Being involved in a car accident on Bernard Street in Knoxville is a disorienting and frightening experience. The moments immediately after a crash are critical, both for your physical safety and for protecting your legal rights. Tennessee law places specific obligations on drivers after an accident, and making the wrong move early on can harm your insurance claim or personal injury case. At OEB Law, our Knoxville-based attorneys have helped thousands of accident victims navigate these exact situations since our founding in 2004. In this blog post, Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod discusses what to do immediately after a car accident on Bernard Street in Knoxville.
Key Takeaways
- Your safety comes first: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 before doing anything else.
- Tennessee law requires reporting: You must report accidents involving injury or property damage exceeding $1,500.
- Do not admit fault: Avoid speaking to the other driver’s insurance company without first consulting an attorney.
- You have one year to file a lawsuit: In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just one year, but critical evidence can disappear much faster.
After a car accident on Bernard Street in Knoxville, your first steps are to ensure everyone’s safety, call 911, exchange information with the other driver, document the scene with photos, seek medical attention promptly, and contact a Knoxville personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance company. Tennessee is a fault-based insurance state, meaning the at-fault driver’s insurer is responsible for your damages. Your actions in the first 24 hours can significantly affect your claim, so protecting your rights from the start is essential for a fair recovery.
To Discuss Your Case, Call or Text Our Team Standing By 24/7: (865) 546-1111
About OEB Law, Your Knoxville Legal Team
This guide is provided by the experienced attorneys at OEB Law, led by Managing Attorney Timothy G. Elrod. Founded in Knoxville in 2004, our firm has over 50 years of combined experience navigating East Tennessee’s legal system.
We have successfully represented thousands of personal injury clients, developing deep expertise in Tennessee’s complex wrongful death and accident laws. As East Tennessee natives, we have a direct understanding of the local court systems, law enforcement agencies, and community needs. Our commitment is to provide trusted, authoritative information to our neighbors in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee communities. However, this information does not constitute legal advice. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or needs legal help, call us today for a free, no obligation, initial consultation.
Immediate Steps After a Car Accident on Bernard Street
- Move to safety (pull off road, turn on hazards)
- Call 911 (request police and ambulance if needed)
- Exchange information (name, license, insurance, plate number)
- Document the scene (photos of damage, road conditions, injuries, street signs)
- Gather witnesses (names and phone numbers)
- Do NOT admit fault or apologize
- Seek medical attention (UT Medical Center or urgent care — same day)
- File Tennessee Owner/Driver Report within 20 days if damage exceeds $1,500
- Contact OEB Law before speaking with any insurance adjuster
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if the accident involves injury or property damage, you should call 911. Under T.C.A. § 55-10-106, Tennessee law requires drivers to report accidents involving injury or significant property damage. The Knoxville Police Department responds to injury crashes on city streets like Bernard Street, though as of September 2022, KPD may not dispatch officers to minor non-injury crashes — in those cases, drivers should file an exchange of information and submit their own accident report.
A driver who leaves the scene of an accident on Bernard Street may be committing a hit-and-run under Tennessee law. You should call 911 immediately, note the vehicle description and direction of travel, and do not follow the other driver. Your own uninsured motorist coverage under T.C.A. § 56-7-1201 may provide compensation, and an attorney can help you pursue all available options.
KPD accident reports are typically available online through the Tennessee Safety portal within 5 to 10 business days. You will need your case number, which the responding officer provides at the scene. The report costs approximately $10 to $15 to access through the LexisNexis Tennessee portal.
Under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, Tennessee gives accident victims one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you are found to be less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000. Insurance adjusters actively try to assign victims a higher fault percentage to reduce payouts, which is why speaking with an attorney before giving any recorded statement is critical.
Tennessee law under T.C.A. § 56-7-1201 requires insurers to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, though drivers may reject it in writing. If the driver who hit you on Bernard Street has no insurance or insufficient coverage, your own UM/UIM policy may cover your damages. An OEB Law attorney can review your policy and identify all available sources of compensation.
Tennessee law encourages drivers to move vehicles out of traffic if the crash is minor, the cars are operable, and no one requires emergency assistance. This action helps prevent secondary accidents on active corridors like Bernard Street. However, if there are significant injuries, airbag deployments, or major damage, leave the vehicles in place until KPD arrives to document the scene. If you must move your vehicle for safety, take photos first to document the original positions of both cars relative to road markings and intersections.
Your First Actions at the Scene of a Bernard Street Accident
Bernard Street is an active city corridor in Knoxville, and remaining in the roadway after a crash creates a serious risk of secondary collisions. Your first priority is moving yourself and any passengers to a safe location, turning on your hazard lights, and calling 911. For any accident involving injury, call 911 directly. For non-injury crashes, the Knoxville Police Department's non-emergency line is (865) 215-4010.
Note that as of September 2022, KPD may not dispatch officers to minor non-injury crashes. In those situations, you will need to complete a self-report form and document the scene thoroughly on your own. Either way, gather the following from the other driver before leaving the scene:
- Full legal name and contact information
- Driver's license number
- Insurance carrier and policy number
- Vehicle license plate and VIN
Tennessee's modified comparative fault rule means that anything you say at the scene, including a simple "I'm sorry," can be used later to assign you a share of the blame. You should not admit fault under any circumstances.
What to Do If You Are Injured on Bernard Street
Seek medical attention the same day, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline commonly masks the pain of whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and traumatic brain injuries, which often appear 24 to 72 hours after a crash. UT Medical Center (1924 Alcoa Hwy) is the nearest Level I trauma center and is equipped to handle serious collision-related injuries. For non-emergency evaluation, several urgent care clinics operate along the corridor.
Same-day medical documentation is critical. It creates a direct, documented link between the accident and your injuries, which strengthens your personal injury claim significantly.
Tennessee Legal Requirements After a Car Accident
Tennessee is a fault-based insurance state, which means the at-fault driver's insurer is responsible for paying damages. However, understanding your specific legal obligations after a crash is essential. Many drivers are confused by conflicting information about reporting thresholds. Here is a clear breakdown:
| Situation | Required Action | Statute | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident with injury or death | Call 911 immediately | T.C.A. § 55-10-106 | Immediate |
| Property damage exceeds $1,500 | File Owner/Driver Report | T.C.A. § 55-10-107 | Within 20 days |
| Minor crash, no injury (post-Sept 2022) | KPD may not dispatch; self-report may apply | KPD Dispatch Policy | At scene |
| Hit and run | Call 911, document all available information | T.C.A. § 55-10-101 | Immediate |
| Personal injury lawsuit | Contact attorney; file before deadline | T.C.A. § 28-3-104 | Within 1 year |
Tennessee's modified comparative fault rule bars recovery entirely if you are found 50% or more at fault. Insurance adjusters are trained to use recorded statements to push that percentage higher. Do not provide any recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with an experienced car accident attorney.
"Insurance adjusters in Tennessee are trained to use your own words against you — especially in comparative fault cases. Before you give any recorded statement after a Bernard Street accident, call our office first. That one step can protect your entire claim." - Knoxville attorney Tim Elrod
How to File the Tennessee Owner/Driver Report
When property damage from your accident exceeds $1,500, Tennessee law requires you to file an Owner/Driver Report within 20 days. The form is available through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. Failing to file on time can delay your insurance claim and create complications for your personal injury case.
Documenting the Scene and Protecting Your Claim
Strong documentation from the scene of your Bernard Street accident can make or break your personal injury claim. Begin photographing immediately, before any vehicles are moved. Capture vehicle damage from multiple angles, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and the Bernard Street sign itself, which establishes your location clearly.
Additionally, take note of any nearby traffic cameras. TDOT and the City of Knoxville operate traffic monitoring equipment throughout the city. The retention period for this footage varies by location and system type, but you should contact the relevant agency immediately to preserve video evidence before it may be deleted. Bernard Street's proximity to residential neighborhoods and local businesses also means that bystanders are often available to serve as witnesses. Collect names and phone numbers at the scene.
- Photograph all vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Capture road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signals
- Document the Bernard Street sign and nearby intersections
- Collect witness names and contact information
- Avoid posting anything about the accident on social media
That last point deserves special emphasis. Insurers actively monitor Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms for posts that contradict injury claims. Even an innocent photo or comment can be used against you during settlement negotiations.
How to Get Your KPD Accident Report
Your KPD accident report is a foundational document for your insurance claim and any Knoxville personal injury claim you may file. Here is how to obtain it:
- Request it through the Tennessee Safety portal (LexisNexis system)
- The cost is approximately $10 to $15
- Allow 5 to 10 business days after the accident for availability
- You will need the case number the responding officer provides at the scene
Timothy G. Elrod has guided accident victims through this exact process for over two decades, helping clients across Knox County recover the documentation they need to build strong claims.
When to Contact a Knoxville Car Accident Attorney
The answer is simple: contact an attorney as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of the accident. Evidence fades quickly. Witnesses become harder to reach, and insurance companies begin building their defense from day one. Under T.C.A. § 28-3-104, Tennessee gives accident victims only one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, which is one of the shortest deadlines in the nation.
"The single biggest mistake I see Bernard Street accident victims make is waiting too long to call a lawyer. Evidence fades, witnesses become hard to find, and insurance companies use that time to build their defense. Call us the same day." - Tim Elrod
An attorney from our legal team can preserve evidence before it disappears, handle all communications with insurers on your behalf, and calculate the full value of your damages. OEB Law offers free, no-obligation consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. If you want a general sense of your claim's value, our car wreck settlement calculator can provide an estimate.
Tim Elrod and Timothy G. Elrod are recognized across multiple attorney directories for their decades of personal injury representation in East Tennessee. Do not wait to protect your rights.
Tennessee Car Accident Reporting Requirements
| Situation | Required Action | Tennessee Statute | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident with injury or death | Call 911 immediately | T.C.A. § 55-10-106 | Immediate |
| Property damage exceeds $1,500 | File Owner/Driver Report | T.C.A. § 55-10-107 | Within 20 days |
| Minor crash, no injury (post-Sept 2022) | KPD may not dispatch; self-report may apply | KPD Dispatch Policy | At scene |
| Hit and run by other driver | Call 911, document all available information | T.C.A. § 55-10-101 | Immediate |
| Filing a personal injury lawsuit | Contact attorney; file before deadline | T.C.A. § 28-3-104 | Within 1 year of accident |
Why Choose OEB Law for Your Bernard Street Car Accident Case
When you have been in a car accident on Bernard Street, you need an attorney who knows Knoxville, understands Knox County Circuit Court procedures, and is familiar with how local insurance adjusters operate. OEB Law has been serving Knoxville accident victims since 2004, building deep familiarity with KPD processes, local traffic patterns, and the tactics East Tennessee insurers use to minimize payouts. The firm's 5 Star Google Reviews reflect a consistent track record of responsive, results-driven representation. With our "You Don't Pay Unless We Win" promise, there is no financial risk in making the call to get the help you deserve.
Who is OEB Law and Why Are They Good for the Community?
Led by Managing Attorney Timothy G. Elrod and Our Experienced Legal Team
Founded in 2004 in Knoxville, Tennessee, OEB Law has grown over nearly two decades to now serve clients across multiple states. Tim Elrod established the firm with a simple but powerful mission: we care and we help people. Today, together with attorneys Michael Bernard, Billy Sivyer, Gena Lewis, and Logan Wade, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience representing clients throughout Tennessee and Kentucky in personal injury and criminal defense cases.
Our Legal Expertise
Our attorneys have built their reputation through:
- Successfully representing thousands of personal injury and criminal defense clients
- Developing specialized knowledge across all types of accident and injury cases
- Mastering the complexities of Tennessee's legal system through decades of practice
Why Trust Us
At OEB Law, our reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We've recovered significant compensation for our clients through both settlements and courtroom verdicts
- Client Satisfaction: Our numerous 5 Star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to responsive, caring, and effective legal representation
- No Fee Unless We Win: You don't pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation in your case
- Local Knowledge: As East Tennessee natives, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve
- Personalized Approach: We personalize each case to meet our clients' specific needs, ensuring you're never just another file number
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We proudly support:
- Local high school football programs through Rivalry Thursday sponsorships
- The Knoxville Ice Bears and community fundraising initiatives
- Numerous youth, student, and community organizations throughout East Tennessee
"We don't just take—we give back because the people you're giving back to are the people who are supporting your firm." - Tim Elrod
Have a personal injury or criminal defense case? We're available 24/7 to help.
Get In Touch
- Call or Text: (865) 546-1111
- Visit: https://oeblawtn.com/
- Available: Standing by 24/7
Why OEB Law? Because They're Good For The Community.
TEXT or CALL (865) 546-1111 for HELP NOW. Standing By 24/7.
Follow Us on Social Media
Stay connected with OEB Law for the latest Knoxville and East Tennessee legal insights, community updates, and important legal information. Follow us on X, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for exclusive content, client stories, and expert legal guidance from our team.
