Posted in Motorcycle Safety,Negligence,Tennessee Accident Law on May 25, 2016
Injuries Reported after Motorcyclist is Struck by Vehicle in Hit-and-Run Accident
A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries, including a broken leg, after he was struck by a vehicle in Davidson County early Monday.
According to a report by WKRN.com, the accident occurred just after midnight in the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 near the Nashville International Airport. The rider was traveling west when he was struck by an SUV. Despite the impact of the collision causing the rider’s leg to break, he stayed upright on his motorcycle and was able to exit the interstate at Donelson Pike and ride to a nearby gas station.
The driver of the SUV that struck the motorcyclist left the scene of the accident. Emergency medical personnel transported the motorcyclist to a local hospital to receive treatment for his broken leg.
Metro Nashville Police haven’t made an arrest for the hit-and-run and are still looking for the driver of the SUV.
Why Do Some Drivers Leave the Scenes of Injury-Causing Accidents?
All drivers in Tennessee are required to contact police and remain at the scene of any accidents that involve property damage or injuries. Leaving at any point before police arrive can result in drivers being charged with leaving the scene of an accident. If anyone was seriously injured or killed as a result of the accident, hit-and-run drivers can even face felony charges.
Despite the severe legal consequences of leaving the scenes of collisions, hit-and-run accidents are common throughout Middle Tennessee. Some of the reasons that drivers may leave the scenes of accidents include:
Some hit-and-run accidents are due to drivers being unaware that they collided with another vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian. Whether it’s due to being intoxicated, distracted, or fatigued, dangerous driving habits and behaviors can sometimes cause drivers to unknowingly continue driving long after being involved in collisions. In addition, factors such as reduced visibility due to nighttime driving or driving in heavy fog, snow, or rain can also impair drivers’ abilities to determine if an accident occurred.
Whether they’re driving without insurance, driving on an expired license, or avoiding police for more serious reasons—such as avoiding an arrest warrant—drivers who want to avoid contact with police or state troopers may fail to stop after accidents or leave the scene of accidents shortly after they occur.
It’s not uncommon for accidents to seriously damage one vehicle while causing only minor damage to another vehicle—if it gets damaged at all. Examples can include accidents where two vehicles make contact while traveling at high speeds and one is pushed into traffic, into a guard rail, or even off the road completely. Despite being involved or even the cause of a serious accident, some drivers may leave the scene if their vehicles weren’t damaged and they and their passengers didn’t suffer injuries.
Although the vast majority of drivers who are involved in serious accidents stop and fulfill their legal responsibilities after accidents, some drivers never even reduce their speed. When that happens, police must rely on evidence such as witness statements, license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions, and traffic camera footage to locate the suspects. In addition, police also may rely on anonymous tips and information from people who know someone who caused and left the scene of a hit-and-run accident.
If you or someone you love was injured in a hit-and-run accident, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law may be able to help you recover compensation for your accident-related expenses. Our legal team will exhaust all available resources in an effort to help locate the driver and pursue a personal injury claim. Don’t let an accident that wasn’t your fault put and your family in a financial bind—dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form today to find out how we can help you during this difficult time.
