What to do after a crash

Key points

1. Drivers in a crash must stop at or as close to the scene as possible without blocking traffic.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “The law requires drivers of vehicles involved in a crash to stop immediately at the scene, or as close to the scene as possible without obstructing traffic.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

2. Turn off the ignition to prevent fire; if the car is burning, help people out and away from it.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “Turn off the ignition in the damaged vehicle to prevent a fire. If the car is on fire, help the people out and take them away from the vehicle to prevent further injury in case of an explosion.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

3. Immediately notify police of any crash with death, injury or property damage over $50.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “Drivers must immediately notify the local police department if the crash occurs within a municipality, otherwise to the County Sheriff’s office or the nearest Tennessee Highway Patrol, of any crash involving death, injury or property damage over fifty dollars ($50).”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

4. A crash with injury, death or over $400 damage to one person's property must be reported to the Department of Safety.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “These include any crash within this state in which any person is killed or injured, or in which damage to the property of any one person, including oneself, is in excess of four hundred dollars ($400).”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

5. The owner or driver must file an Owner/Driver Report within 20 days.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “must file an Owner/Driver Report of the crash to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

6. On the interstate, if the car still drives and no one is seriously hurt, you may move it to the emergency lane.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “If you are involved in a traffic crash on the interstate, Tennessee law allows you to move the vehicle to prevent blocking the traffic flow. If the vehicle is still drivable and there are NO SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURIES or deaths, you may pull the vehicle(s) to the emergency lane”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

7. Do not move an injured person unless you are trained or there is immediate danger such as fire.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “Do not attempt to move an injured person from a wrecked vehicle unless you have the necessary medical or rescue training or there is an immediate danger such as fire.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

8. Exchange names, addresses, license numbers and plate numbers with others in the crash.

   Source: Handbook p. 89

   “Exchange information with other persons involved in the crash as soon as possible. Be sure to get the following information: • name, address and driver’s license number of other drivers; • license plate numbers of other vehicles;”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 89

9. If your help is not needed at a crash, slowly continue on so you do not get in the way of police and rescue.

   Source: Handbook p. 90

   “If you are not professionally trained to render aid, slowly continue on in your vehicle so not to interfere with the arrival of police and emergency medical and fire/rescue services.”
   Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 90

10. A suspended or revoked license must be turned in to the Department of Safety within 20 days.

    Source: Handbook p. 85

    “Whenever a driver license is suspended or revoked, it must be turned in to the Department of Safety within 20 days of the suspension or revocation.”
    Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Handbook p. 85

Numbers to know

3 questions from the Tennessee practice test

1. 1. After a crash in which a vehicle is on fire, what should people in the vehicle do?

   1. Remain inside until the flames reach the passenger compartment
   2. Move the vehicle farther into traffic before getting out
   3. Stand behind the vehicle while the engine continues running
   4. Leave the vehicle and move away from it
   Show answer

   Leave the vehicle and move away from it. A fire creates a risk of further injury and possible explosion, so occupants should be helped out and moved away from the vehicle. Remaining inside delays escape, and placing people behind the vehicle does not create a dependable safe area. Moving a burning vehicle into traffic adds danger to everyone nearby. Call emergency services, warn approaching traffic if it can be done safely, and stay clear of smoke and flames.

2. 2. When a Tennessee driver license is suspended or revoked, within how many days must it be turned in to the Department of Safety?

   1. Within 90 days
   2. Within 48 hours
   3. Within 20 days
   4. It never has to be surrendered
   Show answer

   Within 20 days. A suspension or revocation is not complete until the physical card is back with the state. Tennessee gives the driver 20 days to turn the license in to the Department of Safety. Forty eight hours is the kind of window used for crash reporting elsewhere, and ninety days is far longer than the state allows. Keeping the card is not an option; holding a suspended license invites an additional charge if you are stopped. Send it in promptly and keep proof of the date.

3. 3. Whose directions must drivers obey even when those directions differ from a traffic signal?

   1. Only another driver who has a vehicle larger than yours
   2. No one, because the signal always controls
   3. Only a passenger who is familiar with the road
   4. A law enforcement officer, highway worker, or school crossing guard controlling traffic
   Show answer

   A law enforcement officer, highway worker, or school crossing guard controlling traffic. Traffic control may be provided by authorized people as well as by signs and signals. A law enforcement officer, highway construction person, or school crossing guard may direct traffic, and drivers must follow that direction even when the light or sign appears to say something else. The size of another vehicle and a passenger's opinion have no controlling authority. Slow down, identify the person giving directions, and comply smoothly. This rule prevents a driver from following a signal into a work area or crossing movement being managed by a person.

Source: the Tennessee Comprehensive Driver License Manual, Section B-8: Driving Responsibilities. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.