When at least one person involved in a crash leaves the accident site, the occurrence is called a hit and run accident. The US sees over 737,000 hit and run accidents per year and these contribute to over 2,040 fatalities on an annual basis.
In Georgia, just like in the rest of the US, a hit and run is a very serious offense. As the victim of such an accident, you have the right to pursue legal action. For an optimal outcome, you’ll need the assistance of a reputable and experienced Peachtree City hit and run accident lawyer.
As car accident lawyers, we work with many hit-and-run victims in Peachtree City. We’re committed to ensuring just and extensive compensation for the pain and suffering endured.
Reasons for Drivers to Leave the Accident Scene
Drivers will often instinctively abandon the scene of a car crash, not thinking things through in the heat of the moment.
The most common reasons for fleeing a crime scene include fear, not wanting to be caught, confusion and shock, and an inability to face the consequences at the time being.
A car accident can happen to anyone. Most people aren’t equipped to handle such situations, especially if someone has been harmed or killed in the crash.
Fleeing, however, is the worst course of action. In Georgia, the legal consequences for a hit and run can be severe for the guilty party. It doesn’t matter how serious the crash has been. Hit and run in itself is a crime that will necessitate penal action.
What Should I Do if a Driver Leaves the Accident Scene?
Doing the right thing after a hit and run accident isn’t necessarily easy. Chances are that you’ll be confused. Also, if you are hurt, you’ll be less likely to act in a rational and collected manner.
Still, it’s crucial to follow a number of steps in the aftermath of a hit and run crash. These are essential to ensure your safety and to help you build a legal case later on.
If you go through a hit and run accident, you’ll need to undertake the following steps:
- If you are capable, call 911 or request assistance from passersby.
- Remain at the scene until the police and a medical team arrive.
- If you are capable, snap some pictures of the accident scene and talk to the witnesses who saw the crash.
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Obtain the police report (usually, that is going to happen later on).
- Get in touch with a hit and run accident lawyer to determine if you could obtain damages.
In the event of being hurt, get medical assistance first! This is important even if you don’t have visible injuries. Soft tissue damages and internal hemorrhages could cause symptoms much later. Hence, it’s essential to get cleared by a medical professional. This is also an opportunity to collect medical records and additional evidence for your claim.
What Damages Can Hit and Run Accident Victims Claim in Georgia?
If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident or you’ve had your property damaged, you may be eligible for a compensation claim.
The best-case scenario will allow for the identification of the hit-and-run driver. If, for example, a witness has managed to photograph their license plate, the police will use that information. Once the driver is identified, you’ll be free to forward that information to your insurance provider for further processing.
Whenever the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, there would be no way to seek compensation from their insurance company.
As a hit-and-run victim in Georgia, you could also collect compensatory and punitive damages in court.
These may be awarded in the event of bodily injuries. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering. Punitive damages are more difficult to obtain. These will be awarded whenever the defendant acted recklessly, maliciously, or with conscious indifference to the consequences.
An experienced Peachtree City hit and run accident lawyer will give you a better overview of the damage types and the ones you may be eligible for. This is why you need to contact a reputable law firm as soon as possible.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Hit and Run Accident Claim in Georgia?
The amount of time you have to make an accident claim is called the statute of limitations.
In Georgia, the hit and run accident claim statute of limitations is two years from the day of the crash.
Depending on the circumstances, some extensions could be offered but these are an exception rather than a general rule.
While you do have enough time to put your claim together, it’s best to act quickly. Evidence collection and witness contacts will become more challenging with the passage of time. You could still build a solid case but postponing is generally going to contribute to some complications.
Why Do I Need a Peachtree City Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
Some victims of hit and run accidents worry about hiring an attorney. They believe that legal assistance will be way too costly. Hence, they handle the communication with the police and insurance companies on their own. Needless to say, such an approach leads to missed opportunities and more often than not – to mediocre results.
You can file a hit and run accident claim on your own but you’ll have to handle all of the legal procedures. This type of case could get really complex and in the absence of legal knowledge, you’ll potentially make serious mistakes to threaten your case.
Keep in mind that communication with insurance companies is not easy. They usually have teams of lawyers whose sole job is to minimize payouts. As a single, inexperienced person, you wouldn’t be capable of taking such professionals on.
If the culprit in a hit and run accident isn’t identified, the situation will become even more challenging. We recommend getting professional assistance in those cases, as you can still move forward and get justice.
Contact Us Today For A Free Case Review
At the Weinstein Firm, we believe that every victim deserves fair compensation for their pain and suffering. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 770-HELP-NOW and find out more. Chances are that you’re entitled to much more comprehensive compensation than you would have considered possible at first.
Our personal injury attorneys near Peachtree City will fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve. We charge no fees unless we win your case.
