No one expects another driver to flee after a collision, and when it happens, it can leave you feeling infuriated and defeated. There can be multiple reasons a person leaves the scene of an accident, but it is an illegal act that can leave a victim in a vulnerable position. Aside from leaving a victim in need of immediate medical attention, someone who commits a hit and run usually creates a great financial strain on the other driver. If you can identify the driver who absconded, you may be able to hold them responsible for causing your injuries.
Let a Nashville hit and run accident lawyer from Ben Crump Law, PLLC handle your case while you recover from your injuries and spend time with your family. For a free case evaluation, call (844) 730-0233. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, and we do not shy away from tough cases. We can investigate your case and aim to help identify the driver and bring them to justice.
Insurance Laws in Tennessee
One of the possible reasons some people flee the scene of an accident, regardless of where the fault lies, is if they lack insurance coverage. According to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, drivers in the state must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage for personal injury protection. If someone chooses to drive without insurance, they can receive a fine or even lose their driving privileges.
Despite this law, some people will still choose to drive uninsured, which may motivate them to leave the scene after an accident.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and runs lawyer serving Nashville, call (844) 730-0233
When Police Become Involved
Another possible reason a hit and run can occur is that a fleeing driver does not want to face the police, whether because they do not want to face responsibility for the crash or for another reason unrelated to the collision. When an accident causes a certain amount of property damage or injuries, you must call the police and report the crash. Some drivers may be actively avoiding a warrant for their arrest or a lack of registration for their vehicles.
Even though a driver can face criminal charges for a hit and run if they are caught, they may find the prospect of an interaction with authorities too risky. Their reasoning is akin to flight or fight, and they may simply be reacting to the shock of the accident. However, this is still not a good excuse to flee the scene of an accident.
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Investigating a Hit and Run
When a hit and run occurs, the police will investigate, which may help reveal the identity of the driver who fled. They may review camera footage from intersections or interview eyewitnesses to try to track down the driver. If you are able to identify the driver, you can pursue them for compensation for your losses.
A Nashville hit and run accident lawyer can help you investigate the accident, assign liability to the other driver, and represent you in court if needed.
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Potential Compensation in Hit and Run Cases
Your compensation from an accident always depends on the extent of your losses and where liability for the accident lies. Supposing a negligent driver hit you and fled, their criminal offense would be addressed in a separate case, but it could also serve to establish liability in your civil pursuit. If you can identify the driver who fled, you may pursue a variety of forms of compensation, including:
- Compensation for medical care expenses, including hospital bills and rehabilitative care
- Lost wages from your time away from work
- Pain and suffering resulting from your injuries
If you lost a loved one in the hit and run accident, you may also qualify to pursue a wrongful death claim. A Nashville hit and run accident attorney may be able to help you fight for fair compensation when negotiating with insurers.
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How an Attorney May Be Able to Help
Aside from investigating an accident and negotiating with insurers, a lawyer can represent you at trial. If they cannot reach a fair settlement with the other party, they will not be afraid to fight for a fair court-awarded offer at trial.
Additionally, some law firms offer free case reviews and work on a contingency-fee-basis. This enables victims to get the investigation started and seek the compensation they deserve without any upfront costs.
Consider a Nashville Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
The weeks following an accident can be a trying time for victims who suffered injuries and losses. They are trying to sort out their legal and financial affairs while feeling physically drained from their injuries. They deserve to recover with peace of mind.
One of the potential advantages of hiring a lawyer is that it allows you to focus on healing your injuries and spending time with your family while also pursuing compensation. The sooner you reach out to a legal professional, the sooner a lawyer may be able to begin working on your case.
You do not have forever to bring a lawsuit against a hit and run driver. Even in this situation, your personal injury lawsuit will be subject to Tennessee’s statute of limitations, which only allows one year from the date of the accident (TN Code § 28-3-104). This is not much time to investigate, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurers; therefore, the sooner you reach out for legal representation, the sooner you can take legal action.
Ben Crump Law, PLLC can handle your case so that you can return to spending time with your family and healing your injuries. Give us a call at (844) 730-0233, and we can give you a free consultation in which you tell us about your accident.
You do not need to suffer for someone else’s negligence without taking action. Call us today to see how a Nashville hit and run accident lawyer may be able to help you.
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