Harlene Labrum | September 4, 2025 | Bicycle Accident \ Car Accidents \ Motorcycle Accidents \ Pedestrian Accident
How to Handle a Hit-and-Run Accident in Nashville
Hit-and run accidents in Nashville are on the rise—and in the state of Tennessee as a whole. Recent data show that since the beginning of 2019, Metro Nashville saw over 109 fatal hit-and-runs, claiming 113 lives. In most of these cases, law enforcement struggled to make arrests or reach convictions.
These incidents leave victims feeling powerless and overwhelmed. You may be injured, your vehicle damaged, and worst of all, the at-fault driver has fled, leaving you to piece things together.
But you’re not powerless. You have legal rights and options—and starting with the right next steps can protect those rights. This guide will walk you through what to do immediately after a hit-and-run in Nashville, explain your legal and insurance remedies, and show how our firm can help you seek compensation and closure.
Schedule a free consultation with our skilled car accident lawyers in Nashville today.
What Is a Hit and Run Accident?
A hit and run occurs when a driver involved in any collision—whether it causes property damage, injury, or fatality—leaves the scene without stopping to provide contact and insurance information or rendering assistance to injured parties.
Under Tennessee law, drivers must stop immediately at or near the scene and:
- Remain there until they properly exchange required information,
- Provide identification and insurance details,
- Render reasonable assistance if someone is injured.
Failing to do so carries criminal penalties: a Class B or A misdemeanor for property-damage-only crashes, depending on severity, or a Class E felony if the driver knew—or should have known—the accident caused death (and potentially serious injury as proposed in recent legislative discussions).
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Nashville
Immediately following an accident can be very disorienting. However, it is very important to follow these steps:
Ensure Your Safety and Call 911
First, your safety comes first. If possible, move to a safe location—off the road and out of traffic. Then call 911 immediately. Reporting the incident promptly ensures faster law enforcement response and better documentation, which is vital for any insurance or legal action.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if your injuries seem minor, get medical attention right away. Medical records are critical—they link injuries directly to the crash and establish the legitimacy of your claim.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you can do so without risking safety, gather as much as you can:
- Photograph your vehicle’s damage, nearby landmarks, road conditions, and any injuries sustained.
- Note and record witness names, contact info, and their statements.
- Search for cameras—look for traffic, store, or home security cameras that may have captured the incident.
- Note details like make, model, color, partial license plate, or distinguishing features of the fleeing vehicle.
Prompt evidence-gathering dramatically increases the likelihood of identifying the responsible driver and bolstering your claim.
Why You Should Never Chase the Fleeing Driver
It might be human nature to want to follow a fleeing driver, but don’t:
- You risk causing additional injury or an even worse accident.
- You could expose yourself to legal liability—reckless pursuit may backfire.
- Leave the chase—and the investigation—to law enforcement. They are trained to safely investigate and identify suspects.
Enlist the help of an experienced car accident lawyer if you have been in a hit-and-run accident in Nashville. They are able to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
Insurance Coverage Options After a Hit and Run
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Nashville, one of the most stressful realizations is that the driver responsible for the crash may never be found. Without a person to hold accountable, many victims wonder how they’ll pay for their medical treatment, vehicle repairs, or time off work.
In hit-and-run accidents, your first (and sometimes only) source of compensation is your own insurance company.
The good news is: you may still be covered. Tennessee law mandates insurance providers to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage in their auto policy unless the policyholder explicitly rejects it in writing. Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage typically applies—this can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes vehicle repairs. Contact your insurer promptly to open your claim.
What to Expect During the Claims Process
The claims process can be feel very overwhelming, but you can break down the process into certain steps:
Initial Report and Filing
Once you’ve received medical care and notified the police, your next step is to contact your insurance provider to start a UM claim.
Be prepared to provide:
- A copy of the police report
- Details about the accident (location, time, what happened)
- Any available witness information
- Documentation of your injuries, treatments, and vehicle damage
Your insurance adjuster will open a claim and begin an internal investigation.
Investigation by the Insurance Adjuster
The adjuster’s job is to verify the legitimacy of your claim. They’ll likely:
- Review the accident report and medical records
- Ask for a recorded statement from you
- Review photos or surveillance footage, if available
- Determine whether your injuries and losses are clearly linked to the crash
It’s important to be honest and detailed, but also cautious. Insurance adjusters are trained to look for ways to minimize payouts or deny claims. Statements you make—especially if taken out of context—can be used to reduce your compensation.
At Labrum Law Firm, we often advise our clients not to speak to adjusters alone, and we’re happy to handle all communications with the insurer on your behalf.
Medical Documentation and Injury Review
You’ll need to submit all relevant medical records, bills, and possibly even documentation of lost wages. These records prove the extent of your injuries and help calculate the value of your claim.
In some cases, the insurance company might ask you to undergo an Independent Medical Examination (IME) by a doctor of their choosing. This is a red flag that they’re trying to dispute your injuries. An attorney can help you prepare and ensure the exam is conducted fairly.
Vehicle Repair or Total Loss Settlement
If your vehicle was damaged, the insurer will send out an appraiser or request repair shop estimates. Depending on your coverage:
- If you have UMPD or collision coverage, they may pay for repairs or offer a total loss settlement if the car is beyond repair.
- You may still owe a deductible, which can sometimes be recovered if the at-fault driver is eventually located.
Settlement Negotiations
Once the insurer has reviewed all documentation, they may offer a settlement for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. But beware: the first offer is rarely the best offer.
Many victims accept lowball settlements because they’re desperate or unsure of their rights. That’s where having an experienced lawyer makes a real difference. At Labrum Law Firm, we push back on unfair offers and fight for full and fair compensation—based on the actual value of your losses, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Disputes and Arbitration or Lawsuits
If your insurer denies your UM claim or offers an unreasonably low settlement, you may have the right to pursue:
- Arbitration – A private legal process to resolve insurance disputes
- Litigation – Filing a lawsuit against your insurance provider for breach of contract or bad faith
We’ve represented many clients through these processes and know how to hold insurers accountable when they refuse to act in good faith.
Legal Challenges in Hit and Run Cases
Several obstacles can complicate these cases:
- Identifying the at-fault driver is often the most difficult hurdle. Nashville sees thousands of hit-and-runs—some years nearly 7,700 cases—but only a tiny fraction lead to arrests.
- Insurance adjusters may argue comparative fault, suggesting you may be partly responsible—even if you took proper precautions.
- Insurance will investigate, and without compelling evidence, your claim may be denied or undervalued.
How a Nashville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
At Labrum Law Firm in Nashville, our attorneys know how to navigate these challenges:
- Investigate thoroughly: We work with investigators to collect evidence—photos, witness statements, camera footage, and accident reconstruction.
- Handle the insurance companies: We negotiate vigorously to seek fair compensation for medical bills, lost income, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
- Pursue full compensation: If the at-fault driver is later identified, we can pursue a direct claim against them. Meanwhile, UM coverage can offer interim relief.
We represent you aggressively and compassionately, empowering you to focus on recovery and healing, not the legal hassles of a hit-and-run accident in Nashville.
Don’t Face a Hit and Run Accident in Nashville Alone—Protect Your Rights with Legal Help
Hit and run accidents can leave you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens—all while the responsible party disappears. But help is available. You have rights. You have options. And you don’t have to walk this path alone.
Contact Labrum Law Firm today for a confidential consultation about your hit and run case in Nashville, TN. We’re staffed with caring professionals ready to stand up for your rights and guide you toward the best possible outcome. Call us at (615) 265-0000 now to get started.
