What Are My Options If I’m Injured in a Hit-and-Run in Nashville?

Picture this: you’re cruising down the road, minding your own business, when out of nowhere a driver smacks into your car and vanishes into thin air. Now what? Hit-and-runs are like a (very dangerous) surprise party you didn’t sign up for – and they can leave you with a pile of questions, a dented car, and unexpected injuries.

But fear not; having the right insurance in your back pocket can be your ticket out of this sticky situation. We’re about to break down why the right coverage, like Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) policies, is your secret weapon when the road takes an unexpected twist. Of course, your local Nashville hit-and-run accident attorney is as essential as this type of insurance. So, grab a seat, because we’re diving into the world of hit-and-runs – and how an attorney and the right insurance can help when you need it most.

What to do after a Nashville hit-and-run accident

Getting hurt in a hit-and-run is no picnic. You’re left wondering, “What now?” Well, here’s the lowdown on what you can do:

• Seek medical attention: Health is priority number one. If you’re hurting, call 911 or have someone else drive you to the nearest hospital. Even if it feels like just a scratch, have a doctor check it out. Some injuries lurk beneath the surface.
• Call the police: Report that hit-and-run to the police immediately. The faster you let them know, the better shot they have at catching the runaway driver. Give them all the details you can, like where it happened, the vehicle description, and the names of anyone involved, like passengers or helpful witnesses.
• Take pictures: If you can do it safely, take some pics at the scene. Get pictures of your car’s damage, the accident spot, and any debris left behind. Make sure to take close-ups and wide shots, too, so you can see things from every angle.
• Check security footage and doorbell cameras: While Tennessee is one of 15 states that has laws on security cameras, these laws do allow for there to be public video surveillance without consent. It is a good idea to see if you can get the footage of local security cameras such as from stores, streetlights, or parking lots. If you were injured in a residential neighborhood, some houses may have home security cameras such as Ring. While they do not have to give it to you, police can secure it for investigation if necessary. It is likely that the homeowner will offer you the footage freely.
• Get a lawyer: If you’re suffering from some serious injuries, it’s smart to chat with a Nashville personal injury attorney who’s a pro at handling hit-and-run cases. They’ll inform you about your legal options and guide you through the maze that is an insurance claim.
• Call your insurance company: Call your own insurance company and tell them about the hit-and-run, or let our attorneys call them for you.
• Seek emotional support: Dealing with a hit-and-run can rattle your nerves. Don’t be shy about seeking some emotional backup from friends, family, or a therapist to help you navigate the emotional fallout.

Keep in mind, in hit-and-run situations, time is of the essence. The quicker you swing into action, the better your odds of nailing the responsible party or receiving compensation for your injuries. In Tennessee, you have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit, starting from the date the accident occurred. Finding an attorney experienced in hit-and-run cases is a smart move, as they’ll give you the lowdown and steer you through the legal ins and outs.

Using your UM/UIM insurance coverage after a Nashville hit-and-run

Uninsured Motorist (UM)/Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is like your safety net in hit-and-run situations. The whole purpose of this coverage is to help you when another driver’s policy won’t be enough to compensate you for your injuries and losses. Not only does UM/UIM cover you if you are hit by a driver while you are in your own car, but if you are walking or bicycling, and a car hits you and drives off, UM/UIM insurance will also cover you in that case as well.

In Tennessee, there is a deductible of up to $200 for UM/UIM insurance, after which the insurance takes care of the rest of the cost. If the hit-and-run driver is eventually caught or identified, and found solely at fault, they can be made to pay the cost of your deductible.

What about MedPay?

MedPay, or Medical Payment Auto Insurance, is an elective form of auto insurance in Tennessee designed to cover medical expenses for the policyholder, specified drivers on the policy, and their passengers in the event of a car accident.

In a car accident in Tennessee, the at-fault driver is responsible for medical bills, but the payment process can be complex. MedPay, which helps cover medical expenses, is beneficial for those without health insurance or facing upfront payment challenges. However, factors like subrogation, processing delays, and limitations should be considered, prompting individuals to explore all available options for settling medical bills after a car accident.

While MedPay can provide coverage for medical expenses resulting from a car accident, relying solely on it in a hit-and-run scenario may not be advisable. MedPay is designed to cover medical costs for the policyholder and passengers, but it doesn’t address other damages or losses such as property damage or lost wages. In the case of a hit-and-run accident where the at-fault party is unknown, UM/UIM insurance is more suitable. UM/UIM coverage offers a more comprehensive solution that can address all the different damages that happen from being in a hit-and-run accident.

Having UM and UIM coverage is a smart move, no doubt about it. It’s like having an umbrella on a rainy day – it’s there to keep you dry when things get wet. But here’s the twist: even when you’ve got these safety nets, insurance companies might not always play nice. Sometimes, they act in what’s called “bad faith.” It’s like your umbrella turning inside out in the wind. That’s where having an attorney in your corner becomes your ace in the hole. They’re like the insurance company’s accountability buddy, making sure they stick to their end of the deal. So, while UM and UIM coverage is your first line of defense, a good attorney is your backup quarterback, ready to step in when things get tricky.

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our team is ready to be put into play. We understand that being in a hit-and-run is a scary experience, and having someone who has not only handled this type of situation before, but also being extremely knowledgeable and experienced in the law, is a lifeline. Let our Nashville hit-and-run lawyers help you so that you can receive the compensation and peace of mind you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us or complete our contact form. We have offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, Murfreesboro and Clarksville.