There are many reasons motorists fail to stop after an accident as required by law. Some are drunk and possibly don’t even know if they hit anyone. Others have cancelled their car insurance or let coverage lapse and fear being financially responsible. Whatever their reasons, motorists hit the gas pedal and leave injured victims behind without a second thought.
Contact Dennis & Winningham today to speak with a Chattanooga, TN hit and run accident lawyer. We can discuss your legal options after a hit-and-run accident in a free consultation. Below, we discuss what steps to take to improve your chances of receiving compensation.
What to Do After a Hit and Run
Tennessee law requires that motorists stop after a crash. (T.C.A. § 55-10-101.) If you are involved in a hit and run in Tennessee, remember the following.
1. Note Critical Details about the Vehicle and Driver
It’s possible the police will be able to track down the hit and run driver if you can provide enough distinguishing details. Even if you only saw the car out of the corner of your eye, you might have seen enough to give the police a good lead.
For example, note the color and make of the car. Was it a green Toyota? A brown Ford pickup truck? The police can use this information when issuing a public bulletin about the hit and run accident.
Also note anything distinctive about the vehicle, such as one or two numbers from the license plate (if you saw it) or a blown headlight.
Also, note details about the motorist. You might have seen the driver for a split second. Tell the police the driver’s gender, race, hair color, or anything else.
2. Report the Hit and Run Accident to the Police
Don’t wait until you drive home. Call from the scene of the accident, if you can. An officer should come out and create a report.
3. Talk to Witnesses
There might be many people who saw the hit and run. For example, other motorists on the road might have seen the driver flee and stopped to help you. If you are hit in town, then pedestrians or people in nearby businesses could have seen the crash. These witnesses often have important information to share, which can aid in catching the driver.
Ask them what they saw, including whether they saw the vehicle. Another motorist might even have a dashcam installed, which could have captured the hit and run accident. We can ask the driver to share their video with us when making a claim.
4. Take Pictures of the Scene
You want photographs of your vehicle. Zoom in on dents and scrapes. Often, paint will smear off the car that hit you, which is how we can tell the color of the other vehicle.
Take photographs of the entire scene, including skid marks on the road. These photographs are helpful when it comes time to make a claim. Many of our clients file a claim with their uninsured motorist insurer, which can pay out compensation for a hit and run. But they won’t pay if they suspect you negligently crashed your own car.
5. Receive Medical Care
The above steps are important, but many people are in immediate pain after a crash. That’s understandable. If you can’t talk to witnesses or photograph the scene, we understand. Secure medical help immediately by asking someone to call an ambulance.
Otherwise, head to the hospital after finishing up with the police. A doctor can order imaging tests to identify internal injuries.
When to Consult a Tennessee Car Accident Lawyer
Ideally, the police will find the hit and run driver, which means you can then submit a claim on their liability insurer. Tennessee requires that all drivers carry at least $25,000 in liability coverage for each injured person (up to $50,000 per accident), along with $25,000 for property damage. Making an insurance claim is ideal.
But what can you do if the other driver is never found? You do have some options.
For example, you might submit a claim to your uninsured motorist insurer. A lawyer is a big benefit in these situations. UM insurance is still fault-based, and your insurer might reject a claim because they believe you crashed your own car due to fatigue or distraction.
We can also discuss other possible insurance, such as medical payments or collision coverage. Although less than ideal, these policies can provide some compensation.
Working with a lawyer to build a claim has many advantages. You can focus on getting better, and your lawyer can work on finding the at-fault motorist. For example, we might go around to nearby businesses and ask if they have security cameras. These cameras might have recorded the car that hit you, and a clear video still might show the license plate.
Call a Chattanooga Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
Hit and run accidents are shocking. Tennessee law clearly requires that motorists stop and render assistance. Naturally, victims feel outraged when a driver instead speeds away. Call Dennis & Winningham today to speak with our legal team. We see accountability from motorists whenever they crash into innocent people. Our legal team can discuss in greater detail what to do after a hit and run, as well as answer your questions. Call us today at 423-719-7564. We have provided legal help to those in the 37411 zip code and surrounding communities for decades.
