Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Tennessee Accident Law on January 4, 2016
Driver in Madison Hit-and-Run Accident May Face Criminal Charges
The driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a 52-year-old man in Madison, Tennessee, on Friday may be charged for her role in the accident pending the results of an investigation.
According to a report by wkrn.com, the accident occurred around 5 p.m. in the 200 block of Nesbitt Lane in Davidson County when the man was walking in the grass. The woman’s SUV drifted off the road and struck the man, and the woman fled the scene after the accident occurred.
The pedestrian was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center to receive treatment for his injuries, but he later died at the hospital. The next morning, the driver of the SUV contracted police to let them know that she was involved in the hit-and-run accident.
When police arrived at the woman’s home, they found a 2003 red Saturn VUE SUV, which fit the description of the vehicle that struck the man. She told police that she blacked out while behind the wheel before the accident occurred.
What Should You Do if You Think You Caused an Accident?
Being involved in an auto accident that isn’t your fault is stressful enough, but dealing with the aftermath of an accident that you think you may have contributed to can be even more traumatic. Whether you struck another vehicle, a person, or someone’s property, it’s important to follow the right steps during the immediate aftermath of the accident. Making the wrong decision could have serious consequences for you and your entire family.
After an accident that you think you may have caused or contributed to, follow these steps:
If the accident damaged someone else’s property, you are required by law to report it to police. Don’t assume that the other person, whether it’s the driver or owner of the property, has called the police. Make the call right away and provide the dispatcher with the facts of the accident, including what happened and where the accident occurred.
After you report the accident to police, stay at the scene until you are told it is okay to leave. Leaving at any point before that—including after police arrive—can put you at risk of being charged with hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident. Stay at or near your vehicle to answer questions from the police and provide them with statements about what happened.
Car accidents can be confusing and traumatic, and many drivers recall car accidents in a different manner than how they actually occurred. In fact, it’s not uncommon for drivers to mix up important details when remembering their accidents, including the lanes they were traveling in, their speed when their accidents occurred, and the movements of other vehicles in the moments leading up to their accidents.
Auto accident cases are rarely cut and dry in that one driver is fully responsible for the collision. In many cases, both drivers may share some responsibility for causing the accident. An experienced auto accident law firm can investigate your crash, and if you weren’t at fault, you may be able to receive compensation for your accident-related expenses.
Although your first instinct after an auto accident may be to admit fault to the police or other driver, it’s important to remember that the other driver also may be at fault—either partially or fully. However, admitting fault up front can make you ineligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs.
Let the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law handle the aftermath of your car accident on your behalf. To find out how we can help you during this time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
