Tennessee Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer

Tennessee Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer: Seeking Justice for Victims

A Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer is essential when you’ve been injured in a collision caused by a driver who fled the scene. These types of accidents can leave victims feeling frustrated, confused, and often without clear recourse for their injuries. At Tennessee Accident Law, a Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer is committed to fighting for the rights of hit-and-run victims, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 615-212-9866 to get the legal help you need.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver causes a collision but then leaves the scene without providing their information or helping those involved. This type of accident can happen for various reasons, including drunk driving, driving without insurance, or the fear of legal consequences. Unfortunately, it often complicates the victim’s ability to seek proper compensation for their medical expenses, property damage, and emotional distress.

If you’ve been injured in such an accident, you need a Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer to investigate the case, locate the responsible party, and guide you through the legal process to ensure you get fair compensation.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee, there are immediate actions you need to take to protect your legal rights. These steps are crucial for ensuring your safety and building a strong case:

1. Call 911 Immediately: The first step is always to call emergency services. This will ensure that law enforcement is involved, and a police report is created, which is crucial for your case.
2. Gather Evidence: If you are physically able, take note of any details that could help identify the fleeing driver, including the make, model, and color of the vehicle, or any parts of the vehicle that may have fallen off in the crash. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and damage to your vehicle.
3. Report the Incident to Your Insurance Company: Tennessee law requires all accidents to be reported to insurance companies, even if the other driver is unknown. Your insurance policy might cover your damages through uninsured motorist coverage.
4. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine after the accident, it’s essential to get checked by a healthcare professional. Injuries from hit-and-run accidents may not show symptoms immediately, and having a medical record will strengthen your case.
5. **Contact a Tennessee Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer: A skilled lawyer from Tennessee Accident Law will help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue legal action if necessary.

How a Tennessee Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be incredibly challenging. A Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer offers several crucial services:

1. Investigating the Accident: We thoroughly investigate the details of the accident, gathering evidence and collaborating with law enforcement to track down the responsible driver. Even if the driver’s identity is unknown, our team will work with your insurance company and use all available resources to locate them.
2. Filing Claims: If the hit-and-run driver is located, we will pursue a claim against them. However, if the driver remains unidentified, your lawyer will assist you in filing a claim with your own insurance company, specifically under the uninsured motorist coverage.
3. Legal Representation in Court: If the case goes to trial, we provide expert legal representation, fighting for the compensation you deserve. We ensure that you’re not left with the financial burden of someone else’s negligent behavior.
4. Negotiating Settlements: Often, insurance companies will offer a settlement that’s far less than what you’re entitled to. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who work to secure the maximum compensation for your injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, and emotional pain and suffering.

Common Injuries from Hit-and-Run Accidents

Victims of hit-and-run accidents often sustain a variety of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: These injuries occur when the neck is suddenly jerked back and forth during the collision. They may not show symptoms immediately but can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur in even a minor collision. These injuries require immediate medical attention and may have long-term consequences.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Broken Bones and Fractures: Hit-and-run accidents often result in broken bones, especially in the legs, arms, and ribs, which can hinder the victim’s mobility for months.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruising, muscle strain, and tendon injuries can be painful and may require physical therapy.

Tennessee’s Laws Regarding Hit-and-Run Accidents

Tennessee law mandates that drivers involved in accidents stop and exchange information. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, and those caught can face criminal charges, including fines, imprisonment, and a revoked driver’s license.

For victims, Tennessee’s uninsured motorist laws allow you to pursue compensation through your own insurance if the hit-and-run driver is not found or is uninsured. However, the process can be complicated, which is why it’s essential to have a Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer on your side to guide you through the legal process.

How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works

In Tennessee, your own auto insurance policy may have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which protects you in the event of a hit-and-run accident. If the responsible driver cannot be identified or is not insured, your UM coverage can help cover the costs of your medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.

However, securing this compensation is not always straightforward. Insurance companies may deny or undervalue your claim, which is why working with a Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer is essential. Our attorneys ensure your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.

Compensation for Hit-and-Run Accident Victims

Victims of hit-and-run accidents in Tennessee are entitled to compensation for the damages they incur. This may include:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, doctor visits, surgery costs, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain endured as a result of the accident.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and other property damaged in the accident.
• Emotional Distress: In cases where the accident leads to significant emotional trauma, such as PTSD, victims may be entitled to additional compensation.

How Long Do You Have to File a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, as with any personal injury case, there is a statute of limitations that dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit following a hit-and-run accident. Understanding this timeframe is critical for ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you don’t lose the opportunity to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Tennessee

Under Tennessee law, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including hit-and-run accidents, is generally one year from the date of the accident. This means that you have one year from the day of the crash to file your lawsuit in civil court. If you fail to do so, you may lose your right to seek compensation through the legal system.

It’s important to note that the statute of limitations is different for claims made against government entities or in certain situations, so it’s crucial to consult with an experienced Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer to ensure you understand the timeline specific to your case.

Why Timeliness is Critical in Hit-and-Run Cases

In hit-and-run accidents, time is of the essence. Not only is there a limited window for filing a lawsuit, but the longer you wait to take legal action, the harder it may become to locate the responsible party. Witnesses may forget crucial details, and physical evidence might no longer be available. Additionally, delaying your claim could jeopardize your ability to receive compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage, as insurers may question the validity of late claims.

By contacting Tennessee Accident Law immediately following your accident, you give our attorneys the best opportunity to build a strong case. We will help ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and take swift action to secure the compensation you are entitled to.

Exceptions to the Statute of Limitations

While the general rule is a one-year statute of limitations, there are certain circumstances in which this timeframe may be extended. For example:

• If the responsible driver is identified after the statute of limitations has passed: If the hit-and-run driver is located later, and you were unable to file the lawsuit within the typical timeframe, the statute of limitations may be extended.
• If the victim is a minor or incapacitated: If you are under the age of 18 or unable to file a claim due to a physical or mental condition, the statute of limitations may be paused until you reach the age of majority or regain the ability to file.

Regardless of your situation, working with a Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyer ensures that you are aware of any special circumstances that could affect the statute of limitations in your case.

By acting quickly, you ensure that your right to seek justice remains intact and that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact a Tennessee Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Tennessee Accident Law, our experienced Tennessee hit-and-run car accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights. We will work tirelessly to investigate the accident, locate the responsible party, and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today to complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 615-212-9866 for expert legal advice.

Sources:

1. Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security – Hit-and-Run Accidents
   A state government resource providing information on Tennessee’s laws regarding accidents and uninsured drivers.
2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
   Offers research and statistics on the impact of hit-and-run accidents across the United States.
3. Insurance Information Institute – Uninsured Motorist Coverage
   Provides details on uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in Tennessee and other states.