What Are Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Experiencing a car crash is a stressful event for anyone. When the at-fault driver flees the scene, that stress quickly turns into confusion and frustration. You might wonder how you will pay for medical bills and vehicle repairs without the other driver’s insurance information.
Understanding your rights after a car accident is critical to protecting your physical and financial well-being. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee, you have specific legal avenues available to seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable. The car accident attorneys at Bill Easterly & Associates explain the exact steps you should take and the legal rights you hold.
Immediate Steps to Take at the Scene
The moments immediately following a hit-and-run accident are crucial for your safety and any future legal claims. Protect yourself and preserve evidence by taking these specific actions:
- Move to safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location away from the flow of traffic to prevent further collisions.
- Call 911: Contact the police immediately. Law enforcement officers will document the scene, create an official report, and potentially track down the fleeing driver.
- Document the scene: Take clear photos and videos of your injuries, the damage to your vehicle, and the surrounding road conditions.
- Speak with witnesses: Find anyone who saw the crash occur. Collect their names and phone numbers so your legal team can contact them later for official statements.
Your Legal Rights as a Victim in Tennessee
Tennessee law provides protections for victims of hit-and-run accidents. You have the right to file official police reports and receive legal representation to navigate the complex claims process. Most importantly, you have the right to seek financial recovery through several different channels.
Navigating Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Compensation Programs
Because you cannot immediately file a claim against the fleeing driver’s insurance, you must look to your own policy or state programs.
If you carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your auto insurance policy, you have the right to seek compensation through it. UM coverage is specifically designed to step in when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or cannot be identified.
Additionally, you may have access to the Tennessee Criminal Injuries Compensation Program. This state-run fund helps victims of violent crimes, including certain hit-and-run accidents, cover expenses like medical bills and lost wages when other funding sources fall short.
Pursuing Civil Lawsuits Against the Responsible Driver
Sometimes, law enforcement or your legal team will successfully identify the driver who fled the scene. When this happens, your legal options expand significantly. You have the right to pursue a civil lawsuit directly against the responsible driver.
Filing a civil claim allows you to seek comprehensive compensation for property damage, medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering. Holding the driver accountable in civil court also brings a necessary sense of justice after a traumatic event.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve
Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident requires strict attention to detail and a thorough understanding of state laws. You do not have to handle the insurance companies and complex legal procedures on your own.
If you or a loved one needs help understanding your rights after a car accident, the experienced team at Bill Easterly & Associates is ready to assist. Contact Bill Easterly & Associates today to discuss your hit-and-run accident and start building a strong case for the compensation you deserve.
