Posted in Aggressive Driving,Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 20, 2015
Nashville Man Apprehended after Two Hit-and-Run Accidents
A man caused two car accidents Saturday night and fled the scenes of both before being apprehended by police in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.
A staff report by wkrn states that the man was driving a blue Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck on Interstate 40 when he collided with a vehicle at Stewart’s Ferry Pike. The victim of that accident left the scene before police could question him about the accident or file a police report.
Shortly after that accident, the hit-and-run driver crashed into another vehicle at the entrance ramp to Old Hickory Boulevard head-on. The victim suffered serious injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment, while Mt. Juliet police were told to be on the lookout for the blue Dodge Ram pickup truck.
When police spotted the vehicle shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday night, the hit-and-run driver fled on foot before he was apprehended in a wooded area nearby. Police reported that the man smelled of alcohol and he was arrested and taken into custody.
The hit-and-run driver is being charged with multiple offenses, including driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an injury accident, leaving without providing information, and driving on a revoked license.
Matt Hardin Law’s team of Nashville car accident lawyers hopes the victims of these two accidents are able to recover from their injuries.
What Is the Proper Procedure to Follow after a Car Accident?
While leaving the scene of an accident is often done by hit-and-run drivers intentionally in order to avoid police, some drivers may do it inadvertently because they’re not familiar with the process of reporting car accidents. If you’ve never been involved in a car accident before, it’s important that you follow the right steps to protect yourself legally and financially.
Even if you don’t think anyone was injured in the accident, it’s important that you call 911 right away. In Tennessee, drivers are required to notify police about car accidents and give them the opportunity to file police reports. If no one was seriously injured, move your vehicle to the side of the road and away from oncoming traffic. Then, wait inside your vehicle if it’s safe to do so or on the shoulder of the road until police arrive.
The less you say after the accident, the better your prospects are of getting compensation for your accident-related expenses. Never admit to causing the accident, even partially, as doing so may jeopardize your chances of winning a settlement. If the other driver or police question you about the accident, answer their questions honestly but don’t volunteer unnecessary or extraneous information.
Auto insurance providers require that their customers report all accidents within a short timeframe. The longer you wait to report the accident, the more likely it is that the insurance company will either reduce or deny your claim. For the best results, call and report the accident as soon as possible.
The legal team at Matt Hardin Law builds strong cases for our clients by collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting evidence related to the accident. The sooner you contact us, the more likely it is that we’ll be able to gather strong evidence that helps prove that you weren’t responsible or liable for the accident.
The minutes, hours, and days after a car accident can be a confusing and painful time for you and your family—especially if you’ve never experienced one before. Following the tips above can maximize your chances of getting a fair settlement from the insurance company and protect you legally.
If you were recently involved in a car accident and are unsure about your next steps, the Nashville auto accident attorneys at our law firm are here to help. We have years of experience assisting victims like you handle the settlement process, and we’re dedicated to fighting for victims’ rights. Call us at (615) 200-1111 or complete our free and easy online form today.
