Were You Involved in a Hit and Run Car Accident?

Key Takeaways

Atlanta hit-and-run accidents are a serious issue, and understanding the different types of cases can help victims navigate the legal process.

Taking immediate action after a hit-and-run accident is crucial, including calling the police, documenting the scene, talking to witnesses, and contacting an attorney.

Proving negligence and identifying liable parties can be challenging, but a skilled lawyer can help build a strong case.

Hit-and-run accidents have both criminal and civil consequences, and understanding these can help victims prepare for the legal process.

Insurance plays a significant role in hit-and-run cases, and working with an attorney can help victims navigate insurance-related issues, even if they are uninsured.

Time limits apply to hit-and-run cases, so it’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to seek compensation.

Special circumstances, such as a driver being under the influence, can impact the outcome of a hit-and-run case.

Familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions about hit-and-run accidents to be better prepared for the legal process.

Various resources and support are available for hit-and-run victims, and reaching out to these organizations can help in the recovery process.

Atlanta Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

Georgia Hit and Run Accidents

Hit-and-run car accidents in Georgia are more common than one might think. These accidents involve a driver who collides with another vehicle, person, or property and then leaves the scene without providing their information or helping the injured. This irresponsible behavior can leave victims feeling overwhelmed, and in need of guidance to navigate the legal process.

In Georgia, the law requires drivers involved in an accident to stop, provide their information, and render aid if needed. Failing to do so is a crime, and the consequences can be severe, ranging from fines to imprisonment.

Hit and Run Statistics in Georgia

Hit-and-run accidents are a significant problem in Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), thousands of hit-and-run accidents occur in the state every year. In some cases, these accidents result in severe injuries or fatalities.

The high number of hit-and-run accidents in Georgia underscores the importance of understanding your rights and finding a personal injury lawyer for legal assistance if you become a victim.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Accidents

Different Types of Hit-and-Run Cases Atlanta Lawyers Represent

Hit-and-run accidents can take many forms, and Atlanta lawyers represent a wide range of cases involving these incidents. Some common types of hit-and-run cases include:

• Pedestrian hit-and-runs: A driver strikes a pedestrian and leaves the scene without stopping.
• Vehicle-to-vehicle hit-and-runs: One driver collides with another vehicle and then flees the scene.
• Bicyclist hit-and-runs: A driver hits a cyclist and leaves without providing assistance or exchanging information.
• Property damage hit-and-runs: A driver causes damage to property, such as a parked car, fence, or mailbox, and leaves without taking responsibility.

What Is a Felony Hit-and-Run?

A hit-and-run can be classified as a felony if the accident results in severe injuries or fatalities. In Georgia, leaving the scene of an accident involving serious injuries or death is considered a serious crime, and those found guilty can face substantial fines, imprisonment, and other penalties. The severity of these consequences highlights the importance of seeking legal representation when facing a felony hit-and-run charge.

Why Would A Driver Leave The Scene Of An Accident?

There are various reasons a driver might leave the scene of an accident. Some common factors include:

1. Fear: The driver might be scared of the consequences of their actions, especially if they were driving under the influence, had a suspended license, or were involved in illegal activities at the time of the accident.
2. Miscommunication: In some cases, the driver may not realize that they were involved in an accident or that they caused damage or injuries. They might think the impact was minor and not worth stopping for.
3. Confusion: A driver might be disoriented or confused after an accident, leading them to leave the scene without fully understanding the situation. This can be especially true in the case of older drivers or those with cognitive impairments.

Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense, and victims should seek legal help after being involved in a hit and run accident by an experienced accident lawyer.

What to Do Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Experiencing a hit-and-run accident can be a confusing and frightening experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the incident can help you protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Here are the crucial steps to follow:

Stay At The Scene And Call The Police

After a hit-and-run accident, it’s essential to stay at the scene and call the police. Even if the other driver has fled, you should not attempt to chase them, as this can be dangerous and may lead to further accidents. Instead, wait for the authorities to arrive and provide them with a detailed account of the events.

Document The Scene Of The Accident

While waiting for the police, it’s crucial to document the scene of the accident. Take pictures of any damage to your vehicle, the location of the accident, and any other relevant details. This evidence can be invaluable when it comes to building your case and seeking compensation for your damages.

Talk To The Witnesses

If there were any witnesses to the hit-and-run accident, be sure to get their contact information and ask for their account of the events. Witness statements can be crucial pieces of evidence when trying to identify the at-fault driver and proving your case.

Call A Hit And Run Accident Lawyer

After taking these initial steps, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through the legal process, help you gather additional evidence, and ensure that your rights are protected. A skilled attorney will work tirelessly to identify the at-fault driver, hold them accountable, and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.

Legal Aspects of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Navigating the legal aspects of a hit-and-run accident can be complex, especially when it comes to identifying the at-fault driver and proving negligence. In this section, we’ll discuss your options for pursuing a lawsuit and how an experienced Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer can help.

Can You Pursue a Lawsuit Against a Hit-and-Run Driver You Cannot Find?

Pursuing a lawsuit against a hit-and-run driver who has not been identified can be challenging. In such cases, it may be necessary to rely on your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can provide compensation for damages and injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident. However, the success of your claim will depend on the specific terms of your insurance policy and the evidence you can provide to support your claim.

Proving Negligence in a Georgia Hit and Run Accident

In order to recover compensation in a hit-and-run accident, you must prove that the other driver was negligent and that their negligence caused the accident and your injuries. This typically involves demonstrating that the at-fault driver violated a traffic law or acted recklessly, leading to the collision.

Collecting evidence, such as witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any available surveillance footage, can be crucial in proving negligence. An experienced attorney can help you gather this evidence and build a strong case.

Atlanta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Can Identify Liable Parties

Proving the Other Driver’s Negligence

In some cases, an experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer may be able to identify the at-fault driver and help you pursue a claim against them directly. This can involve working with law enforcement, conducting private investigations, and leveraging their network of resources to track down the responsible party.

Once the at-fault driver has been identified, your attorney will work to prove their negligence and establish liability for your damages. This may include gathering additional evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to recreate the events leading up to the collision.

Criminal and Civil Consequences

Hit-and-run accidents have both criminal and civil consequences for the at-fault driver. In this section, we’ll discuss the potential legal repercussions that can follow a hit-and-run incident.

Hit-and-Run Criminal Consequences

In Georgia, leaving the scene of an accident without providing the required information or rendering aid is a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the accident and the resulting injuries, a hit-and-run driver may face misdemeanor or felony charges.

A misdemeanor hit-and-run typically involves minor property damage, and the offender may face penalties such as fines, probation, or even jail time. A felony hit-and-run, on the other hand, occurs when the accident results in severe injuries or death. In such cases, the at-fault driver may face significant fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.

It’s important to note that the criminal consequences of a hit-and-run are separate from any civil liability the driver may face for the damages and injuries they caused.

Civil Consequences of a Hit-and-Run

In addition to the criminal penalties, a hit-and-run driver may also be held civilly liable for the damages and injuries they caused. Victims of hit-and-run accidents can file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

In some cases, a court may also award punitive damages to the victim. Punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver for their reckless and egregious behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct.

Insurance and Hit-and-Run Accidents

Dealing with insurance companies after a hit-and-run accident can be a complicated and frustrating process. In this section, we’ll discuss how insurance companies handle hit-and-run accidents and the steps you should take if you’re uninsured.

Insurance Companies and Hit-and-Run Accidents

In most cases, your own insurance policy should cover you in the event of a hit-and-run accident. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can help pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. However, it’s important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and their primary goal is to minimize their payouts.

Getting Legal Help for a Hit-and-Run Accident if You’re Uninsured

If you don’t have insurance or your coverage is insufficient, you may feel helpless after a hit-and-run accident. However, you still have options. An experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you explore other avenues for compensation, such as:

1. Identifying the at-fault driver and pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against them.
2. Determining whether any other parties, such as the owner of the vehicle involved in the accident, may share liability for your damages.
3. Investigating whether any public or private assistance programs are available to help cover your medical bills and other expenses.

Compensation and Time Limits

Hit-and-Run Accident Compensation You Can Expect to Receive

The compensation you can expect to receive after a hit-and-run accident will depend on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the impact of the accident on your life. Generally, victims of hit-and-run accidents may be entitled to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and any ongoing treatment you may require.
• Lost wages: You may be compensated for any income you lost while recovering from your injuries and for any future loss of earning capacity due to your injuries.
• Property damage: This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
• Pain and suffering: You may receive compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
• Loss of consortium: If the accident has negatively affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be entitled to damages for the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.

Time Limit to File a Hit-and-Run Case

In Georgia, there is a time limit for filing a personal injury claim, known as the statute of limitations. For hit-and-run accidents, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you fail to file your case within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation.

It’s important to note that there may be exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations, depending on the circumstances of your case. For instance, if the at-fault driver is identified and charged with a crime, the time limit may be extended.

Special Circumstances

Sometimes, hit-and-run accidents involve special circumstances that can have a significant impact on your case. In this section, we’ll discuss how a driver being under the influence can affect your hit-and-run accident case.

If the Driver Was Under the Influence, Does That Make a Difference in Your Case?

If the hit-and-run driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can certainly make a difference in your case. When a driver is intoxicated and causes an accident, they are not only breaking traffic laws but also committing a criminal act. This can have several implications for your case:

• Stronger evidence of negligence: Proving that the driver who caused the accident was under the influence can help establish their negligence more clearly. In such cases, the driver’s intoxication is often considered “negligence per se,” meaning their actions are automatically deemed negligent because they violated a law designed to protect others’ safety.
• Possibility of punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault driver was intoxicated, you may be eligible to receive punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages can significantly increase the overall amount of compensation you receive.
• Impact on insurance claims: If the hit-and-run driver is eventually identified and found to be intoxicated, their insurance company may be more likely to settle the case quickly and offer a higher settlement amount to avoid going to trial. This is because insurance companies know that juries are often more sympathetic to victims in cases involving drunk or drugged drivers.

It’s important to remember that you’ll still need to prove the intoxicated driver’s negligence and how it caused your injuries and damages.

Hit and Run Accident FAQs

Navigating the complexities of hit-and-run accidents can be challenging. To help you better understand this area of personal injury law, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their answers.

What should I do if I am a victim of a hit-and-run accident?

First and foremost, stay at the scene of the accident and call the police. Document the scene by taking photos and gathering contact information from any witnesses. Finally, contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Can I still receive compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never identified?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation through your own insurance policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. However, the process can be complicated, and it’s essential to work with an experienced attorney who can guide you through it.

How long do I have to file a claim for a hit-and-run accident in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including hit-and-run accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, there may be exceptions or specific deadlines, so it’s crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible.

How can a hit-and-run accident lawyer help me?

A hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you gather evidence, identify potentially liable parties, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They can also ensure that your claim is filed on time and that your rights are protected throughout the process.

What types of compensation can I receive in a hit-and-run accident case?

Compensation in hit-and-run accident cases may include economic damages (such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage), non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering), and, in some cases, punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Resources and Support for Hit and Run Victims

Coping with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident can be emotionally and financially draining. Fortunately, there are resources and support systems available to help you navigate this challenging time. Here are some organizations and resources you may find helpful.

Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)

The Georgia DDS provides information on driving laws and regulations, including hit-and-run accident reporting requirements. They can also assist with obtaining copies of accident reports, which can be crucial for your case. Visit their website at https://dds.georgia.gov/ for more information.

Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program

If you’re a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. This program can help cover expenses related to medical care, lost wages, and other costs incurred as a result of the accident. Visit their website at https://cjcc.georgia.gov/victims-compensation for eligibility requirements and application information.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

MADD is a national organization that offers support to victims of drunk and drugged driving, including hit-and-run accidents. They provide resources and advocacy to help prevent these tragedies and support those who have been affected. Visit their website at https://www.madd.org/ for more information and to find a local chapter near you.

National Center for Victims of Crime

The National Center for Victims of Crime offers resources and support for victims of various types of crimes, including hit-and-run accidents. They provide assistance with navigating the criminal justice system, accessing victim compensation, and connecting with support networks. Visit their website at https://victimsofcrime.org/ for more information.

Local Support Groups

Many communities have support groups specifically for victims of car accidents, including hit-and-run accidents. These groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and connections to local resources. Contact your local hospital, community center, or therapist for recommendations on support groups in your area.
Remember, reaching out for help and support is crucial during this difficult time. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the resources available to you, and consult with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.