I Was Involved in a Hit and Run. Do I Still Have a Case?
Under Georgia laws, a driver involved in a traffic crash is required to file a report with the nearest police department and offer reasonable assistance to the accident victims. Unfortunately, some negligent drivers may deliberately flee the accident scene for fear of being arrested or held liable for the incident, leaving an injured person in a difficult situation and without any information. If you or someone close to you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, you're within your rights to seek damages.
Since 2006, the attorneys at The Harding Law Firm, LLC have devoted their careers to advocating for the best interests of hit-and-run accident victims and their loved ones. The Georgia personal injury attorneys at the firm will investigate every aspect of your case and explore your possible options to pursue damages. In addition, Attorney Todd A. Harding and his reliable team will fight vigorously for your rights and help you seek your rightful financial compensation.
The firm proudly serves clients across Griffin, Spalding County, Butts County, Monroe County, Lamar County, and Henry County, Georgia.
Georgia is a Fault Insurance State
Georgia is an "at-fault" auto insurance state. According to the state's fault laws, the driver who caused the motor vehicle crash (the at-fault party) will be held civilly and financially liable for medical expenses, vehicle damages, and other accident-related losses suffered by the injured person.
Requirements When an Accident Occurs in Georgia
When an accident occurs within a municipality in Georgia, the driver must immediately inform the police if the crash causes an injury, death of a person, or property damage of more than $500. Also, the driver must:
Provide their name, contact info, driver's license, insurance information, and vehicle registration number to the other drivers involved.
Provide reasonable help to injured persons who need medical assistance.
In the event that a driver flees from the scene of the accident without reporting to the police or completing the other requirements, they may be facing hit-and-run charges. An experienced car accident attorney can investigate all of the facts of your situation and help determine how to proceed with your hit-and-run claims.
Your Options for Filing a Claim After a Hit and Run
To pursue damages after a hit-and-run accident in Georgia, you can proceed by:
Filing a first-party claim with your own insurer.
Filing a third-party claim against the insurance carrier of the at-fault party.
Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court.
However, if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, it is essential to speak with a practiced lawyer to understand the next steps to take and how to proceed with your injury claims.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Provision
Furthermore, filing a claim against an uninsured or underinsured driver isn't worth it. Even if you win your case, you won't be able to recover any or your full compensation. Rather, you can file a claim with your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
The UM/UIM policy will help cover the cost of your medical treatments, vehicle damages, and other accident-related losses after the hit-and-run crash – if you can't identify the liable party. With this, you can recover financial compensation for your injuries and damages.
Steps to Take if You Were in a Hit-and-Run
Here are some crucial steps to take if you were involved in a hit-and-run accident:
Remain calm and get to safety. Do not pursue the fleeing motorist.
Take note of vital details about the car, including the color, license plate number, model, and manufacturer.
Take notes of specific details about the driver, such as the driver's appearance, outfit, eyeglasses, gender, facial hair, and estimated age.
Call 911 to get immediate medical help for your injuries.
Get the contact information of witnesses and other persons at the accident scene who saw what happened.
Gather evidence at the accident scene, including pictures and video footage from surveillance cameras at nearby retail stores, traffic cameras, or parking lots.
Document pictures of your injuries and medical treatments received.
Document your personal account of how the incident happened while it is still fresh in your memory.
Report the accident to the nearest police department.
Inform your insurer about the hit-and-run accident.
Hire a trusted lawyer to help file your claims and handle negotiations with the insurer.
A dedicated lawyer can tell you about the next steps to take after the traffic crash, guide you through the claims process, and help you seek your rightful financial compensation.
Understand Your Options After a Hit and Run
Understanding your possible legal options is imperative to recover damages after a hit and run. The reliable attorneys at The Harding Law Firm, LLC, have the diligence and expertise to support and represent clients in their personal injury and auto accident cases. With their extensive knowledge, they can direct you through the often-complicated claims process and attempt to recover the maximum available compensation for your hit-and-run accident injuries.
Contact The Harding Law Firm, LLC, today to schedule a simple case evaluation with devoted personal injury lawyers. Attorney Todd A. Harding and his trusted legal team can offer you the dependable legal counsel and compassionate representation you need in your claims. The firm proudly serves clients across Griffin, Spalding County, Butts County, Monroe County, Lamar County, and Henry County, Georgia.