reporting process. A police report is generated by the responding officer at the scene and typically includes official assessments of what occurred, citations issued, and statements from those involved. On the other hand, the Owner/Driver Report is a separate form that the driver is legally required to file with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security—regardless of whether a police officer already created a report. This self-submitted form ensures that the state has a record of the crash and is mandatory if injuries occurred or property damage exceeds $400. Failing to file this form could result in consequences even if a police report exists.

Tips for Reporting Accidents Involving Out-of-State Drivers or Rental Cars

Accidents involving out-of-state drivers or rental vehicles may require additional steps during the reporting process. If the at-fault party is from another state, you should still collect all relevant details at the scene and ensure both a police report and an Owner/Driver Report are filed. For rental cars, notify the rental company immediately, as they may have specific reporting protocols and insurance arrangements that differ from standard auto policies. Be sure to document the rental agreement, take detailed photos, and note any out-of-state license plates or non-resident insurance carriers involved. These cases often involve multi-jurisdictional insurance considerations, making it even more critical to have thorough documentation and legal guidance from an experienced Tennessee accident attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Tennessee Car Accident Attorney.

Car accidents can be challenging due to significant injuries, unexpected medical expenses, lost wages, and other significant losses. These obstacles can become even more overwhelming when an individual is also tasked with completing Tennessee’s strict car accident reporting requirements.

If you or a loved one was involved in an automobile accident, we can help ease your burden by monitoring critical reporting deadlines, requesting reports, and making legal filings. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with experienced Tennessee crash report lawyer Mark Hurt. Mark can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and tenaciously fight in seeking the justice and maximum compensation you deserve.