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Can I Leave the Scene of an Accident if Nobody Else Was Involved?

October 24, 2024

Can I Leave the Scene of an Accident if Nobody Else Was Involved?

Author: David Weissman

The truth is that not all single-vehicle accidents like yours are caused by negligence on the part of the lone driver, which makes these cases less cut-and-dried than many people think. In Tennessee, if you are involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage over $50, you’re required to report the matter immediately to local law enforcement. If the damage exceeds $1,500 to private property (or $400 to government property), you must also file a report with the Department of Safety.

In other words, you shouldn’t leave the scene of the single-vehicle accident unless there was virtually no impact involved – such as if you ran off the road to avoid an animal but didn’t hit anything – and experienced virtually no property damage. Generally, notifying the authorities is not only required but is the right thing to do in relation to any potential claim that you may file at a later date. Discuss your situation with an experienced Nashville car accident attorney today.

When Another Party May Bear Liability

As mentioned, there are circumstances in which another party may be responsible for your losses in a single-vehicle accident.

A Poorly Maintained Road

The municipality responsible for a road’s maintenance may be found liable, if the accident was caused by the presence of any of the following when no warning is provided:

Cases involving governmental entities, however, are even more legally challenging, and having a well-informed car accident attorney in your corner can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim.

Another Driver

Just because another driver wasn’t directly involved in your single-car crash doesn’t mean that one can’t bear some or all responsibility for the accident. For example, if a drunk, aggressive, or distracted driver cuts you completely off and leaves you with no options other than hitting their vehicle or leaving the road, they may be found liable for the legal damages you suffered.

An Animal on the Road

If a deer flew directly in front of you out of nowhere, and your only options were hitting the animal head-on or leaving the road, the deer obviously can’t be held responsible for your losses, but the circumstances could mitigate your own liability in the matter. This can include a ticket that might otherwise be forthcoming or the way your claim is resolved by your own insurance provider.

Why Alerting the Authorities Is Important

As mentioned, you’re required to notify the authorities in most single-vehicle accidents, which should be reason enough to do so. It’s also important to note, however, that by calling the police, you help preserve evidence that could go on to support a claim against another driver or against the municipality responsible for the poorly maintained road. Further, the police may be better equipped to assess your need for medical care, which the shock and adrenaline you experience post-accident can mask.

A Nashville Car Accident Attorney Can Help

The skilled Nashville car accident attorneys at Raybin & Weissman dedicate their imposing practice to guiding challenging single-vehicle accident claims like yours toward advantageous resolutions, and we encourage you to reach out. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 615-256-6666 today.