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Being hit by a driver who speeds off can leave anyone shaken and unsure of what to do next. Many people ask, “Is a hit and run a felony in Tennessee?”, and we understand why. The Williams Firm, we’ve seen how quickly these situations can turn stressful for injured Tennesseans, especially when the responsible driver vanishes before anyone can identify them. Tennessee’s laws take hit-and-run incidents seriously, and understanding how these cases are classified can help you make informed decisions as you focus on healing.
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What Counts as a Hit and Run in Tennessee?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver leaves the scene of a collision without stopping to provide their information or assist anyone who may be injured. Tennessee law requires every driver involved in a crash to pull over immediately, exchange identification and insurance details, and offer reasonable aid to those who might need medical attention.
When an accident results only in property or vehicle damage, the situation is treated differently from crashes involving injuries. According to Tennessee Code Annotated (T.C.A.) § 55-10-102, leaving the scene when the damage appears to be under $1,500 is a Class B misdemeanor punishable under § 55-10-301(b). This rule establishes the baseline for minor incidents and helps distinguish them from cases involving physical harm.
Even these lower-level cases can lead to complications for the injured party. Insurance companies may question what happened, evidence may be limited, and it can be harder to determine who should pay for repairs or related losses.
When a Hit and Run Is Considered a Felony
Penalties increase significantly when a crash involves injuries or death. Under T.C.A. § 55-10-101, leaving the scene after an accident that results in death, when the driver knew or reasonably should have known someone was fatally injured, is a Class E felony. The same statute explains that if the fleeing driver is also charged with offenses like vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, any sentence tied to the hit-and-run offense must run consecutively.
This matters because the decision to flee is considered a distinct act. A driver who hits someone and then leaves breaks the law twice: first in causing the accident and then in failing to stay at the scene. These cases often lead to more complex investigations that may involve surveillance footage, witness interviews, crash reconstruction, and reviews of the driver’s actions before and after the impact.
How Hit and Run Charges Affect Injury Claims and Compensation
From an injury law standpoint, the criminal charge is only one part of the overall picture. Many clients ask how fleeing affects their ability to pursue compensation, and the answer depends on whether the driver is identified.
When the driver is found, the hit-and-run charge does not automatically prove negligence, but it strengthens arguments that the driver acted irresponsibly. Juries tend to view fleeing as evidence that the person wanted to avoid consequences. Insurance companies may also respond differently, especially if their policyholder failed to report the crash as required.
When the driver is not located, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage becomes central to the claim. UM policies in Tennessee allow injured people to seek compensation when the at-fault driver is unknown or cannot be identified. We often help clients move forward through their own insurance coverage while continuing to work with investigators to locate the responsible driver.
Steps to Take After Being Injured in a Hit and Run Accident
After a hit and run, every step you take can influence your health and your case. Consider doing the following as soon as possible:
- Call 911 immediately: A police report helps establish key facts and supports your claim.
- Get medical attention: Even mild symptoms can develop into more serious conditions if left untreated.
- Write down what you remember: Details like the vehicle’s color, damage, direction, and timing can help identify the driver.
- Take photos or videos: Capture your injuries, the damage, debris, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
- Contact our Nashville Car Accident lawyer as soon as you can: Quick action helps preserve evidence and prevents delays that insurers may use against you.
These steps help protect your health while strengthening your claim, especially in cases where the driver’s identity is still unknown.
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Speak With a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer About Your Case
Hit and run cases present unique challenges, but you don’t have to figure out the next steps alone. Our team guides injured Tennesseans through investigations, insurance claims, and recovery efforts every day. Reach out to The Williams Firm at (615)-256-8880 to discuss your situation and learn how we can support you during this difficult time.
Jonathan Williams
When an accident or loss turns your life upside down, you need more than a lawyer—you need a relentless advocate who knows Tennessee and fights for you like family. Jonathan Williams, a born-and-raised Nashvillian, is the owner and managing partner of The Williams Firm. He brings more than 18 years of tenacious litigation experience as a Nashville personal injury lawyer to secure justice and maximum compensation for his clients. Jonathan lives in West Nashville with his wife, Megan, and their young son, Carter. They are anxiously expecting the birth of their daughter in
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What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
Leslie Forsley
22 weeks ago
I know Jonathan both personally and professionally. He’s extremely hard working and treats each client as if they were his own family. He’s the first person I’d call if I needed help and recommend The Williams Firm without hesitation to all my friends and family.
Joey Morse
3 weeks ago
Kenneth Floyd
6 weeks ago
It was easy to see that honesty and efficiency was a priority. Thank you
Scott Ellis
23 weeks ago
Jonathan Williams is the real deal. I highly recommend hiring him should you need a great attorney!
Adam Burke
23 weeks ago
Jonathan Williams of The Williams Firm was incredibly helpful in bringing a quick resolution to a legal dispute where we received the exact outcome we were seeking. He got straight to the point and the process of working with him could not have been more seamless.
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