Hit-and-run accidents in Murfreesboro create confusion and fear for Murfreesboro victims as they try to understand what happened in the moments after the crash. The sudden disappearance of the at-fault driver often leaves injured people unsure of what to do next. Many victims feel overwhelmed as they face medical needs, vehicle damage, and unanswered questions.
The worry grows when victims wonder how they will pay their bills or recover losses without knowing who caused the crash. Even in these difficult situations, Tennessee law still offers protections that help victims move forward. Insurance coverage, evidence collection, and civil claims can all play a role in securing compensation.
This introduction explains what legally qualifies as a hit-and-run under Tennessee law so victims know how their situation is defined. It also outlines the first steps to take, available insurance options, and how fault may be evaluated. Finally, it shows how legal guidance from a car accident lawyer in Murfreesboro helps protect a victim’s rights from the very beginning.
What Tennessee Classifies as a Hit-and-Run
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-102 requires every driver involved in car accidents in Murfreesboro to stop immediately and remain at the scene. These rules help victims pursue compensation and allow a Murfreesboro car accident law firm to protect their rights.
Duty to Stop and Stay at the Scene
A driver must stop without delay at or near the crash location so victims are not left without help. They must remain long enough to complete all required responsibilities under Tennessee law. Leaving the scene qualifies as a hit-and-run even when the driver believes they did not cause the crash.
Duty to Provide Information and Aid
A driver must share their name, address, and vehicle registration with those involved. They must also show their license when asked and offer reasonable assistance when injuries are present. These steps allow Murfreesboro car accident lawyers to understand what happened and guide victims with support from a trusted car accident lawyer Murfreesboro.
Immediate Steps Hit-and-Run Victims Should Take
Report the Crash and Provide Details
Taking quick action helps police identify the fleeing driver and protects your claim.
- Call 911 immediately and state clearly that the other driver fled the scene.
- Provide any details you remember — vehicle color, type, license plate fragments, or direction of travel.
- Remain at the scene until officers arrive and complete an official crash report.
Document the Scene Thoroughly
Accurate documentation strengthens your case and helps locate the driver.
- Take photos of your vehicle damage, debris, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
- Look for nearby cameras at stores, homes, parking lots, or intersections.
- Write down details right away so you don’t lose important information as time passes.
Seek Medical Attention Quickly
Prompt medical care protects both your health and your legal claim.
- Get evaluated immediately, even if symptoms seem minor.
- Early medical records help connect your injuries directly to the crash.
- Delays in treatment give insurers room to dispute the severity or cause of your injuries.
Legal Consequences: Criminal vs. Civil
Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-103 requires drivers to share identifying information and provide assistance after any crash. These rules protect victims and allow a Murfreesboro personal injury attorney to pursue justice through criminal and civil processes.
Criminal Penalties for Fleeing the Scene
Charges depend on whether the crash caused property damage, injury, or death. Penalties may include fines, jail time, and restrictions on the driver’s license. These criminal penalties punish the offender but do not provide financial recovery for victims.
Civil Claims for Compensation
Victims may file insurance claims or pursue a lawsuit to recover their losses. Compensation can include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and repairs for the damaged vehicle. These civil claims can continue even when the fleeing driver is never located or charged.
Insurance Options Available to Victims
Victims of hit-and-run crashes may still recover compensation through several insurance protections. These options help cover medical care, lost income, and vehicle damage while the investigation continues.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage
UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. It helps pay for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering linked to the crash. This coverage requires timely reporting and full cooperation with the insurance company.
Collision and MedPay Coverage
Collision coverage pays for repairs or replacement of the damaged vehicle regardless of who caused the crash. MedPay helps cover medical expenses without needing to prove responsibility for the accident. These protections offer quick financial support for victims while the case develops.
Proving a Hit-and-Run Claim
Victims must show clear evidence that connects the crash to the fleeing driver and supports their injuries. Strong documentation helps establish what happened and protects the victim’s right to pursue compensation.
Evidence That Strengthens the Claim
Photos, videos, and eyewitness statements help reconstruct the moments leading up to the crash. Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses may reveal the vehicle or part of the license plate. Damage patterns, paint transfers, or roadway debris can also indicate the type of vehicle involved in the collision.
Proving Negligence and Injury Connection
A victim must show that the fleeing driver’s actions directly caused the crash and resulting injuries. Medical records and consistent treatment help support the injury claim and show the impact of the collision. Accident reconstruction or expert testimony may also assist when the crash involves complex details.
Tennessee’s Comparative Fault Rule
Tennessee uses a comparative fault system that affects how much compensation a victim may receive after car accidents in Murfreesboro. This rule determines how responsibility is divided between everyone involved in the crash and how that division influences financial recovery. Understanding this rule helps victims protect their claims and avoid mistakes that insurers may use against them.
The 50% Bar to Recovery
Victims can recover compensation only when they are found less than 50 percent at fault. Any share of fault reduces the final compensation amount based on that percentage. If a victim is found 50 percent or more responsible, they cannot recover damages under Tennessee law.
How Fault Arguments Arise in Hit-and-Run Cases
Insurers may argue that the victim was speeding, distracted, or following too closely at the time of the crash. Strong evidence helps counter any attempt to shift blame unfairly onto the victim. An attorney can challenge these arguments and present proof that supports the victim’s position.
Filing Deadline for Hit-and-Run Claims
One-Year Statute of Limitations
Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104 gives victims one year from the date of the crash to file most injury claims in Tennessee.
- Most personal injury claims must be filed within one year, even when the at-fault driver fled.
- Missing the deadline ends your right to compensation entirely, regardless of how strong your evidence is.
- Filing early helps preserve records, secure evidence, and prevent timing errors that could jeopardize the claim.
Why Quick Action Matters
Acting fast is critical in hit-and-run cases because key evidence disappears quickly.
- Video footage is often deleted within days or weeks.
- Witness memories fade, and contact information may become outdated.
- Early attorney involvement helps secure footage, statements, and physical evidence before it is lost for good.
Conclusion
Hit-and-run accidents leave Murfreesboro victims distressed and uncertain about their next steps, yet Tennessee law still offers clear protections that support their recovery. Victims can seek compensation through insurance coverage, collected evidence, and civil claims even when the fleeing driver is never identified. These options help them move forward with confidence during a difficult time.
Acting quickly is essential because early medical care protects health and creates important documentation for the claim. Preserving evidence and understanding available insurance options also strengthen the case from the start. Meeting all filing deadlines ensures victims keep their right to pursue compensation.
At Murfreesboro Car Accident Lawyer, we understand how frightening a hit-and-run can feel for you and your family. Our Murfreesboro car accident law firm uses evidence, insurance strategies, and legal experience to pursue the compensation you need. Contact us today at (864) 335-9991 for a free case review and speak with a lawyer who will guide you through every step.
