Facing a hit-and-run accident can be both shocking and overwhelming. Immediate steps are crucial for your safety, legal rights, and potential compensation. Please continue reading and reach out to a dedicated Memphis auto accident lawyer from Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C. to learn more about the steps you should take after a hit-and-run accident and how we can help you fight for your rightful compensation. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What Are the First Steps After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Safety is paramount. Check for injuries. If you’re able, move to a safe location. Next, call 911. Reporting the accident not only ensures you receive the necessary medical attention but also initiates the legal process. Try to recall and note details about the fleeing vehicle: make, model, color, and any part of the license plate number. This information could be invaluable for police to locate the perpetrator.
Witnesses can significantly bolster your case. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact information. Their testimonies could be pivotal later on. Photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any damages to your property serve as tangible evidence. This visual documentation can support your claims and potentially help identify the hit-and-run driver.
How Can I Protect My Legal Rights?
Tennessee’s legal landscape mandates prompt action following a hit-and-run. One critical statute, Tennessee Code Annotated section 55-10-101, requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to stop and exchange information. Failing to do so is a criminal offense, underscoring the seriousness with which the law treats these incidents.
Seeking medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor, is essential. Medical records become a key component of your legal claim, linking the accident to your injuries. Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Tennessee follows a “fault” system, meaning the driver who caused the accident bears responsibility for damages. However, in hit-and-run scenarios, identifying the at-fault driver may be challenging, making your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage a potential source for compensation.
Legal representation becomes invaluable in navigating the complexities of hit-and-run accidents. An experienced Tennessee personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, help identify all possible sources of compensation, and advocate on your behalf. This support is crucial, especially when dealing with insurance companies and potential legal hurdles.
What Compensation Can I Pursue?
Victims of hit-and-run accidents may feel helpless, believing their chances of receiving compensation are slim. However, Tennessee law provides pathways to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Your attorney can explore various avenues for compensation, including your own insurance policies’ UM coverage. In cases where the at-fault driver is identified, a lawsuit might be an option, allowing for the pursuit of compensation directly from the driver or their insurer.
If you have further questions or require the assistance of a competent attorney, please don’t hesitate to contact Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C. today.
