Wondering what you should do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee? Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a frightening and confusing experience. If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run in Knoxville or elsewhere in Tennessee, knowing exactly what steps to take immediately afterward can protect your rights and improve your chances of receiving proper compensation.
Taking the right actions in those critical first moments and hours can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
In this blog post, Knoxville attorney Timothy G. Elrod discusses what you should do immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee.
Immediately after a hit-and-run accident in Tennessee, prioritize safety by moving to a safe location and checking for injuries. Call 911 to report the accident and receive medical attention if needed. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicle damage and the surrounding area, and collecting witness information. Never chase the fleeing driver. File a police report promptly and contact your insurance company. These steps protect your legal rights and strengthen your compensation claim.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize your safety and medical needs first, then document as much evidence as possible at the scene.
- Report the accident to the police immediately and file an official report, which is crucial for insurance claims.
- Contact your insurance company promptly and consult with a personal injury attorney before accepting any settlement.
- Never chase after the fleeing driver as this can create additional dangers and legal complications.
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What Should I Do Immediately After a Hit and Run Accident in Tennessee?
Your first priority after any accident, including a hit and run, should be your physical safety and that of any passengers. Move to a safe location away from traffic if possible and check for injuries. Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, even if the injuries seem minor. Medical documentation created immediately after an accident can be crucial evidence for your case.
Knoxville personal injury attorney Tim Elrod states,
“The most critical mistake I see hit-and-run victims make is failing to seek medical attention promptly. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause serious injuries that don’t manifest symptoms until days later. Delaying treatment can worsen your condition as well as complicate your insurance claim.”
In addition, never attempt to chase or pursue the fleeing driver. Doing so puts you at risk of another accident, potential confrontation, or even being accused of reckless driving or road rage. Instead, try to note as much information about the vehicle as possible including:
- Make
- Model
- Color
- License plate (even partial)
- Any identifying features
What Should I Do Once I’m Safe? – 7 Steps
1. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, particularly those involving soft tissue or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away.
Getting prompt medical attention serves two purposes:
- It ensures your health and safety
- It creates an official medical record connecting your injuries to the accident.
2. Report to Law Enforcement Immediately
In Tennessee, you are legally required to report any accident involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $50. For hit-and-run accidents, reporting is essential regardless of damage amount.
When police arrive, provide them with all the information you have gathered. Be detailed but stick to the facts. Request a copy of the police report once it’s filed, as this document will be crucial for your insurance claim and any potential legal action.
Tim Elrod adds,
“Many victims don’t realize that in Tennessee, you must also file an Owner Operator Report with the Department of Safety within 20 days if the accident involved injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500. Failing to do so could result in license suspension, even if you were the victim of a hit and run.”
3. Document Everything at the Scene
While the details are fresh in your mind, document everything about the accident. Use your smartphone to take photos of:
- Your vehicle and the damage sustained
- The accident scene, including skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Any injuries you or your passengers sustained
- The surrounding area, including traffic signs and signals
If there were witnesses to the accident, ask for their contact information and if they would be willing to provide a statement. Their testimony could be invaluable in identifying the fleeing driver or establishing the circumstances of the accident.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a hit-and-run accident. Tennessee is a fault-based state for auto insurance, which means the at-fault driver’s insurance should cover damages. However, since the driver fled the scene, you may need to rely on your own insurance coverage.
Review your policy to understand what coverage applies:
- Uninsured motorist coverage can help when the at-fault driver is unknown
- Collision coverage can pay for repairs to your vehicle
- Personal injury protection or medical payment coverage can help with medical expenses
Be honest and thorough when reporting to your insurance company, but avoid making speculative statements or admitting fault.
5. Consult with a Knoxville Attorney
Before accepting any settlement offer from your insurance company, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who understands Tennessee’s hit-and-run laws.
Insurance companies often make initial offers that don’t fully account for all your damages, especially long-term medical needs or pain and suffering.
An attorney can help:
- Determine the true value of your claim
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursue legal action against the hit-and-run driver if they are eventually identified.
6. Follow Through with Legal Requirements
In addition to filing a police report, Tennessee law requires drivers involved in accidents with injuries, deaths, or property damage exceeding $1,500 to file an Owner Operator Report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security within 20 days of the accident.
This requirement applies even if you were the victim of a hit-and-run. Failure to file this report could result in the suspension of your driver’s license and registration, adding unnecessary complications to an already difficult situation.
7. Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a comprehensive file of all documents related to your hit-and-run accident, including:
- Police report
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Communications with your insurance company
- Photos and witness statements
- Documentation of missed work and lost wages
These records will be invaluable if the fleeing driver is identified or if you need to pursue an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company.
Why Choose OEB Law for Your Car Accident Settlement
When calculating your car accident settlement, having experienced legal representation can make a substantial difference in the compensation you receive. Top attorneys in Knoxville at OEB Law understand how insurance companies try to minimize settlements and know how to properly value all aspects of your claim.
Our team at OEB Law can help you gather proper documentation, calculate an accurate settlement value, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. With our experience handling thousands of similar cases, we can identify areas of compensation you might overlook on your own.
Who is OEB Law and Why Are They Good for the Community?
Founded in 2004 in Knoxville, Tennessee, OEB Law has grown over nearly two decades to now serve clients across multiple states. Tim Elrod established the firm with a simple but powerful mission: we care and we help people. Today, together with attorneys Michael Bernard, Billy Sivyer, Gena Lewis, and Logan Wade, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience representing clients throughout Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, and Georgia in personal injury and criminal defense cases.
To Discuss Your Case and Get the Help You Deserve, Call or Text, Our Team is Standing By.
Our Legal Expertise
Our attorneys have built their reputation through:
- Successfully representing thousands of personal injury and criminal defense clients
- Developing specialized knowledge across all types of accident and injury cases
- Mastering the complexities of Tennessee’s legal system through decades of practice
Why Trust Us
At OEB Law, our reputation speaks for itself:
- Proven Results: We’ve recovered significant compensation for our clients through both settlements and courtroom verdicts
- Client Satisfaction: Our numerous 5-star Google Reviews showcase our commitment to responsive, caring, and effective legal representation
- No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay attorney fees unless we successfully secure compensation in your case
- Local Knowledge: As East Tennessee natives, we understand our community and care deeply about the people we serve
- Personalized Approach: We personalize each case to meet our clients’ specific needs, ensuring you’re never just another file number
Community Commitment
Our dedication extends beyond the courtroom. We proudly support:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley programs and toy drives
- Local high school football programs through Rivalry Thursday sponsorships
- The Knoxville Ice Bears and community fundraising initiatives
- Numerous youth, student, and community organizations throughout East Tennessee
As Tim Elrod says,
“We don’t just take—we give back because the people we’re giving back to are the people who are supporting our firm.”
Have a personal injury or criminal defense case? We’re available 24/7 to help. Contact us for a free consultation today.
Get In Touch
- Call or Text: (865) 546-1111
- Visit: https://oeblawtn.com/
- Available: Standing by 24/7
Why OEB Law? Because They’re Good For The Community.
TEXT or CALL (865) 546-1111 for HELP NOW. Standing By 24/7.
Frequently Asked Question
Even if the hit and run driver is never identified, you may still have options for compensation in Tennessee. Your uninsured motorist coverage can typically be used in hit and run cases where the at-fault driver remains unknown. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To maximize your chances of recovery, make sure to report the accident immediately, thoroughly document the scene, obtain the police report, and consult with a Knoxville attorney who specializes in hit and run accidents.
