Woman Killed in Hit-and-Run on W 38th St in Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga, TN (October 17, 2026) – A 67-year-old woman died after being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run crash on West 38th Street in Chattanooga on Friday night, October 16. The collision occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. in the 100 block of West 38th Street, near Hughes Avenue.

Emergency crews provided medical assistance before transporting the woman to a nearby hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

The driver fled after the collision. Chattanooga police later found the vehicle involved, but it was unoccupied.

Authorities are working to determine what led to the collision and locate the driver who fled.

We extend our sincere condolences to the woman's family and loved ones.

What Legal Options Do Families Have After a Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Chattanooga, TN?

After a fatal hit-and-run crash in Chattanooga, families may be able to file an uninsured motorist claim through their loved one’s auto insurance policy or a household member’s policy. If police identify the driver, the family may also be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against them.

If police identify the driver, your family's wrongful death lawsuit is separate from any criminal case for leaving the crash. You do not have to wait for criminal charges or a conviction to pursue a civil claim for damages.

Under Tennessee law, a surviving spouse usually has the first right to file a wrongful death claim. If there is no spouse, that right generally passes to the children or next of kin. An estate representative may also file.

Depending on your family's losses, a wrongful death claim may cover medical bills, funeral costs, and financial support your loved one would have provided. You may also seek compensation for the loss of companionship and other qualifying personal losses.

In most cases, families have one year from the date of the injury that caused the death to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Tennessee. Your insurance policy may also require earlier notice of a hit-and-run claim, making it important to check deadlines.

When the driver who caused a fatal crash can't be found, a Chattanooga wrongful death lawyer can identify every insurance policy that may still cover your family's losses. An attorney can also explain how the claim may change if police identify the driver later.

Losing a loved one in a hit-and-run leaves families with difficult questions. At Fox & Farmer, we help Tennessee families understand their legal options and provide clear guidance based on the facts of the crash.

If you lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash in Chattanooga, call Fox & Farmer at (423) 531-9400. We can answer your questions and walk you through the steps your family can take next.

Note: This post is based on information obtained from publicly available secondary sources. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, Fox & Farmer has not independently verified all details of the incident reported. If you notice any inaccuracies or missing information, please contact Fox & Farmer so we can promptly review and update the content.

Disclaimer: The content of this post is provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal or medical advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship with Fox & Farmer. If you have been injured in an accident, seek appropriate medical care and consult a qualified attorney regarding your legal options. Any images included are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual accident scene or individuals involved.