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Knoxville Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
At NST Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Expertise
Mr. Trotz has handled injury cases involving auto accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured and many of his clients have sustained traumatic and life-altering injuries.
A life-altering drunk driving accident can happen in an instant, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers can help you deal with the impact of DUI-related injuries and other damages. The Knoxville drunk driving accident lawyers at NST Law are committed to pursuing full and fair compensation on your behalf so you can focus on recovery.
How a Knoxville Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you’re pursuing compensation after a hit-and-run crash, you need an attorney experienced in these matters. Accident cases become more complicated when the other driver leaves the scene. It’s important to have an attorney who will work with law enforcement and insurance companies on your behalf.
Our attorneys can assist in investigating the accident, helping to gather evidence and build your case. Our Knoxville car accident lawyers can connect with experts to learn more about what happened, using our knowledge of Knoxville to seek information about the other driver.
With the information we gather, we help to craft a strategy for recovering damages. Those damages may include:
- Medical costs
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damages
- Pain and suffering
- Other out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to doctor’s appointments
We may pursue these damages through an insurance claim or lawsuit, depending on the level of information we have about the at-fault driver.
Past Case Results
As Champions for the Injured, our Knoxville personal injury attorneys have won billions for clients across Tennessee and the mid-south. Standout verdicts and settlements include:
- $639,000 for a 76-year-old woman who suffered a severe leg fracture and needed surgery after a driver hit her in a Kroger parking lot
- $230,000 for a client we represented in court, after the insurance company denied liability and made an unreasonable settlement offer for back and neck injuries
- $178,000 through a client’s uninsured motorist policy as compensation for serious pedestrian accident injuries
To learn what your case may be worth, you can speak with a qualified hit-and-run accident attorney at our Knoxville law office.
Common Causes of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Knoxville
Tennessee hit-and-run accidents are distressingly common and often fatal. In 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, recorded 102 fatal hit-and-run crashes statewide—a five-year high.
Some areas of Knoxville are riskier than others. According to Knoxville’s High Injury Network, the roadways with the highest crash severity and frequency scores include Clinton Highway, or US-25W, from Old Callahan Drive to Schaad Road. Chapman Highway, SR-71, from Nixon Road to Norton Road, also has a disproportionate number of severe crashes.
Roadways and road conditions are just two of the many factors that contribute to car accidents in Tennessee. In some cases, the decision to flee the scene may relate to why the accident happened.
Intoxicated Driving
Alcohol impairs a person’s ability to think clearly, reason logically, and respond quickly to their surroundings. Someone who drives while intoxicated is more likely to cause an accident. They may also be more susceptible to impulsive decisions, such as leaving the scene after a collision.
For example, picture a driver leaving a bar near Gay Street after drinking heavily for several hours. Failing to see a car stop at a red light near Summit Hill Drive, they rear-end the vehicle, causing severe damage. They realize they are intoxicated and decide to flee the scene to avoid an arrest for driving under the influence. They head for North Broadway Street, hoping to evade the police.
Distracted Driving
Texting, eating, or talking on a phone can distract drivers headed through Knoxville.
Imagine a driver traveling along I-40 East, planning to meet a friend downtown. They hit traffic and decide to send their friend an updated time of arrival. While texting, they fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the street at an intersection near Henley Street Bridge. After the collision, they panic and leave the scene, not realizing the seriousness of their decision.
Fear of Financial Consequences
An ordinary accident may turn into a hit and run if the driver flees to avoid liability.
For example, suppose a driver is passing through West Knoxville and causes a multi-car crash on Kingston Pike. They know their insurance will not cover the full cost of the damages and decide to flee the scene, hoping to avoid responsibility for the other drivers’ repair costs and medical bills.
Lack of License or Insurance
Driving without the proper documentation is a gamble, and some people prove unable to handle the consequences.
Picture a driver without a valid license who causes an accident on Alcoa Highway near McGhee Tyson Airport. Knowing they also have no insurance and cannot afford fines or penalties for driving illegally, the person flees the scene, hoping to evade the authorities and avoid responsibility.
Steps To Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Knoxville
The moments after a hit-and-run accident are frightening and disorienting. Stay as calm as possible and follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:
- Verify everyone’s safety: Check for injuries among all individuals involved. If anyone seems hurt, call 911 and request medical help. These are traumatic moments, but it’s essential to remain calm and prioritize health.
- Document the scene: Photograph as much of the scene as possible, including location information and any damage. Collect witnesses’ contact information and write down as much as you remember about the other car.
- Report the accident: Contact local law enforcement and ask for police to take a report. Insurance companies and courts take police reports seriously as objective evidence, especially in claims with less supporting information.
- Seek medical attention: See a doctor even if you have no visible injuries. Many car accident injuries have delayed symptoms, and medical records are essential evidence in a claim.
- Consult an attorney: A skilled lawyer provides crucial support and guidance for navigating the claims process. They can gather evidence, build your case, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf. A lawyer will also represent you in court if the case goes to trial.
- Contact your insurance company: Notifying your insurer is a crucial step in documenting the accident and initiating the claims process. Having a police report will help to back up your account.
It’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is only one year, typically starting from the date of the crash.
An attorney can also help you understand what is required of you after a hit-and-run. Even as a victim, you may have legal responsibilities under Tennessee law, including reporting the accident and cooperating with insurers.
Why Choose an NST Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer for Your Claim?
Given the complexity of hit-and-run accident cases, it’s essential to have an attorney with the knowledge, skill, and resources to get results. As Champions for the Injured, our lawyers have recovered billions in verdicts and settlements for clients across Tennessee and the mid-South.
Highly respected among clients and colleagues, we have received numerous honors and recognitions, including ranking in the National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100 and America’s Most Honored Lawyers. We are proud to have 10.0 ratings on Avvo and Justia, the highest available on these prominent platforms.
Our client-focused approach, local expertise, and commitment to service have earned numerous testimonials from grateful clients:
We are passionate about our clients and the communities we serve. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a hit-and-run accident, call us today at 800-529-4004 or contact us online for a free consultation. There’s no obligation and no fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
What If the Driver Can't Be Found After a Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you are unable to verify the identity of the other driver, you may need to have an impartial witness confirm what happened. An experienced local attorney may help by sourcing information, such as security camera footage.
What Are the Legal Obligations of a Driver Involved in a Hit and Run in Knoxville?
Under Tennessee law, all drivers involved in accidents involving injury or death must remain at the scene and help any injured individuals. The law also requires you to show your driver’s license and give your name, address, and registration information when asked.
How Long Can a Hit-and-Run Claim Take?
The length of a claim depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the damage and how difficult it is to find information about the other driver. An attorney can offer a more personalized estimate.
How Can I Protect Myself From a Hit-and-Run Accident in the Future?
Familiarize yourself with Knoxville roadways and the rules of the road in Tennessee. Always drive defensively and yield the right of way if you’re at all unsure or you suspect the other car may not stop.
Can I Be Held Responsible for the Damages if I was a Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident?
The party responsible for an accident is typically accountable for damages. If you were the victim, meaning you did not cause the crash, you would likely not be liable. However, your insurance company may cover your expenses if you have specific coverage.
Our Knoxville, TN Hit and Run Accident Lawyers
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684-1000
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684-1000
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
