Nashville Hit and Run Injury Attorney

Fighting For Those Who Have Been Injured in Hit & Run Accidents in Davison County

It is bad enough being involved in a car accident — it is even worse when this accident has injured you and is a hit and run. After a hit and run, you face not only the financial burden of medical bills and other expenses, but also the uncertainty of not knowing who is responsible. However, even if the driver is never apprehended, you may have options to recover compensation from your own insurance provider. If you have been involved in this kind of accident in Nashville, then consider hiring a hit and run injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the settlement that you deserve.

You have been through enough, let an expert take the reins when it comes to protecting you and your future. Since 1997, the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis has had one key focus: people come first. Stanley Davis believes wholeheartedly in helping his fellow neighbor. He has been a Nashville injury attorney for over 28 years and knows all the intricacies of county and statewide rules and regulations. Since opening his practice, Stanley has helped clients receive the compensation they rightly deserve — with over two million dollars awarded to victims over the years.

Call The Law Office of Stanley A. Davis today at (615) 866-3938 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our hit & run accident lawyer in Nashville.

What Happens If the Police Cannot Find the Culprit?

After a hit and run accident, the authorities may be able to locate the at-fault party. If so, then he or she may face criminal charges on top of your civil claim. However, the police may not always be able to find the hit and run driver. For you, the victim, this may seem like the worst case scenario, but know that you still have options. Additionally, there are several things you can do to heighten the chances that police will catch the person who committed the hit and run:

1. Gather as much information as possible on the scene. Write down every detail you can recall, take photos (especially photos of any paint that might have rubbed off on your car from the other), get witness testimony, record the license plate/color/make and/or model of the car if possible; write down the time and date of the accident as well. Having as much information as possible will help police exponentially in their search and make filing an insurance claim much easier. Consequently, having more information also helps insurance companies decide how best to move forward with your overall claim.
2. File an accident report with the police. Having a report on file is likely to speed up any insurance claims as well as provide you with official written proof later on if you end up going to trial. Be aware that a police report must be filed within a certain time frame from the date of the accident.
3. File a claim with your own car insurance provider. After the police, your insurance company is the next place to call when you are involved in a hit and run accident. Report the accident, but do not give a statement until you speak to a lawyer. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, then you should be able to file a claim under that policy in order to receive aid.

Can I File a Car Insurance Claim If the Police Do Catch the Driver?

Take heart. It is not always the case that the guilty party is not caught. There are times when police are able to catch the culprit! A couple scenarios can occur in this situation:

1. The culprit has insurance. If this is the case, you will more than likely be able to settle the dispute via claims with your individual insurance companies.
2. The culprit does not have insurance or is underinsured. In this situation, you can try to file a claim with your insurance per your uninsured motorist coverage policy.

It is always a criminal offense to leave the scene of an accident, so — in most states — the driver will also face criminal charges. Penalties for leaving the scene will vary in severity depending on the direness of the situation caused by the hit and run. Additionally, in some cases, you may be able to claim punitive damages as the victim of a hit and run.

Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party, rather than compensate the victim. Depending on the defendant’s situation and the details of the crash, the punitive damages may be more or less severe. However, punitive damages are relatively rare, even in hit and run cases; the accident usually must have been severe, or the defendant’s conduct must have been grossly negligent or reckless.

Common Injuries in Hit & Run Accidents

Some of the most common injuries include the following:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden impacts can cause significant strain on the neck, resulting in whiplash.
• Head and Brain Injuries: Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are serious concerns. Even a minor blow to the head can lead to long-term cognitive issues, memory problems, and emotional disturbances.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Harm to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The force of a collision can easily break bones, including arms, legs, ribs, and hips.
• Internal Injuries: Internal bleeding and damage to organs may not be instantly noticeable but can be life-threatening.
• Lacerations and Abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from broken glass or contact with the vehicle can result in scarring and infections if not properly treated.
• Emotional Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, victims often suffer from psychological effects like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Damages Could be Recovered in a Hit & Run Accident Claim?

Potential damages may include the following:

• Medical Expenses: This could include present and future medical costs related to the injury. Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any required medical devices are covered under this category.
• Lost Wages: If injuries prevent the victim from working, they may be entitled to compensation for lost income. This also includes any potential future earnings lost due to long-term or permanent disability.
• Property Damage: Compensation for restorations or replacement of the victim’s vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
• Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and emotional despair caused by the accident. The severity and duration of the pain, as well as the impact on the victim’s quality of life, are considered.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injuries affect the victim’s relationship with their partner, compensation may be awarded for loss of companionship and support.
• Punitive Damages: In some instances, the court may award punitive damages to penalize the perpetrator for their reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future.
• Emotional Distress: Victims may receive compensation for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Disability and Disfigurement: If the victim suffers a long-term or permanent disability or disfigurement, additional compensation may be awarded to cover the impact on their daily life and future earning capacity.

Contact Our Nashville Hit and Run Injury Lawyer Today

It can be remarkably disruptive to a person’s life when he or she is involved in a hit and run accident — especially if they are injured in the accident. While it might be hard to remember in the midst of the situation, know that you have rights and options left in this wake of destruction that can ultimately help alter the situation in your favor.

With over 28 years of experience, our Nashville hit and run injury lawyer at the Law Office of Stanley A. Davis is here to help you. Call today for a free consultation.