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Hit and run auto accidents are unfortunate events resulting in severe injury or death. Hit and run’s happen more often than not when a driver lacks insurance or fails to have a valid license. Sometimes, the driver responsible for the accident is drunk and flees the accident scene because they are intoxicated. On other occasions, hit and run crashes occur because the negligent driver is afraid of facing the consequences of their actions following the accident.
If you have been struck by a car and the at-fault driver did not stick around to take responsibility, you should immediately contact an experienced hit and run accident attorney in Atlanta. At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys know what it takes to get compensation for your injuries, and will leave no stone unturned to protect your rights.
Even if you are not sure who is responsible, we will investigate the accident scene, identify and hold the at-fault party accountable and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. We understand this is a traumatic time for you, and we will work tirelessly to get you compensated so that you can focus on getting better. Call us today at (833) 254-2923 or complete our online form for a free case review with one of our lawyers.
Georgia State Laws for Vehicular Accidents
The law in Georgia requires drivers to stop at the scene of an accident and exchange information. The driver must provide their name and address, registration, insurance details, and license number.
Under the law, drivers who fail to stop at the scene of an accident can face criminal penalties. The driver can receive a misdemeanor charge if someone was injured in the accident or if property damage is involved. If a death occurred in the crash, drivers who fail to stop could face felony charges.
If you’ve been involved in a hit and run accident, here are some of the steps you can take:
- Immediately call 911. Even if it seems like there is minimal damage, call the police and report the accident. If there are any injuries or death involved, this step is significant because the police will be able to document everything about what happened in their report. The police report is essential for filing a claim with your insurance company or with the other party’s insurer.
- Don’t leave the accident scene. This is an important responsibility because it could be considered a hit-and-run if you leave the scene before the police show up. This is true even if the other driver says that you can go. Leaving the scene is illegal and could cause problems for you later on.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible after an accident occurs. You may not feel pain right away but may start experiencing symptoms later on due to shock or adrenaline coursing through your body after the accident. If you have passengers, check if they are alright.
- Take photos of the scene of the accident if possible. Write down anything you remember about the hit and run, including the date and time of the accident, license plate numbers, model and color of the car, and any other information that could help identify the driver. If there were any witnesses to the crash or if there’s surveillance footage available, make sure to obtain contact information from them or request copies of the footage from the business owner.
- Once all this is done, it’s time to reach out to your insurance company. Find out what coverage you have for situations like this and whether or not it will help pay for your medical bills and other losses after a hit and run accident.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Help
You may carry the minimum amount of car insurance required by Georgia law. However, it’s a good idea to make sure your auto insurance policy has more than the minimum coverage. After all, if you’re involved in an accident with another driver whose auto insurance doesn’t cover all of your costs, you’ll have to pay for the rest out of pocket.
Uninsured motorist coverage is not required by law but is highly recommended. It protects you if a driver who has no insurance hits your vehicle or injures you or your passengers. This can also include hit and run accidents. So, if a driver strikes you and refuses to stop to exchange information, the uninsured motorist clause in your auto insurance policy will cover the costs associated with your accident. Your auto insurance policy may already include this coverage, although some insurers require you to add it separately.
Why Should You Consider Hiring An Injury Attorney After A Hit & Run Accident?
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. Many things can go wrong if you don’t know what to do next, so hiring a lawyer ensures that your case goes smoothly.
Hit and run cases can be difficult to prove. The driver who fled the scene will not want to admit fault and may even attempt to claim that they were not the person responsible for causing your injuries, even if their car was the one involved in the crash. An attorney will be able to use their resources and connections to prove that the other driver was responsible for causing your injuries and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your losses.
Claiming benefits from your own insurance provider can be time-consuming and challenging. Your attorney can help you submit the proper paperwork to your insurance provider, provide them with valid evidence and make sure you receive a fair settlement offer.
How Can Attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Help?
Whether you’ve been hit while walking on the sidewalk, riding your bike on the road, or if you’re a passenger in another car involved in a crash with a hit-and-run driver, we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our injury and accident attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in these types of claims. We’ll look at all of your options and recommend a course of action that maximizes the value of your claim. Call us at (833) 254-2923 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.