Chattanooga Hit and Run Accident Attorneys
Hit and run accidents cause thousands of deaths and injuries nationwide every year, and, unfortunately, many hit and run victims are never able to hold the responsible driver accountable. Injured victims are left with skyrocketing medical bills and must endure pain and suffering. Families of Tennessee wrongful death victims are left without companionship, but with accrued medical costs, funeral expenses, lost income, and emotional suffering. Although a victim may be able to get compensation under the uninsured motorist coverage of their car insurance policy, they must first meet all of its requirements concerning hit and run accidents, including physical contact with the hit and run vehicle; and even if the victim does qualify, the compensation may not be enough to cover all of their losses.
Hit and Run is a Crime in Tennessee
A driver who is involved in an accident in Tennessee may flee the scene for a number of reasons, including: not having insurance, not having driver's license, being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or being afraid. Regardless of why the driver fled the scene, it is against the law.
According to Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-10-101, "The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible, but shall then return to and in every event shall remain at the scene of the accident until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-10-103," which outlines a driver's duty to give information and render aid.
Any violation of the above law is considered a Class A misdemeanor, which would result in a maximum jail-time of 11 months and 29 days and/or a maximum fine of $2,500. If a driver fails to stop or fulfill the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated Section 55-10-101, when the driver knew or should have reasonably known that the accident resulted in death, he or she, would be guilty of a Class E felony, which requires a prison sentence of one to six years in addition to a potential maximum fine of $3,000. In addition to these penalties, a hit and run driver, if identified, may also be held liable for a victim's losses and damages in civil court.
Tennessee Hit and Run Statistics
According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, preliminary statistics for the year 2009 included a total of 16,606 hit and run accidents in Tennessee. The county with, by far, the highest incidence of hit and run accidents, with a total of 5,175, was Shelby County. Also according to these statistics:
- 8,713 crashes involved hitting a motor-vehicle in transport;
- 304 hit a pedestrian or other non-motorist;
- 3,869 hit parked vehicles or other objects;
- 4,337 accidents were solved and drivers identified; and
- 10,232 accidents were not solved.
Recovering after a Tennessee Hit and Run Accident
If you have suffered a hit and run accident injury, or if you have lost a loved one in a fatal hit and run accident, having a knowledgeable Chattanooga hit and run car accident lawyer to deal with the insurance company and pursue civil actions can make all the difference in receiving the compensation you and your family deserves. At Massey & Associates, PC, our compassionate attorneys can provide you with the support you need in such a difficult and unpredictable time. Contact us today for a free case evaluation at (423) 697-4529.
