If another driver crashes into you and flees the scene without providing contact and insurance information, your uninsured motorist policy (often called UM coverage) may step in to pay for your injuries and other losses. The law treats unidentified drivers the same as identified drivers with no insurance.
Getting hit by a driver who leaves the scene creates unique challenges. Without knowing who they are and their insurance policy information, you cannot file a claim against their insurance company. That is where your own uninsured motorist coverage becomes essential.
Understanding UM Coverage for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Tennessee
Tennessee law requires insurance companies to include uninsured motorist coverage in every car insurance policy they sell. UM coverage must equal the bodily injury liability limits in the policy. The state requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, plus $15,000 for property damage.
However, Tennessee also gives motorists the right to reject uninsured motorist coverage in writing. As a result, some people opt out to save money on their premiums without realizing how necessary such coverage can become in a hit-and-run crash.
When you file an uninsured motorist hit-and-run claim, your own insurance company pays your medical bills, lost wages, and other covered expenses, since the at-fault driver is unknown. Otherwise, your losses would be covered by their insurer. Your insurer treats the fleeing driver as if they were uninsured, which triggers your UM benefits.
Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident to Protect Your Claim
Immediately after a hit-and-run crash:
- Call 911 to report the incident and seek medical assistance if needed.
- Note as many details as possible about the other vehicle.
- Get contact information from any eyewitnesses.
- Take photos of the scene.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine at first, since many potentially serious injuries do not show immediate symptoms.
- Call The Terry Law Firm to get help from our experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers.
The UM Claims Process and What Documentation You Need
Our experienced UM coverage attorneys can help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve from every available source. We can help you build a solid claim by gathering and presenting crucial evidence such as information included in the police report, expert analysis and accident reconstruction, physical evidence from the accident scene, photos, videos, and more.
You will also need to provide documentation of your losses, including medical bills, proof of missed work, repair estimates for your vehicle, and records of other expenses related to the crash.
How The Terry Law Firm Can Help with Your Hit-and-Run Claim
Even “your own” insurer has an interest in paying as little as possible on a UM claim. Let our experienced attorneys protect your rights throughout the claims process. Our goal is the same as yours – to maximize your compensation.
At The Terry Law Firm, our lawyers have been helping accident victims in East Tennessee since 1960. We can handle communications with the insurance company, gather evidence to support your claim, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact our law office today for a free consultation to discuss your uninsured motorist hit-and-run claim.
