Understanding the Duration of Hit-and-Run Investigations

Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is a frightening and frustrating ordeal. In addition to dealing with injuries and property damage, you also have to worry about whether the police will find the driver who fled the scene. How long does a hit-and-run investigation take? Understanding how hit-and-run investigations work can give you a better idea of what to expect in your case.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In Tennessee, it is a crime to leave the scene of a traffic accident involving property damage, injury, or death. Drivers must stop immediately, render aid to injured parties, exchange information with the other driver, and notify law enforcement if necessary – penalties for fleeing the scene range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the accident’s severity.

Despite these serious consequences, hit-and-run accidents are sadly common in Memphis and throughout Tennessee. Drivers may flee because they are intoxicated, have a warrant out for their arrest, lack a valid license or insurance, or simply panic. Regardless of their reasons, these drivers can face criminal charges and civil liability for the injuries and damage they cause.

Will Police Investigate a Minor Hit-and-Run?

Yes, law enforcement takes all hit-and-run accidents seriously, even those that only cause property damage. Calling the police is the first thing you should do when in a hit-and-run accident. Officers must investigate any crash where a driver flees the scene. Tennessee law requires accident victims to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $1,500.

Of course, the extent of the police investigation depends on the severity of the accident and the available evidence. A minor fender bender with no injuries may not receive the same level of attention as a serious crash with fatalities. However, you should always report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance company, regardless of how much damage occurred.

How Do Police Find Hit-and-Run Drivers?

Police rely on various strategies and technologies to identify and apprehend hit-and-run drivers. Some common methods include:

• Eyewitness Accounts: Officers interview accident victims and any witnesses who saw the crash occur. They gather details about the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, license plate number, and a physical description of the driver if possible.
• Surveillance Video: Many businesses and homes have security surveillance cameras that may have captured the accident or the hit-and-run driver’s vehicle leaving/fleeing the scene of an accident. Police can review this footage to gather more information. 
• Physical Evidence: Officers analyze debris from the accident scene, such as broken glass, vehicle parts, or paint transfers. They can use this evidence to determine the color, make, and model of the fleeing vehicle and match it to damage on a suspect’s car.
• License Plate Readers: Some police departments use automated license plate readers to scan passing vehicles and compare them to a database of wanted or stolen cars. Drivers who leave the scene often forget to take precautions against license plate readers. If a hit-and-run vehicle’s plate was captured, officers may be able to track it down more quickly. 
• Public Tips: Law enforcement may release details about the hit-and-run to local media outlets or post on social media asking for the public’s help identifying the driver. People with information can contact the police anonymously to share what they know.

The success of a hit-and-run investigation often depends on the quality and quantity of evidence available. The more details accident victims and witnesses can provide, the better chance police have of finding the responsible driver.

How Long After a Hit-and-Run Will Police Contact You?

The timeline for a hit-and-run investigation varies widely depending on the circumstances of the crash and the workload of the police department. In some cases, officers may contact you within a few days if they have strong leads or a suspect in custody. In others, it may take weeks or even months for investigators to gather enough evidence to identify the hit-and-run driver.

It’s important to be patient and persistent in following up with law enforcement about your case. Keep track of your case number and the contact information for the investigating officer. Don’t be afraid to reach out periodically for updates on their progress on the police report. 

In the meantime, you can take steps to protect your rights and start building your case against the hit-and-run driver. Gather as much evidence from the accident scene as possible. This includes photos of the damage, witness contact information, and your written account of what happened. Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries and keep detailed records of your treatment and expenses. Report the accident to your insurer to take advantage of uninsured motorist coverage you might have, which also applies to hit-and-run accidents.

Get Help from a Memphis Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

Don’t know how long does a hit-and-run investigation take? Our car accident lawyers can help you answer your questions and explain your rights after a hit-and-run auto accident. Contact Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC today at (901) 526-2126 for a no-obligation, free consultation. Our team is here to help you move forward after a serious hit-and-run accident. With our skilled Memphis hit-and-run accident lawyers, you can focus on your healing while our law firm handles everything else.

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