If you are involved in an accident in Tennessee, you are required to stop your vehicle and wait at the accident scene until a law enforcement official arrives to file a report, or if you need to leave, then you must exchange your contact and auto insurance information with other parties involved in the accident. Unfortunately, drivers don’t always follow the law and some will flee the accident scene.
If you suffered a hit-and-run accident in Brentwood, TN, then you can contact us at Meyers Injury Law to fight for your rights. We have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases in Brentwood, TN. Our team offers personalized assistance to help victims recover maximum compensation for their injuries, property damage, and other losses.
Understanding Hit And Run Accidents And Their Legal Implications
A hit-and-run accident is when a driver flees the scene of an accident after being involved in a car crash. In some cases, it’s just human instinct to panic and flee the scene. There could be many reasons why a driver would flee the scene of the car accident. However, regardless of the reason, a hit-and-run is illegal. There are serious legal consequences for individuals found guilty of a hit and run.
According to Tennessee law, if you are convicted of a hit and run, you could face criminal charges. If the accident resulted in only property damage, the charges could be limited to a misdemeanor; however, if there were serious injuries or fatalities in the accident, then it could result in felony charges.
The legal penalties could include fines, imprisonment, and/or driver’s license revocation. The hit-and-run accident victims can sue the defendant for compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other damages. All drivers in Tennessee are required to report car accidents that result in death, injury, or property damage.
It is important to remember that the statute of limitations for hit-and-run offenses in Tennessee is one year from the date of the accident. This means you must begin legal action within this window, otherwise you could be barred from seeking compensation for your suffering. You may qualify for certain exceptions or exemptions, but that usually applies in rare cases. For more specific information about Tennessee laws that apply to your case, please contact our hit-and-run lawyer at Meyers Injury Law.
Factors Affecting Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases
One of the primary factors that impact compensation in hit-and-run cases is the severity of damages. For example, if you suffer a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury, you can pursue a higher compensation compared to a case where someone only suffers minor injuries.
Another key factor is your insurance coverage. You may have to tap into your underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage if you have it. The policy limits by your own insurance company could restrict the amount of compensation you can recover. Other factors that can influence the settlement include the amount of your lost wages and medical expenses. We can assess your case and guide you on what compensation you can expect in your hit-and-run case.
Common Challenges Victims Face In Hit-And-Run Accident Cases
While leaving the accident is illegal and you deserve compensation for your damages, you may face stiff challenges. Your biggest challenge is identifying the hit-and-run driver. While you can get assistance from law enforcement officials, it can be difficult to track down perpetrators in a Brentwood hit-and-run accident.
Without the identification of the perpetrator, you don’t have anyone to blame, and this could limit the compensation you can recover for your damages. This can be incredibly frustrating and stressful, leading to emotional trauma and mental distress. As the driver fled the scene, you may also have difficulty in gathering evidence, especially if you can’t find any surveillance footage or eyewitnesses to the accident.
Consult a Hit And Run Attorney
While there are some serious challenges in hit-and-run accidents, we have helped clients get the maximum possible compensation in such cases. Contact us at Meyers Injury Law to schedule a free consultation with our hit-and-run accident attorney. We offer legal guidance and representation for all types of personal injury cases, including hit-and-run cases. Our team knows exactly what is needed to get full and fair compensation in such cases. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can investigate the case, gather evidence, negotiate with your insurance company, and handle all legal procedures so you can focus on your recovery.
To delve into other practice areas at Meyers Injury Law, such as personal injury cases in the Brentwood area, or to schedule a free consultation with our local Brentwood attorney, we encourage you to contact our team. For further details on how we can assist you, please visit our personal injury page.
