A hit-and-run happens when a driver who causes or is involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or render aid, which is against the law in Tennessee. If you’ve been hit by a driver who fled, you still have paths to recovery. You can file a claim through your own uninsured motorist coverage, and if the driver is identified, you can pursue compensation from them directly with aid from a Knoxville car accident attorney.
What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Crash
The moments after a hit-and-run accident are critical for what comes next. Stay calm, keep yourself safe, and gather as much as you can before details slip away. The more you document at the scene, the stronger your position becomes later:
- Call 911 to report the crash and request medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.
- Write down anything you noticed about the fleeing vehicle: make, model, color, partial plate, or direction of travel.
- Photograph the damage to your car, the surrounding area, skid marks, and any debris left behind.
- Speak with anyone who witnessed the collision and collect their names and contact information.
- Look for nearby traffic cameras, doorbell cameras, or businesses that may have recorded footage.
- See a doctor as soon as possible so your injuries are documented from the start.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Protect You
Tennessee does not require uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, but carrying it can be a lifeline after a hit-and-run collision. This coverage steps in when the responsible driver carries no insurance or vanishes without a trace, helping cover your medical expenses and related losses.
UM coverage typically applies to bodily injury, not the damage done to your vehicle. You will need to rely on collision coverage to repair your car, if you carry it. Without collision coverage, those repair costs may fall to you out of pocket.
Holding an Identified Hit-and-Run Driver Liable
When the driver flees, the work of finding them begins. A Knoxville personal injury attorney can coordinate with law enforcement, push for follow-up on leads, and pull together camera footage, witness accounts, and physical evidence that can help establish the driver’s identity. If that driver is located, you may pursue a personal injury claim against them directly, seeking compensation for your medical care, lost wages, pain, and other damages they caused.
Penalties Drivers Face for Fleeing the Scene in Tennessee
Tennessee law requires any driver in a crash to stop, remain present, and exchange identifying and insurance details, along with offering aid to anyone hurt. Walking away from those duties carries serious consequences. A wreck involving only property damage can bring a Class C misdemeanor, a $50 fine, and as much as 30 days in jail. When someone is injured or killed, the charge rises to a Class A misdemeanor, with fines reaching $2,500 and up to a year behind bars.
Contact a Tennessee Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer for Help
A driver who fled the scene left you to carry the burden of their decision, but a lawyer can help you seek justice. The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto know how to work alongside investigators, build the evidence needed to identify a fleeing driver, and pursue every avenue available to recover what you are owed. Contact us today to discuss your case and let us start fighting for the compensation you deserve.