Hit-and-Run Accidents

Maryville Car Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-run car accidents cause hundreds of devastating injuries each year, and some of those injuries can be fatal. A hit-and-run driver is sometimes caught, but other times, the victim is left with rising medical expenses with no one to hold accountable. Maryville car accident attorney Mark C. Hartsoe understands how difficult it can be to recover from a hit-and-run accident. He knows the challenges involved and can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Call us today to discuss your case.

Hit-and-run crashes are a daily occurrence, and in many cases the at-fault driver is never caught. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, hit-and-run drivers kill 1,500 people annually. Six in ten fatal injury victims are pedestrians. Most fatal hit-and-run accidents occur on the weekends, and late at night, which can make it difficult to identify the hit-and-run driver. The Tennessee Department of Safety estimated that there were over 16,000 hit-and-run accidents in 2009. The vast majority of hit-and-run cases were unsolved.

There are key steps a hit-and-run victim can take after the accident to help catch the careless driver:

• Call the police. Contacting law enforcement and filing a police report will help document the incident and expedite any claims a victim may have.
• Record as much information about the car as possible, such as the make, model and color.
• Write down the location and time of the accident.
• Avoid chasing the hit-and-run driver, even though that may be a victim’s first inclination. Instead, a victim should contact the police and remain on the scene.

These steps can help the police find the hit-and-run driver, and eventually help the victim hold the driver accountable for any injuries or damages.

Hit-and-run incidents are considered a crime in Tennessee. Tennessee requires drivers involved in accidents to stop their vehicle, remain at the scene, and get help for anyone that is injured. They must also provide their name, address, and license if they are asked for this information. A hit-and-run driver who does not stop can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony if the driver knew or should have known that the accident caused a death.

Aside from the criminal aspects, a hit-and-run driver can be held responsible for any injuries caused by their negligent behavior. Drivers must exercise a duty of reasonable care in Tennessee, and a hit-and-run driver can be found to have violated this duty when they cause an accident and leave the scene.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you can hold the at-fault driver responsible for the harm they caused you. If the driver is identified, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver to recover for your injuries. In cases where the driver is never found, a person injured in a hit-and-run may be able to recover for their injuries through their auto insurance policy. Tennessee law requires car insurance companies to carry uninsured motorist coverage, unless the insured waives the coverage in writing. This means you have a chance of recovering compensation for your injuries even if the hit-and-run driver is never identified.

If you lost a loved one in a hit-and-run accident, you can file a wrongful death suit against the driver if he or she is identified. You can also seek compensation from the victim’s insurance company.

If you were a victim of a hit-and-run accident, Maryville personal injury lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can help you. Mr. Hartsoe is a seasoned personal injury litigator who has spent years working with clients who were hurt in car accidents. He will investigate the accident scene, speak to witnesses, and gather the information necessary to make sure you pursue the compensation you deserve. If you were injured or lost a relative in a hit-and-run, call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online for a free consultation.