Hit-and-run accidents are a nasty business. Not only do they leave the victims and their vehicle in terrible shape, but they also demonstrate irresponsible behavior and a lack of basic humanity on the part of the fleeing driver. Fleeing the scene of a car accident is a crime in many states. When a hit-and-run accident happens, the fleeing driver turns an accident into a crime. Our personal injury lawyers can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Defining Hit-And-Run Accidents
While it is understood that a hit-and-run accident entails a driver leaving the scene, the technical definition involves a couple of other essential things. A hit-and-run occurs when a driver hits their vehicle into a person walking by, another car, a fixed object on the road, or, in many states across the country, an animal. In case of human victims, they are left with road accident injuries as well as loss of property in many cases.
The nature of a hit-and-run accident makes it complicated and, in most cases, shows extreme negligence on the part of the fleeing driver who could not stay to face the wrong they did. It is essential to note that not all accidents are the driver’s fault. For example, if an animal suddenly comes onto the road and you cannot prevent a collision, this is just an accident and not your doing.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident
What turns an accident into a hit-and-run is when the driver thinks, for one reason or another, that they should not stay at the scene. Then it becomes an outright crime. According to the law in Tennessee, whether the driver was at fault in the accident or not, fleeing the scene constitutes a criminal offense. It shows negligence that could cost the victim more harm than the accident itself.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the accident happens in a no-reception area and the driver leaves to find reception before calling the authorities. Nevertheless, in such a case, they should return to the scene of the accident right after making contact with the police.
Depending on the severity of the damages caused, fleeing the scene of the accident can result in penalties ranging from tickets to incarceration for the fleeing driver.
Qualified Personal Injury Lawyers Will Assist You
At Bednarz & Bednarz, we are always ready to assist you in case of hit-and-run accidents. Our qualified teams have seamlessly processed many such cases, leading to just compensation for our clients who were left with road accident injuries and loss of property after a hit-and-run. Call 615-256-0100 or contact us online if you have been injured in an accident.
