Nashville plagued by hit-and-run collisions

Metro Police highlight that hit-and-run accidents are increasing and advise against chasing the fleeing driver, suggesting instead that victims focus on being good witnesses and consider seeking legal advice.

Joe Weir, a Nashville car accident lawyer at Weir & Kestner, emphasized the importance of being prepared.

“Often with someone when there’s a hit and run accident, that person is uninsured. So, what you want to do is obviously carry uninsured motorist coverage in the event there is a hit and run,” Weir said.

Weir advises victims to gather evidence, just as Hairston did, to prove their case to their insurance company. “When you’re in an urban area, [look at] the cameras in neighborhoods. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbors or friends if they have video. Businesses too,” Weir said.

Weir recommends that individuals carry uninsured motorist coverage and collect evidence, such as video from neighborhood or business cameras, to support their claims.

Recent hit-and-run cases in Davidson County

April 2024 – TSU athlete killed while crossing the street

Nashville Metro Police Department (MNPD) Crash Investigators are currently searching for a hit-and-run driver responsible for the death of 20-year-old Chazan Page. The incident occurred early Sunday, April 14 at 1:30 a.m. as Page crossed Gallatin Pike near Marion Avenue. He was hit by a red sedan or possibly a small SUV, traveling northbound at high speed, which resulted in significant front-end damage to the vehicle. Page was subsequently transported to Skyline Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the red vehicle or the driver to contact Crime Stoppers at (615) 742-7463, with the possibility of a cash reward for helpful tips and the option to remain anonymous.

November 2023 – Police search for Nicolas Abdul-Wali in vehicular homicide case

Nearly five months after a fatal crash on Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville police are searching for Nicolas Abdul-Wali, believed to be responsible for the incident. The crash on November 20, 2023, at the intersection with Dover Glen Drive, involved Abdul-Wali allegedly driving at speeds up to 70 mph in his Dodge Journey. He struck 60-year-old Miguel Lara, who was exiting an apartment complex in his Nissan Sentra. Lara was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and succumbed to his injuries on November 29.

Abdul-Wali was arrested on the morning of the crash for driving on a suspended license and failing to provide proof of insurance. Recently, a warrant for vehicular homicide by reckless conduct was issued against him. Abdul-Wali has not yet surrendered, and authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact Crime Stoppers at (615) 742-7463.

September 2023 – Woman urges community to be vigilant behind the wheel

Metro police are actively searching for a hit-and-run driver who injured Tameka Hairston on Tuesday at the intersection of Doverside and Moorewood Drive. Hairston, left sore and bruised, expressed her dismay at the reckless behavior of some drivers, which has eroded her trust in other road users.

“There’s no way I could do anyone like that. Nobody. I can’t leave them and not check on them,” Hairston said.

August 2023 – Nashville amputee shares his story on social media, supports other hit-and-run victims

Nashville resident Shane Johns gained viral attention on social media after suffering severe injuries from a hit-and-run crash in Hermitage, resulting in the amputation of his arm and shoulder. The incident occurred on August 5, 2023, when Johns, riding his motorcycle at the intersection of Lebanon Pike and Sweden Drive, was struck by a gold SUV whose driver then fled the scene. Johns, who woke up in the hospital unaware of the accident, had lost all his blood and also sustained a broken wrist, a fractured pelvis, and a fractured skull.

Using TikTok and Instagram under the username “onearmseeker,” Johns shared his recovery journey, attracting millions of views and creating a supportive community for amputees and hit-and-run victims. He expressed that the experience profoundly changed his perspective on life and emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment. Johns also seeks to find the responsible driver to assist with his substantial medical bills, turning to GoFundMe to support his financial needs.