What Do I Do After a Hit and Run Accident in Tennessee?

Posted in Car accidents on November 10, 2020

Getting into an accident can be a scary and confusing experience. This is particularly true for those who get struck by hit and run drivers. Hit and run accidents pose significant challenges for victims, including obtaining proper compensation in the aftermath of the incident.

If you or somebody you care about have been involved in a hit and run accident in Tennessee, there are various steps you can take to protect yourself and secure the compensation you are entitled to. Contacting a Tennessee car accident lawyer can help you get

hit and run car accident

 

Steps to take after a hit and run accident

The steps that hit and run victims should take after an accident depend heavily on whether we are discussing the immediate aftermath of the incident or the days following.

If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, your first steps should be to:

  • Stay where you are. Do not try to chase down any driver that flees the scene of an accident. This will create unnecessary dangers to yourself and others.
  • Seek medical assistance. Regardless of whether your injuries are minor or severe, you need to seek medical care. This is important for your well-being, and this also establishes a link between the crash and your injuries.
  • Call the police. The police need to be involved in any hit and run crash, as they will be responsible for conducting a preliminary investigation and tracking down the perpetrator of the hit and run.
  • Gather as much evidence as possible. If you are able to safely do so at the scene, use a phone or other device to take photos of damages, causes of the crash, debris, injuries, and more. You should also get the names and contact information of any eyewitnesses to the crash.

After the initial emergency is over, there are still steps you can take to help ensure you are taken care of and receive the compensation you need. This includes:

  • Continuing all medical care. You need to continue receiving medical treatment until the doctor determines you have reached maximum medical improvement. Discontinuing treatment could result in an insurance carrier denying your claim. Continued coverage includes all follow-up doctor visits, any necessary physical therapy or rehabilitation, using medical devices as requested by your doctor, and more.
  • Keeping a journal. You should keep a journal to track your daily progress. Your journal should include your daily routine in the aftermath of an accident as well as the continual level of your pain and suffering each day while you recover.
  • Contacting your insurer. You need to let your auto insurance carrier know about the accident as soon as possible. You do not have to go into much detail with your insurance carrier, but they do need to know you have been in a hit and run crash. If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to use this to cover some of your expenses. Tennessee drivers are not required to carry this type of insurance coverage, but it is strongly recommended for situations like this.
  • Contacting an attorney. A skilled Tennessee car accident lawyer may be able to help you secure the compensation you need. An attorney will have the resources necessary to conduct a full investigation into the incident and handle all negotiations with insurance carriers.