When a traffic accident occurs, each driver has an obligation to stop the vehicle at the scene and reasonably assist anyone who has been injured — which in some cases includes calling for emergency medical help. They are also required to exchange information with other drivers involved, including name, contact information, and insurance details.
In some cases, they are expected to report the accident to local law enforcement. A “hit and run” occurs when a driver involved in an accident leaves the site without fulfilling any of the above obligations, leaving the victims of the accident in the lurch.
They will be struggling to identify the driver and find a means to recover the costs of their medical care and other damages. Fortunately, they can turn to an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer in Sandy Springs for assistance.
If you’ve found yourself a victim of a hit-and-run incident, call (470) 323-8779 or contact us online to learn how to handle the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident. An experienced attorney will walk you through the steps of filing a claim and how, together, you can seek the maximum compensation available from all liable parties.
Why Work With a Sandy Springs Hit and Run Accident Attorney?
Americans spend a large portion of their lives behind the wheel. Between trips to the grocery store, visiting family, and commuting to work, the average US driver spends about an hour a day driving — that’s over 15 total days each year!
All this activity on the road results in over 5.2 million car crashes in the US, annually. No one expects their casual drive across town to result in a car accident, but when it happens, we rely on the principles of justice and the cooperation of everyone involved to get us through the chaos that follows a wreck.
Unfortunately, not every driver involved in an accident sticks around to deal with the aftermath.
The shock, stress, and injuries of a car accident can turn a routine commute into a nightmare — adding a “hit and run” element to an accident can make this scenario all the more confusing and overwhelming.
A seasoned attorney, one experienced in hit-and-run traffic accidents, can make this frustrating process much easier to handle. From helping you gather evidence to identifying potential witnesses to filing a claim against the responsible party, an attorney can help you navigate the painstaking aftermath of a hit and run, providing you with space and bandwidth to heal and recover from the accident.
Not to mention, their expertise can be valuable in maximizing your chances of obtaining compensation and justice.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents
At its core, a hit-and-run accident is a situation where a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to identify themselves or provide help to other drivers or passengers involved. It doesn’t matter if the incident was a minor fender bender or a severe collision resulting in injuries — this act of fleeing the scene is illegal.
In short, a hit and run not only involves the initial collision but also the failure to fulfill legal responsibilities during the aftermath of an accident.
The consequences of a hit-and-run case can be severe. Not only can a hit-and-run delay a victim from getting the medical help they need but it is also considered a serious offense under the law.
The specific laws and punishment relating to hit-and-runs vary by each state, but in general, a situation is deemed a hit-and-run if a driver involved in a traffic accident fails to do the following:
- Remain at the scene if the accident results in injury or death to another person
- Remain at the scene if the accident resulted in damage to another vehicle
- Provide the name, address, and registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving
- Rendered reasonable aid to anyone injured in the accident and called medical services and law enforcement if those injured are unable to do so themselves
These general obligations apply to the driver even if the accident wasn’t their fault or if the damaged vehicle wasn’t occupied at the time (such as a collision with a parked car).
A hit-and-run is penalized differently depending on the state and severity of damages. In the state of Georgia, hit and runs can be prosecuted as felonies or misdemeanors depending on if serious bodily injury or death occurred to the other party.
Punishment can range from a simple fine to years of imprisonment.
What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Hit and Run Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident and another involved driver has fled the scene without fulfilling their legal obligations, it is only natural to feel frustrated and confused about what to do next. Here are some steps to keep in mind if you find yourself a victim of a hit-and-run.
- Ensure Safety: Before doing anything, check to make sure you, your passengers, and other people involved in the accident are safe. Evaluate yourself and others for injuries and call for emergency medical aid immediately. If possible, move yourself and your car to a safe spot on the side of the road where you are out of the way of traffic.
- Remain at the Scene: Unless you are seeking emergency medical care, it’s important to stay at the scene of the accident. Leaving the accident may result in legal consequences.
- Call the Police: Once you’ve ensured everyone’s safety, the most important thing to do is contact local law enforcement and report the hit and run. Provide as much detail about the accident, such as the type of car (including make, model, and color), license plate number, and a description of the driver.
- Document the Scene: Gather evidence of the accident by taking photos of the scene and any visible damage to your vehicle or the surrounding area.
- Collect Witness Information: If any bystanders witnessed the accident, do your best to collect their contact information, as their observations may be valuable in helping to identify the responsible party, as well as play a role in the legal aftermath.
- Seek Medical Attention: Depending on the severity of the incident, it is important to seek medical attention after an accident. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation is necessary to discover injuries that may not have been initially apparent. Make sure to keep records of the medical visit and any findings.
- Consult an Attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options for compensation.
Types of Damages in a Hit-and-Run Case
The damages of a hit-and-run traffic accident can extend well beyond the mere dents and scrapes on your car. Hit-and-run cases can involve a range of damages that a victim can seek justice for, including:
- Medical Treatment Expenses: If you or any of your passengers were injured in the hit and run, you might be entitled to compensation for injury-related expenses, such as medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.
- Emotional Distress: It goes without saying that the emotional toll of a hit-and-run accident can be serious; victims may experience anxiety, depression, or PTSD as a result of the accident.
- Lost wages: In some cases, should the accident cause injuries that result in a loss of income and missed work, you can seek compensation for lost wages, which can help reduce the financial strain that often accompanies the recovery period of an accident.
- Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the offender’s actions were especially appalling, punitive damages may be sought via a jury trial. Compensation for punitive damages aims to punish the hit-and-run driver and deter similar behavior in the future.
- Property damage: The most obvious damage of a car accident, property damage includes repairing — or even replacing — your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident, such as your laptop or phone. When seeking compensation for property damage, it is essential to have proper documentation, including repair estimates.
Sandy Springs Hit and Run Accident Law Firm
Hit-and-run accidents can be deeply distressing incidents that leave victims dealing with a slew of physical, emotional, and financial burdens. Thankfully, the law provides avenues to seek justice and find dignity.
Step one of this process is understanding your legal rights and responsibilities when involved in a hit-and-run.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run car accident, know that you do not have to grapple with the fallout alone. Our experienced team at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm is here to help!
We understand how stressful and burdensome the aftermath of a hit-and-run can be. We are here to guide you through the claims process and provide you with the direction you need to get your life back on track after an accident.
Call (470) 323-8779 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation to discuss your unique situation and pursue the compensation you need.
