Nashville Hit and Run Motorcycle Accidents

It is illegal to flee the scene of an auto accident in Tennessee where personal property damage or bodily injury results. Not only must the driver stop and provide his or her information to the other party, but he or she should also call 911 and help get an injured party the medical assistance he or she needs. Failure to do so may result in criminal charges and penalties. This is true for all auto accidents, including those involving motorcyclists.

Contrary to those laws, many at-fault drivers flee the scene after an accident for a number of reasons. The defendant may be afraid of criminal charges or of being financially responsible for the accident. If the defendant was driving under the influence or drugs or alcohol or did not have insurance, he or she may be more likely to leave the scene to avoid arrest. If it is apparent that the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, the defendant may panic and leave the scene in order to keep from having to pay for the motorcyclist’s damages. This can be catastrophic, as serious injuries can become fatal if not treated in a timely manner.

If the motorcyclist can get a tag number from the fleeing vehicle, this will help the police department locate the defendant driver. Those involved in an accident should call the police, and the Nashville Police Department can be reached by calling 911 or 615-862-8600. Similarly, eyewitnesses may be able to provide the make, model, color, or other information about the vehicle to aid the police department in locating the responsible party. If the defendant is identified and he or she has car insurance, you will be able to file a bodily injury claim with that liability carrier to recover for your damages. In Tennessee, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in liability insurance coverage.

If there were no eyewitnesses and you are unable to provide any identifying details about the defendant or his vehicle, then you may have to look to your own insurance policy for recovery. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required for Tennessee drivers; however, they must specifically reject this coverage in writing if they choose to not carry this coverage. Like liability policies, most uninsured/underinsured motorist policies provide at least $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 per accident.

Contacting a motorcycle crash attorney in the Nashville area after a hit and run accident will allow you to focus on your injuries and recovery, and your attorney can perform the legwork to investigate the defendant’s identity and liability for the accident. Even if identified, the defendant may try to deny involvement in the accident or responsibility for the accident. You, as the plaintiff in a personal injury claim, have the legal burden of proof to show that the defendant’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries. A skilled attorney can not only help to identify the defendant, but also help prove how the accident happened and convince a jury to hold the defendant responsible for your damages.