Getting hit by another driver is stressful enough. But the situation becomes even more overwhelming when that driver speeds off without stopping.

You’re left injured, shaken, and unsure of what to do next. You don’t know who hit you. You don’t have their insurance. And it can feel like your chance for justice vanished the moment they left the scene.

But in Tennessee, being injured in a hit-and-run doesn’t mean you are out of options. Even if the driver is never found, you may still be able to recover compensation through your auto insurance. For example, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage often provides the financial support you need after a crash like this.

Keep reading to learn more options for financial support after a hit-and-run and how a qualified Chattanooga car accident lawyer can help you pursue a full settlement.

How Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage Works

If the other driver leaves the scene and can’t be located or identified, they’re treated as “uninsured” under Tennessee law. The state requires auto insurers to offer UM coverage when a policy is issued. Unless you decline UM coverage in writing, this protection is likely part of your policy.

If your policy includes UM coverage, it can help with:

  • Medical expenses, including ambulance rides, ER visits, surgeries, and follow-up care
  • Lost wages if your injuries keep you out of work
  • Pain and suffering, such as long-term physical pain or emotional distress

You don’t need to prove who the other driver was to use UM coverage, but you do need to show that the crash happened and that someone else caused it. That’s why the police report and supporting evidence matter.

Start With a Police Report

After a hit-and-run, calling 911 should be one of your first steps before you leave the crash scene. Tennessee law requires a report for crashes involving injuries or $1,500 in property damage.

The police report also:

  • Creates an official record, which your insurer will likely require to process a claim.
  • Initiates an investigation that may uncover footage, witness statements, or physical evidence.
  • Documents when and how the crash occurred to help support your account.
  • Shows you followed proper procedures, even if the other driver is never found.

You can get a copy of the report online, through the department that investigated it, or by mail.

Gather Evidence Right Away

In hit-and-run cases, evidence from the scene is vital, especially when the at-fault driver leaves the accident scene. The more evidence you can collect immediately, the stronger your claim will be.

Collect the following if possible:

  • Witness statements from anyone who saw the crash
  • Photos of your injuries, damage to your car, and the scene
  • Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, homes, or traffic cameras
  • Debris left behind by the other vehicle, such as broken parts or paint transfer

Your lawyer may also check nearby intersections or contact local businesses to request camera footage before it’s deleted. These details can sometimes help identify the driver or confirm that the crash wasn’t your fault.

Filing a UM Claim Isn’t Always Simple

Uninsured motorist coverage comes from your policy, but that doesn’t mean your insurer will prioritize your recovery. Insurance companies still operate with one goal: minimizing payouts. That means UM claims are often scrutinized just as closely as claims made against another driver’s policy.

Common issues that can lead to delays or denials include:

  • Downplaying the severity of your injuries or requiring extensive documentation
  • Questioning whether the crash happened the way you described
  • Arguing that your injuries are pre-existing
  • Disputing whether the other driver truly fled the scene or caused the collision

Minor technical issues, such as missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork, can lead to reduced payments or denied claims. Legal support can help ensure you get the coverage your policy provides.

How a Lawyer Can Help

An experienced Chattanooga car accident attorney can handle the claims process and protect your right to fair compensation. Here’s what they do:

  • Collect and preserve evidence, including witness interviews and footage
  • File and manage your UM claim, meeting all deadlines and requirements
  • Negotiate with your insurance company if they try to minimize or delay your payment
  • Explore other potential sources of compensation, such as MedPay or health insurance
  • Investigate the crash further, including trying to locate the hit-and-run driver

If the at-fault driver is eventually identified, your lawyer can help file a personal injury claim against them. But even if they aren’t, our team at Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, P.C. helps you explore all possible options for financial recovery.

Take Action Today With Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, P.C.

Being the victim of a hit-and-run can feel isolating and frustrating. But even when the responsible driver vanishes, you still have options. Our skilled lawyers at Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, P.C. understand how Tennessee law applies to hit-and-run crashes and how insurance companies often try to limit what they pay.

We can review your coverage, investigate to find evidence the insurer may have missed, and exhaust all available compensation options to help you recover what you’re owed after such a traumatic and unexpected event.

Contact Gary Massey Injury Lawyers, P.C. today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve after a hit-and-run.