What is the Hit-and-Run Investigation Process?

A hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying experience. You may be left shaken, injured, and without answers. The person responsible does not stop to help or even leave their information. What follows next? What steps are involved in investigating a hit-and-run? What is your next move?

Here, we will walk through how police investigate hit-and-run accidents in Tennessee and what you can expect as you go through the hit-and-run investigation process.

What happens during a hit and run?

In Tennessee, it is against the law to leave the scene of an accident, especially if the crash caused damage or injury (TN Code § 55-10-102 (2024)). Still, it happens. Drivers hit someone and then flee, leaving the victim in a tough spot.

But just because the driver ran does not mean they can not be found. The hit-and-run investigation starts as soon as you report the accident. What happens during the investigation depends on how much evidence is available. So, make no mistake – the police will do everything they can to track down the driver who left you behind.

First steps to take after a hit and run

If you are in a hit and run, staying calm is critical. Here is what you should do:

• Call the police. This is the most important thing. You can not start the hit-and-run investigation process without involving law enforcement.
• Gather evidence. If you can, take photos of the scene. Focus on the vehicle’s damage and anything that might help identify the fleeing driver, like skid marks, broken glass, or debris.
• Get medical help. Even if you do not feel injured, you should not skip this step. Sometimes injuries take time to show up.

These initial steps will be crucial. The more you can document right away, the better chance police have at finding the driver.

How do police investigate hit and run cases?

So, how do police investigate hit-and-run accidents? Well, it is not always easy. Here is what they will typically do:

• Check for evidence. Officers comb through the scene for anything left behind, like vehicle parts, paint, tire marks, etc. They might even take photographs of the area, trying to find any details that could lead to the culprit.
• Look for cameras. Local businesses, traffic lights, or security cameras might have recorded footage of the incident. Police will often check these to see if they can spot the vehicle or get a better description of the driver.
• Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the accident happen, their statements can be a game-changer. Even something as simple as a description of the car can help.

How do hit and runs get caught?

You might be thinking: “If the driver left the scene, how will they ever get caught?” It is a valid question. But believe it or not, hit-and-run drivers are sometimes caught. Here is how:

• Surveillance footage. Businesses and street cameras are often the best place to start. If the car was captured on video, that is a huge clue. Even if the car’s license plate is not visible, the vehicle’s make, model, and color can help narrow it down.
• Eyewitness accounts. If anyone saw the accident, their testimony could make all the difference. They might recall a detail, like the color of the car or a unique feature, that helps identify the vehicle.
• License plate readers. In some areas, law enforcement has access to readers that can scan license plates. If the vehicle passed through a nearby intersection, they might have a lead on the driver.

How do they find hit and run drivers?

After the police gather evidence and potential leads, the next step in the hit-and-run investigation is to try and track down the driver. Depending on the case, this could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

The police will likely start by checking vehicle registrations in the area. If they find a match, they can track down the vehicle owner. If not, they might issue a public appeal for information.

It is important to note that while police are working to find the driver, the investigation process is not always quick. If no solid leads are available, it could take some time to identify the responsible party.

Common challenges in hit and run investigations

The hit-and-run procedure is rarely straightforward. There are several challenges that can slow down the investigation:

• Lack of evidence. Without solid evidence or witnesses, it is much harder to find the driver. That is why gathering as much information as possible is so important.
• Uncooperative witnesses. Sometimes, people who saw the accident do not want to get involved. Maybe they are unsure of what they saw, afraid of retaliation, or just do not want to deal with the hassle. That reluctance can stall the entire investigation.
• Unidentified drivers. Sometimes, the driver has taken steps to cover up their identity, like changing the car’s appearance or getting rid of it altogether. These actions make the investigation even harder.

How can you help the investigation?

You might be wondering, “How can I help?” Here is what you can do to aid in the hit-and-run investigation process:

• Stay in touch with law enforcement. Keep following up to see if there are any updates or new leads.
• Share footage. If you have access to nearby cameras or dash-cam footage, share it with the police. You might have captured something critical.
• Get a lawyer. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you through the next steps. They can work with investigators and protect your rights throughout the process.

Next steps after a hit and run accident

Dealing with a hit and run case is never easy. The emotional toll and the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But you do not have to go through it alone. The hit and run investigation process may take time, but law enforcement has the tools to catch the driver responsible. If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run, you need an experienced attorney by your side to ensure your rights are protected and to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Get the legal help you need after a hit-and-run accident. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we have a proven track record of fighting for victims just like you. With over $250 million in compensatory damages recovered, we are ready to help you too. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our offices in Nashville, Hendersonville, Clarksville, and Murfreesboro.