Chattanooga Hit & Run Accident Lawyer

Legal Obligations After a Car Accident in Tennessee

By Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-10-101, if you are involved in a car accident that results in injury, death, or property damage, you are legally obligated to stop at the accident scene.

Upon stopping at the scene, you must provide your name, address, vehicle registration number, and insurance information to the other parties involved in the accident. If requested, you must also show your driver's license.

Additionally, you are expected to render reasonable assistance if someone is injured in the accident. This may include calling for medical help or performing basic first aid–if qualified–while waiting for medical professionals to arrive.

In cases involving injury, death, or property damage, you must promptly report the accident to law enforcement authorities. The report should be made to the local police department, county sheriff, or the Tennessee Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident occurred.

Fleeing the scene of an accident in Tennessee can result in criminal charges and penalties. The severity of the penalties can vary depending on the circumstances of the accident. Penalties may include fines, probation, suspension or revocation of your driver's license, and even imprisonment.

Steps to Take After a Hit & Run Accident in Tennessee

Recovering compensation in a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Here are the steps you should take if you find yourself in this situation:

• Ensure Safety: First and foremost, prioritize safety. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and if necessary, seek immediate medical attention. Also, move to a safe location if your vehicle is obstructing traffic.
• Contact the Police: Report the hit-and-run accident immediately to the local law enforcement agency. Provide them with all the details you can remember about the accident, including the other vehicle's make, model, color, license plate number (even a partial plate number can help), and the direction in which it fled. Assist the police with their investigation to the best of your ability. If they locate the hit-and-run driver, pursuing compensation through a civil claim will be easier.
• Gather Evidence: At the scene, gather as much evidence as possible. This includes taking photographs of your damaged vehicle, the accident scene, and any visible tire marks or debris. Collect the contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your auto insurance company to report the hit-and-run. You must provide them with the police report and evidence you've gathered. Remember that your insurance policy may have specific requirements and time limits for reporting such incidents.
• Consult an Attorney: Consider consulting a personal injury attorney specializing in hit-and-run accidents. They can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with your insurance company, and potentially identify the responsible party if they are apprehended later.
• Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you don't feel injured immediately, seeking medical attention after the accident is crucial. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms until later, and documenting your injuries is essential for your claim.

Remember, uninsured motorist coverage can help compensate you for injuries and damages if the at-fault driver is uninsured or cannot be identified in a hit-and-run situation. In Tennessee, this coverage is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you may consider filing a civil lawsuit against them to recover damages not covered by your insurance, such as pain and suffering or punitive damages.

Types of Damages Available in Hit & Run Accidents

If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee, you may be eligible to claim various types of damages to recover your losses, which can include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past medical bills and future healthcare costs related to injuries sustained in the accident, such as emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation therapies.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries hinder your ability to work, you can pursue compensation for the income you lost during your recovery and any future earnings you may forfeit.
• Pain and Suffering: You have the right to seek damages for the physical pain and emotional anguish resulting from the accident, which may encompass issues like anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life.
• Damage to Property: This refers to the financial impact of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal belongings harmed during the accident.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the hit-and-run driver's conduct is found to be particularly negligent or reckless, the court may impose punitive damages to penalize the driver and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Recognizing the various forms of damages that can be claimed is crucial for victims as they pursue just compensation and work towards recovery following a hit-and-run accident.

Statute of Limitations for Hit & Run Claims in Tennessee

In Tennessee, the time limit to file a personal injury claim related to a hit-and-run accident is typically one year from the incident date. This one-year statute of limitations means that if you do not take legal action within this period, you may lose the opportunity to claim damages.

To protect your rights, begin the process as soon as possible. This includes gathering evidence, documenting your injuries, and consulting with a qualified attorney who can guide you through the legal requirements and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines. Being proactive about these time constraints is critical to achieving justice and securing compensation for your losses after a hit-and-run accident.

Contact Our Chattanooga Hit & Run Accident Attorney Today

Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be a daunting experience, but you don’t have to face it by yourself. Knowing your rights and the options available for compensation is crucial for your recovery. The Hamilton Firm LLC is dedicated to assisting victims of hit-and-run incidents in Chattanooga in their pursuit of justice and fair compensation. If you or someone you care about has been impacted by a hit-and-run accident, we encourage you to contact our knowledgeable legal team. We will advocate for your rights and help you access the support necessary to rebuild your life.

Contact The Hamilton Firm today to meet with our hit & run accident lawyer in Chattanooga!