A regular car accident is bad enough to deal with, but a hit-and-run accident can be exponentially more frustrating. Injuries from an accident can drain your finances and prevent you from working. The situation is worse when the driver flees the scene, and you can’t find the liable party.
If you’ve been injured by a hit and run driver, you need to speak to the team at GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers. A Franklin car accident lawyer from our firm can help you file a claim to recover your losses, including medical bills, lost work income, and more.
Our team has over 100 years of combined experience and has secured millions of dollars for our deserving clients. Contact our offices today to schedule a case review with a hit and run accident lawyer in Franklin.
Why Hit and Run Accidents Are Challenging to Navigate
Victims in hit and run accidents face a number of challenges pursuing a claim. Typically, in Tennessee, you file an insurance claim with the driver who hit you. This is not possible in hit and run cases where the driver is unknown.
Additionally, hit and run drivers may be speeding or engaging in other reckless driving behaviors. Accidents at high speeds can create extreme injuries necessitating expensive medical treatment.
In these circumstances, a Franklin personal injury lawyer can be invaluable. A lawyer can investigate the accident for you, handle insurance communications, organize your medical documentation, and negotiate settlement offers. A lawyer may even be able to help locate the at-fault driver so they can be held responsible.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Franklin, call (615) 807 7900
You Can File a Claim With Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When you’ve been hit by a driver who fled the scene, you can turn to your uninsured motorist coverage to file an insurance claim. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is additional coverage you add to your auto liability policy that pays for damages when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.
UM coverage also applies when the responsible driver is unknown, as is the case in a hit and run. Filing a UM claim is largely similar to filing a typical liability claim, except that your insurance company plays the role of the at-fault driver’s insurance. You submit a claim and documentation, and the insurance company will assess the accident and offer a settlement.
However, just because you’re working with your own insurer doesn’t mean it’ll give you an advantage. Your insurance company wants to make money, so you need an experienced lawyer who can advocate for your interests. If necessary, a lawyer may file a lawsuit against your insurer if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
Franklin Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (615) 807 7900
Compensation Available in a Hit and Run Accident Claim
Your losses after a severe accident may be significant, but a hit and run accident lawyer in Franklin can help you recover compensation. Depending on the circumstances, we can pursue money for the following losses:
- Emergency medical bills and future necessary medical expenses (e.g., surgeries, rehabilitative therapy, prescription medications, etc.)
- Regular income and other employment benefits (e.g., PTO) you lost from missing work.
- Reductions in your lifetime earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Cost of replacement services (e.g., childcare, housekeeping, alternative transportation, etc.)
- Value of lost or damaged property and personal possessions
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish
- Loss of life quality and the capacity to engage in enjoyed activities
We understand the significant losses associated with injuries and will use every resource at hand to fully compensate for your losses. We prepare each case with meticulous care and won’t compromise on your interests just to get a win.
What Happens If The Driver Is Later Identified?
If the driver is later identified, they can face criminal prosecution. Fleeing an accident scene is a serious crime in Tennessee that can be met with jail time and additional civil fines. You may also be able to pursue additional punitive damages against the driver in a civil lawsuit, especially if they were driving drunk.
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Time Limit for Filing a Hit and Run Accident Lawsuit in Franklin
In most cases, you have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee, though limited exceptions may apply. Tennessee’s personal injury statute of limitations is very short compared to those in other states, so you need to take action quickly to preserve your claim. The best course of action is to talk to an attorney and start as early as possible. The earlier you start, the less likely it is you’ll face payment delays or other complications.
Contact a Franklin Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
A hit and run accident can change your life, but there are options for assistance and relief. GriffithLaw can provide the competent and dedicated legal representation necessary to secure justice on your behalf. Fill out our contact form below or call us by phone today to speak to a hit and run accident lawyer in Franklin for free about your case.
Call (615) 807 7900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
