Right now, your goal is to protect your health and preserve information that insurers and adjusters will scrutinize.
1) Get medical care—and make sure it’s documented. Even if you felt “okay” at the scene, symptoms can change. In Tennessee, your ability to connect the crash to your treatment typically depends on the medical record.
2) Capture scene details while they’re still there. If you can do so safely, photograph:
- Vehicle positions and lane placement
- Intersections, signals, and crosswalks
- Road debris, pavement issues, or construction-related hazards
- Damage to your bicycle and any personal safety gear
3) Write down what you remember before you talk to anyone. Don’t guess. Instead, note what you observed: where you were riding, what the other driver did, and how the crash unfolded.
4) Be cautious with insurance statements. After a crash, you may be asked to provide a recorded statement quickly. What you say can be used to minimize fault or question injury severity.


