Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Nashville

When you are in a car accident and the other person fails to stop, your first and primary concern needs to be protecting yourself, getting medical care, and then reporting the case to the police. Whenever possible, remain at the scene and let the police help you document what occurred and to get medical care.

For many people, though, there is a question about what to do next. After you are involved in a hit and run accident in Nashville, you may find it difficult, if not impossible, to get help from the insurance company. Here are several steps to take after you have received the medical care you need. Talk to a Nashville car accident attorney at Selvidge Injury Law about your case today.

Report the Accident to the Police

If they did not come to the scene of the accident, contact the police department to complete a formal accident report. If you are in the hospital with serious injuries, the police may come to you. This is critical. They need to start investigating to find out who caused this to happen.

Alert Your Insurance Company of the Incident

If you have uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance, your insurance company will likely cover the damages you incur up to the amount that they are liable for based on the value of your policy. Keep in mind, though, that they will do anything they can to reduce this amount. That is why having an attorney is very important.

The insurance company will work to find the person who caused the hit and run to hold them accountable. The police should also continue to investigate the matter.

Document Your Losses and Get Legal Support

If you are in a hit-and-run accident in Nashville, it is critical that you have the legal support you need to move through this process. We encourage you to do the following:

• Document everything you can from the incident, including any details you remember, the names of witnesses, and any footage from the area.
• Hire a car accident attorney to represent you. If you have significant injuries and losses, this is a critical step to protecting your right to compensation.
• Avoid communicating directly with the insurance company beyond filing an initial notice of the incident. Let your attorney handle this for you instead to protect your rights to compensation.
• Keep a log of all your injuries and related costs associated with the accident. This helps in completing your insurance claim and may help if you learn who the other driver was.
• Continue to get the medical care you need. Follow up with the doctors and make sure you stay on top of all recommended levels of care. Your job is to work towards healing.

With the help of a car accident attorney, you protect your rights and minimize the risk that you will not recover the compensation owed to you. Work with the police and insurance company as necessary to seek out fault, but even if the identity of the other driver is never discovered, you may still have rights to compensation under your own coverage.