Obligations to Stop After a Knoxville Car Accident Under Tennessee Laws and How You Can Get Justice Against Hit-and-Run Drivers in Knoxville
One of the most dismaying things that can happen to a Knoxville car accident victim after a serious car accident occurs is when the negligent driver who caused the car accident simply leaves the scene and speeds away. Although it is clear that these types of hit-and-run car accidents are unlawful in Knoxville under Tennessee laws, the truth of the matter is that they can and do happen, and they happen more frequently than they ever should.
Knoxville car accident victims may wonder if there are any laws that require negligent drivers who cause serious accidents to stay at an accident scene in Tennessee. The answer is that there are, and there also are laws that hold these negligent (and potentially criminal) hit-and-run drivers accountable for their actions. In addition, under Tennessee personal injury laws, hit-and-run drivers may be liable for the car accident victim’s injuries and losses that they caused. To help Knoxville car accident victims better understand Tennessee laws when it comes to hit-and-run car accidents, we discuss the law here, and how Knoxville car accident victims can get compensation for their serious injuries and losses caused by hit-and-run drivers.
Hit-and-Run Driving is a Crime Under Tennessee Laws
Under Tennessee Code §55-10-101 and 102, all drivers involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage must remain at the scene until the requirements of § 55-10-103 have been met. Accordingly, Tennessee Code § 55-10-103 establishes that, “The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or damage to any vehicle that is driven or attended by any person shall give the driver’s name, address and the registration number of the vehicle the driver is driving, and shall, upon request and if available, exhibit that driver’s operator’s or chauffeur’s license, or driver license, to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with, and shall render to any person injured in the accident reasonable assistance, including the carrying, or the making of arrangements for the carrying, of the person to a physician, surgeon or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that treatment is necessary or if carrying is requested by the injured person.” In short, after a serious car accident occurs, all drivers involved in a car accident must stop and stay at the scene. In addition, the involved parties cannot leave the scene until the driver who caused the accident provides their information to the other drivers, and must also assist any injured persons with getting medical help. Failure to do so is a misdemeanor under Tennessee laws.
Knoxville Hit-and-Run Car Accident Victims Have Rights Under Tennessee Civil Laws
Importantly, under Tennessee personal injury laws, a victim of a negligent hit-and-run car accident in Knoxville may be entitled to money compensation for their injuries and losses. A Knoxville car accident victim can bring a personal injury lawsuit in court to recover damages from the hit-and-run driver. In order to determine whether you may have a case for compensation under Tennessee personal injury laws, it is best to speak with an experienced Knoxville car accident lawyer as soon as possible about your case.
The experienced Knoxville car accident lawyers at Fox Farley Willis & Burnette, PLLC are here to help victims of serious car accidents get justice against the negligent drivers that injured them. Call Fox Farley Willis & Burnette, PLLC and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
