Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and runs during an accident are not allowed in all states. In Tennessee, it is also illegal. Under Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 55-10-101, a driver involved in an accident where someone is injured or killed is required to give his or her name and address, and to show their driver’s license if asked.
Tennessee law requires a driver involved in a crash to see that everyone who is hurt gets help, including making arrangements to get the injured to a doctor or hospital if necessary. Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 55-10-103. Leaving the scene of a fatality without doing these things is a felony under Tennessee law and can impact employment, immigration status and other future plans.
Sometimes the police can not find the at fault driver. Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses might show the accident, or at least show the fleeing driver’s car and we have brought hit and run drivers to justice in the above instances before.
Even if there is no way to identify the hit and run driver, victims still may be able to recover money to pay their medical bills, lost wages, and human losses. Most Tennessee auto insurance policies include uninsured motorist / underinsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UM/UIM coverage. In fact, under Tennessee law, an auto insurance company is required to include UM/UIM coverage in every policy unless the policy owner specifically chooses to reject the coverage in writing. Tennessee Code Annotated sec. 56-7-1201.
Figuring out who the wrong doer is and doing it correctly, and time is of the essence and is critical for a Tennessee hit and run case. Contact Betz and Baril at 865-888-8888 and let the winning begin.