Hit-and-run accidents are becoming an alarming trend in Middle Tennessee, especially in the bustling Nashville area and its surrounding counties. The Tennessee Highway Patrol has reported over 45,000 such incidents in the region since 2019.
This statistic paints a sobering picture of the risks drivers face on Tennessee roads daily. If you find yourself in this unsettling situation, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference.
Step 1: Stop and assess the situation
If you are involved in a car crash and the other driver flees, your priority should be to assess the safety of everyone in your vehicle. If possible, steer your vehicle to a safe spot on the roadside.
Step 2: Report the incident and call for help
Call the police and provide as much information as possible about the accident, including the make and model of the other vehicle, the direction it was heading and any distinguishing features. If you or anyone else is injured, be sure to request medical assistance.
Step 3: Gather evidence
While the accident is still fresh in your mind, take a few minutes to gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any visible injuries you may have sustained. If there are any witnesses, try to get their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. This evidence will be invaluable in supporting your insurance claim or any potential legal action.
Step 4: Notify your insurer and file a claim
Even if the other driver has fled the scene, you should notify your insurance company. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it may help cover damages from the hit-and-run accident. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the accident, including any evidence you have gathered and the police report. This will help support your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Protecting your rights after the at-fault driver flees
Experiencing a hit-and-run can be overwhelming, but remember that you are not alone in this process. Tennessee law protects hit-and-run victims, and various resources are available to help you get through the accident’s aftermath.