Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on August 14, 2016
Driver Faces Charges after Leaving Accident Scene in Lebanon
A 43-year-old man is facing multiple charges, including DUI, vehicular assault, and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries after he got out of his vehicle and ran away on foot following a crash in Wilson County Thursday evening.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred just before 6:30 p.m. on Interstate 40 near Sparta Pike in Lebanon. Officers who responded to the crash found that one of the drivers had left his vehicle and fled the scene.
Officers later located the man near a Subway restaurant on Sparta Pike. When he was apprehended, police noticed that he smelled of marijuana and had thrown items onto the ground as he ran away from the accident scene.
After searching the area, police found nearly two pounds of marijuana.
Two people who were involved in the crash suffered minor injuries and were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to receive treatment.
The driver of the vehicle who fled the scene was arrested and transported to the Wilson County Jail after he was apprehended by police.
4 Important Steps to Take after Auto Accidents with Injuries to Others
Your first priority after an auto accident should always be making sure you and your loved ones are okay and are able to get the medical attention they need. However, not all accidents result in you or your passengers suffering injuries.
Even if everyone in your vehicle is okay, it’s still important to follow the right steps after a crash. If other drivers or passengers suffered injuries, leaving the scene of the accident before you’re cleared to do so can result in you facing serious charges.
Always follow these four steps immediately after accidents that may have caused someone to suffer injuries:
Whether you or someone in your vehicle was injured or not, you’re still required by law to report the accident to police. Call 911 immediately after the crash and provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible, including your location, the number of vehicles involved, and whether anyone appears to be injured.
If no one in your vehicle was injured during the crash, move it out of the roadway and onto the shoulder. However, avoid moving injured victims in other vehicles unless they are in immediate danger. Moving victims with head, neck, or spine injuries can cause them to suffer additional damage which can lead to debilitating, disabling, and even life-threatening conditions.
Police officers and paramedics will arrive at the scene shortly after you report the accident to 911. Stay at the scene until they arrive and wait for their instructions. Allow the paramedics or EMTs to provide any necessary treatments and cooperate with police officers by answering their questions and providing information about the crash.
Police often speak with drivers multiple times during the immediate aftermaths of car accidents while they file accident reports and begin their investigations. That’s why it’s important to stay at the scene until an officer tells you that you can leave. Leaving while police are still gathering information and statements can result in charges.
Accidents are incredibly stressful, even if you and your loved ones don’t suffer injuries. In addition to dealing with damage to your vehicle, you also have to deal with the insurance company. However, those annoyances are minor compared to the consequences you might face if you leave an accident scene too soon. Following the steps listed above will help you make sure you fulfill your legal obligations after an accident while also making sure both the police and any injured victims get the help and information they need.
If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Matt Hardin Law, our Clarksville auto accident attorneys know what it takes to build claims that get victims like you the results they need. To speak with our legal team, dial (931) 274-7788 or complete a free online consultation form today.
