After a wreck, most drivers expect the other person to stop, check for injuries, and exchange information. When that doesn’t happen, the situation becomes more stressful and more complicated.
If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run wreck, you may still be able to pursue compensation through a hit-and-run insurance claim. In most cases, that claim will go through your own insurance policy. But before you talk to an adjuster, it’s wise to speak with a Knoxville car accident lawyer who can help you protect your rights.
Can I file an insurance claim after a hit-and-run?
Yes. In Tennessee, it’s illegal to leave the scene of a wreck without stopping. Unfortunately, hit-and-runs still happen, especially when a driver is uninsured, intoxicated, or afraid of being arrested.
If the other driver fled the scene, your own insurance policy may cover the property damage and your injuries, but only if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. Most drivers carry this coverage, but certain vehicles may be exempt from the financial responsibility requirement, such as stored or inoperable vehicles. If you received a notice and believe you’re exempt, you can certify your vehicle’s status through the DIFD-10 form on Drive Insured TN by clicking “respond to your notice.”
What to do after a hit-and-run wreck
After a hit-and-run, the most important thing you can do, besides seeking immediate medical care, is to contact a lawyer before filing a claim. These cases are often more complex than they appear, and even your own insurance company may not have your best interests in mind.
If you’re able, get the assailant’s license plate number, report the wreck to police, get medical attention, and gather any evidence you can from the scene, like photos or witness names. Details about the fleeing vehicle can also help support your accident report.
But once those urgent steps are done, don’t go it alone. A Knoxville car accident lawyer can guide you through your next steps, protect your rights, and make sure your claim is taken seriously, especially if your injuries are serious or the insurance company pushes back.
Why you should speak to a lawyer before filing your claim
You might assume that when you notify your insurance company, it will be “on your side,” but hit-and-run claims are often treated with suspicion. Insurance adjusters may question your story, delay your payout, or offer less than what your case is worth.
If your injuries are serious or your vehicle is totaled, the stakes are high. A lawyer can help by:
- Reviewing your insurance coverage and helping you understand your rights.
- Calculating the full value of your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Handling communication with the adjuster so you don’t say something that could be used against you.
- Ensuring you don’t accept a lowball offer or sign anything that limits your future options.
At Hotz & Associates, P.C., we’ve helped countless people in East Tennessee file hit-and-run insurance claims and recover the compensation they deserve. If you’re hurt and unsure what to do, we’re ready to help.
What happens if the driver is found?
If the police identify the hit-and-run driver, they may face criminal charges. But even more important to you, it may open up a second path to compensation, either through the other driver’s insurance policy or a personal injury lawsuit.
In some cases, your own insurance company may still pay first, then pursue reimbursement (called subrogation) from the at-fault driver. Regardless, having a lawyer on your side ensures you aren’t left covering the costs of someone else’s reckless decision.
Talk to a Knoxville car accident lawyer today
Hit-and-run wrecks are frustrating, but you don’t have to navigate the insurance process alone. Whether the driver is found or not, you still have the right to fair compensation, up to your policy limits.
Let the team at Hotz & Associates, P.C. review your case and explain your legal options. We can help you file your hit-and-run insurance claim, communicate with the insurance company, and fight for the full recovery you deserve.
Call us today at (865) 582-0042 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.