How to Recover Compensation After a Nashville Hit-and-Run
A driver who leaves the scene of an accident without exchanging information, waiting for the police, or rendering aid is guilty of a hit and run. In Tennessee, a hit-and-run accident can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, with felony charges being implemented if serious injury or death occurs. Failing to follow the law in a moment of panic makes you no less criminally liable.
As an injured party, it can often be more difficult to recover for your losses if the other driver is never found. At Raybin & Weissman, our car accident attorneys are dedicated to assisting victims of hit-and-run accidents. If you or a loved one has been subject to a hit-and-run accident, our legal team is ready to recover the entirety of damages owed to you.
When Should a Motorist Call the Police After an Accident?
Under Tennessee law, any driver involved in an accident that results in injuries, fatalities, or exceeding $1,500 in property damage must report the incident to the police. The driver is required to remain at the scene of the accident until law enforcement arrives. Failing to follow any of the state-mandated duties after a motor vehicle crash qualifies as a hit-and-run offense in the Volunteer State. These duties are required whether you are at fault.
Exchanging Contact Information and Providing Medical Aid
To better understand what constitutes a hit and run, you must know what duties are assigned to drivers under Tennessee law. Following an accident, drivers are required to stop as close to the accident scene as possible, obstructing traffic as little as possible. If the driver hits a parked car, they should wait to see if the other driver shows up or leave a written note on their vehicle providing their contact information and an explanation of what happened.
Motorists involved in any accident that results in death, injuries, or vehicle damage must provide their full name, address, and vehicle registration number. If requested, they must also show their driver’s license. Additionally, aid must be provided for anyone who requires or requests medical assistance.
Rendering aid may be providing physical assistance or calling for an ambulance. If you unintentionally injure while providing aid (with evidence indicating that you were acting in “good faith”), then you are immune to liability under the state’s Good Samaritan Law. A fleeing driver who fails to comply with the law will be charged with a Class E felony if they knew or should have been aware of any fatalities.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Tennessee drivers are required to carry $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 in property damage coverage. Unfortunately, many drivers do not comply with the law, making a collision a financial nightmare for all involved. By purchasing underinsured/uninsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, you can ease the economic toll of an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist or if the other driver is never located (as is common in hit-and-run accidents).
If you do not have UM/UIM coverage, then you may consider filing a collision coverage claim (for vehicle damage) or your health insurance for your medical expenses. If you have questions regarding the specifics of your auto insurance policy, you should speak with a Nashville car accident lawyer.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After a Hit and Run?
The law’s main objective is to help individuals become “whole” again following a personal injury. Whereas the police will pursue an investigation to find the driver who left the scene of the accident, we want to ensure that you are financially comfortable. At Raybin & Weissman, our Nashville car accident attorneys will collect and quantify your damages to discern the total worth of your accident case. By handling the insurance claims process on your behalf, you can give all your energy to making a complete physical recovery.
Contact a Nashville Car Accident Attorney Today
As the victim of a hit and run, you deserve fair compensation for your hardship. While you hope that law enforcement will catch the fleeing driver, you cannot rely on this. At Raybin & Weissman, our legal team has helped countless drivers impacted by hit-and-run collisions. Let us put our skills and knowledge to work for you. To get started, contact us online or by calling (615) 256-6666 to arrange your free consultation.