After an accident, it’s common to want to “just explain what happened” to an adjuster. In practice, early conversations can create avoidable problems—especially when your injuries are still being evaluated.
Here’s what Oakland residents should do first:
- Get medical care promptly (even if symptoms seem mild at first). Some injuries show up later.
- Request the crash report and keep any incident numbers. Tennessee claims often turn on documentation.
- Write down what you remember while it’s fresh: traffic signals, vehicle description, direction of travel, and anything unusual (construction zones, glare, poor lighting).
- Collect witness information if possible—nearby residents, other pedestrians, or people who saw the impact.
- Take photos of the scene when it’s safe: crosswalk/sidewalk area, vehicle position, skid marks, debris, and traffic-control signage.
If you’re already speaking with insurance, don’t assume they’ll interpret your statements in your favor. A lawyer can help you respond without accidentally minimizing your injuries or strengthening a defense.


