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If you are the victim of a hit-and-run crash in Nashville, you are not alone. As of late March, Metro Nashville police had already responded to 1,278 hit-and-run crashes in 2022, and the numbers have been rising. Hit-and-run crashes are especially confusing because of the absence of a driver against whom to file a claim. The Nashville car accident attorneys at NST Law can help you explore your options and identify sources of compensation.
The following hit-and-run accidents have made the headlines in recent months in the Nashville area:
Tennessee law requires all drivers involved in an accident to do the following:
Drivers who fail to remain at the scene face criminal prosecution under Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-10-101:
Class E felonies are punishable by imprisonment of one to six years and a fine of up to $3,000.
Hit-and-run crashes resulting in property damage only can result in misdemeanor charges. If the driver is also uninsured, the driver’s license is suspended for a period of at least one year.
Take the following steps if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident:
When you have been injured in a hit-and-run crash, you may be overwhelmed with medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. The attorneys at NST Law understand the extensive losses experienced by car accident injury victims, and we can help you identify sources from which to claim compensation.
Our attorneys will look closely at the possibility of third parties that could have contributed to your accident. Third parties may include the following:
The hit-and-run unit is a division of the Metro Nashville Police Department that specializes in investigating hit-and-run crashes for the purpose of identifying hit-and-run drivers. Our firm also utilizes our own investigators to piece together what occurred and identify the driver, if possible.
Due to the high number of uninsured drivers in Tennessee, every Tennessee driver should carry uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is inexpensive. In the event you are injured due to the negligence of another driver (including hit-and-run drivers), it will cover you.
In the event the driver cannot be identified, you can recover damages from your uninsured motorist coverage up to your policy limits.
If you own a vehicle for which you have purchased uninsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim against your uninsured motorist policy. If the crash occurred on private property, you might be able to file a claim against the property insurance. Whether or not these options apply, it is important to contact a hit-and-run attorney to help you identify your options.
The compensation you recover will vary depending on the available insurance, coverage limits, and who is at fault, but you may be eligible to receive the following types of damages:
Punitive damages are available in cases where the injurious conduct was malicious, intentional, fraudulent, or reckless. This may apply to hit-and-run cases. However, punitive damages are only collectible from the at-fault party or their insurance company. You will not be able to collect punitive damages from an uninsured motorist policy.
For most car accidents, the statute of limitations is one year. If a criminal investigation against the hit-and-run driver ensues as a result of the incident, the statute of limitations is extended to two years. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you of the statute of limitations in your specific case.
In light of the short statute of limitations, it is important to contact an attorney right away after your accident, even if the hit-and-run driver has yet to be identified. Our law firm of 34 attorneys and over 135 support staff members have vast resources available to investigate the incident and build the strongest case possible, but the process requires a substantial investment of time.
Early involvement will also provide us with access to evidence and witness statements while the information is fresh, and this can make a significant difference in our investigation.
Working with NST Law was the best decision I could have made after my Hit and Run almost a year ago! From the time I phoned them to the next day of someone coming out, to my paralegal keeping me informed on every little detail. My life has been at ease concerning that entire ordeal. They definitely make you feel as if you are their most important client and I would absolutely recommend this firm to any and every one that is in need.
I cannot say enough AMAZING things about this law office. They were so thorough & professional and handled my case with care. They kept in contact with me regularly. They helped me when another company turned me down. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!
Car accident claims are inherently complex, even without the added challenges presented by hit-and-run crashes. Even if you file a claim with your uninsured motorist policy, you may find that your own insurance company resists paying. Fault can still be disputed in hit-and-run cases, and the hit-and-run driver may be uninsured, even if found.
These challenges can seem insurmountable, but the experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers at NST Law can provide a detailed investigation into your accident, explore additional avenues for compensation, and ensure your own insurance company compensates you fairly and justly.
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not charge upfront fees. After we win and collect your compensation, we collect a percentage of your proceeds, which will be disclosed to you upfront.
Hit-and-run accidents are especially frustrating and traumatic. If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run in Nashville, our hit and run lawyers are here to help you recover compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, and other expenses. We’ll work tirelessly to track down the responsible party and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
After a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to gather as much information as you can. Write down any details about the vehicle or driver, such as the make, model, color, and license plate number. Take photos of the scene and any damages, and file a police report as soon as possible. The more information you have, the better we can assist you in locating the at-fault driver.
At NST Law, we are more than a hard-working, dedicated team of compassionate lawyers, offering vigorous advocacy, and accepting nothing less than maximized compensation.
We negotiate skillfully with insurance companies and other liable parties, often reaching successful, generous settlements on behalf of our clients. When at-fault parties refuse to offer fair and just compensation, we will fearlessly and vigorously litigate your case in court.
Below are a few examples of the results we have achieved for our clients:
The statute of limitations in Tennessee is short. It is important to contact us before time runs out. Call NST Law today to schedule your free consultation.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.