Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on March 9, 2017
Law Enforcement in Wilson County Needs Help Finding Hit-and-Run Driver
A first responder was seriously injured in Wilson County last month during a hit-and-run accident, and now detectives with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help in identifying the driver.
Per a report by the Lebanon Democrat, the accident occurred on Feb. 2 at around 12 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 231 and Hartmann Drive when a tan car crashed into the back of a Wilson County Emergency Management Agency ambulance.
The impact caused first responders to exit their vehicle to check on the driver of the tan car. But when they got out of the ambulance, the driver of the tan car accelerated to drive away from the scene. In the process, the driver hit one of the first responders with his car door, dragging her a short distance and causing her to suffer serious injuries.
Law enforcement officers say that the suspect is a white male in his 20s with a medium build. The vehicle he was driving is described as a tan four-door compact vehicle that may have front-end damage from the accident.
The WCSO is offering a cash reward of up to $500 for information that leads to the identification of the suspect.
What Steps Should You Take after a Hit-and-Run Accident?
Car accidents are traumatic and stressful, and many victims deal with the aftermath for days, weeks, and months. Unfortunately, crashes can be even more traumatic when the person who hit you flees the scene and you’re left wondering if they’ll ever be caught or identified.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville hit-and-run attorneys know that you may be feeling helpless, but there are a few important steps you can take to protect your rights to compensation:
If you’re able to do so, call 911 as soon as possible after the accident. If you have even an incomplete description of the vehicle and the direction it went after the accident, it may be enough for a police officer—especially if there’s already one near your location—to find the driver before he or she can flee the scene. Provide as much information to the dispatcher as possible, including the make, model, and color of the vehicle, as well as any other identifying information that you remember.
People who saw the accident occur can be a major help when it comes to identifying the person who hit you. After you call 911, try to speak with any witnesses. Ask for their contact information and their recollection of the accident, including details about the vehicle and its license plate number—even if they can only provide a partial number.
Even if the other driver immediately leaves the scene, it’s vital that you stay where you are and wait for police to arrive. Leaving the scene of an accident—even if you weren’t at fault—can put you at risk of being charged with a crime, and it can also leave police questioning who was really at fault. Finally, pursuing the hit-and-run driver puts your safety at risk, as an altercation may occur.
Although you may feel helpless after a hit-and-run auto accident, especially if it damaged your vehicle or caused you to suffer serious injuries, it’s important to remember that you still have rights. A law firm that has experience handling hit-and-run cases knows how to collect evidence and attempt to locate the driver who hit you, and if that isn’t an option, it can help you find other ways to obtain compensation.
In addition to following the steps above, you should also get treated by a healthcare professional immediately after the accident, as a medical report detailing the extent of your injuries will be invaluable if you pursue a claim for compensation. You should also report the accident to your insurance provider as soon as possible.
The Nashville hit-and-run attorneys at Matt Hardin Law have more than two decades of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims in Davidson County and throughout Middle Tennessee, and we know what it takes to win. To find out how we can assist you during this difficult time, dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form.
