How Do I Report a Hit and Run Accident in Tennessee?

Getting into a hit and run in Tennessee is already frustrating. Figuring out how to report it should not be. Reporting a hit and run means calling the police right away, giving them the details you have, and making sure the crash gets documented. Even if it feels like a dead end, a car accident report can still open the door to help with repairs, medical bills, or insurance claims.

Make Sure Everyone Is Safe and Call 911 Immediately

Even if the other driver has already left, your first priority should still be safety. Check on anyone involved, move out of traffic if you can, and call 911 right away. Emergency responders can help with injuries and start a report while the scene is fresh. It may feel overwhelming in the moment, but staying calm and making that call helps protect you and sets everything in motion the right way.

When you call 911, it creates an official record of what happened. That report becomes the foundation for everything that follows, especially when there is no driver to identify at the scene. Officers can document skid marks, debris, and property damage that might be gone later. Insurance companies often rely on these early reports to decide how to handle your claim.

Document Everything You Can at the Scene

Even if the driver who caused the crash is already gone, the information you gather can still make a difference. Taking photos, writing down what you remember, and getting contact details from anyone nearby can help fill in the gaps later.

Under Tennessee Code § 55-10-107, drivers are required to report any crash involving injury, death, or property damage, and failing to do so can lead to penalties. Even when the other person fled, your report and records may be what keeps your claim on track.

Details matter after a hit and run, especially if the crash involved a motorcycle accident or caused serious damage. Try to photograph damage to your vehicle, the road, debris, and anything left behind by the other driver. If you noticed the color, make, or model of the car, write that down. Even small notes can help when the investigation begins.

File an Official Report and Notify Your Insurance Company

Even when you do not know who hit you, reporting the crash to both law enforcement and your insurance provider is required. In Tennessee, you must file a crash report within 20 days if the accident caused injury, death, or property damage over $1,500. Taking this step helps protect your claim and shows you followed the rules.

It also gives your insurer a starting point when they begin reviewing what happened. Here are a few things to keep in mind when completing the report and contacting your insurance company:

• You must file the official crash report within 20 days if the damage or injuries meet the legal threshold.
• The form can be submitted by mail or electronically through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
• When you speak with your insurer, be brief and stick to facts.
• Uninsured motorist coverage may apply if the other driver cannot be identified.
• You can send photos and supporting documents to help back up your version of the events.
• Some companies allow you to track your claim through an online portal.
• If drunk driving is suspected, let both law enforcement and your insurer know as soon as possible.

After you file, save a copy of the report and any paperwork your insurance company sends you. Keeping everything in one place makes it easier to follow up if questions come up later. Contact us for a free consultation today.