Hit-and-Run Accidents

Your fear and anger are understandable – who will pay for the medical bills and be held accountable for your injuries?

If you were injured by a driver who fled in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, your top priority should be to get medical attention. Then, it’s time to handle the financial aspects of your accident. 

That’s where the Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyers of The Dixon Firm come in. Let us handle your crash and seek the compensation that you deserve.

The definition of a hit-and-run in Georgia is an automobile crash in which a driver who was involved either fails to stop or to return to the accident scene. State law requires drivers, whether they believe they caused the accident or not, to take several important steps:

• Stop at the accident scene, or immediately go back to it.
• Give their name, address, and vehicle identification number to the other parties involved.
• Help others who are injured, including by transporting them to the hospital.
• Contact emergency services to help someone who is severely injured, unconscious, or who appears dead.

A driver who has left the scene of the accident can be charged with a crime. If nobody was injured and there is only property damage, then the hit-and-run is a misdemeanor. If the accident caused injury or death, however, it should be charged as a felony.

Hit-and-runs can happen any time an individual comes into proximity of a moving vehicle. The most common examples of such accidents are:

• Pedestrian hit-and-run: If a person is hit while walking in Atlanta, either on the sidewalk or while crossing the street, the driver may leave to try to avoid serious criminal charges.
• Bicycle hit-and-run: It is particularly dangerous to get hit while biking in Georgia if the victim either wore no helmet or did not have on any protective gear.
• Hit while in a vehicle: Hit-and-runs of this nature commonly occur at traffic lights and stop signs, although this can occur anytime a person is driving.
• Property damage with no note left: A parked car hit-and-run is also illegal, and the driver who crashes into the vehicle should leave their name and contact information.
• Fatal hit-and-run crashes: These are the worst kinds of hit-and-runs, often resulting from fear of criminal prosecution for vehicular homicide or a similar charge.

Knowing what to do after a hit-and-run in Atlanta is particularly important to protecting your health and seeking monetary compensation. Take these steps if the driver fled the scene:

• Call 911 and seek medical attention: Report the hit-and-run to Georgia emergency authorities and ask for police and ambulance services to come to the scene.
• Gather witness statements: If anyone saw the accident, get their names, contact information, and a brief description of what they observed.
• Document the scene: Take pictures and record videos of the accident scene and of your injuries.
• Contact a lawyer immediately: Do not apologize or admit fault at any time, and do not talk to any insurance companies before speaking with a personal injury attorney.

One of the most obvious questions that a victim will ask is whether they can seek compensation if the hit-and-run driver fled. Fortunately, you have a few potential options for doing so.

Using Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

If you have uninsured motorist coverage on your Georgia insurance policy, the insurer can pay for hit-and-run damages like medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering. However, you should know that while insurers must offer this coverage, drivers are not obligated to purchase it. Also, your insurer may contest your claim regardless of the facts, so speak with experienced legal counsel for help.

Other Avenues for Compensation

Depending on the facts of your accident, you may be able to qualify for the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. Third-party liability is also possible, for instance, if the manufacturer of your vehicle improperly installed a safety component that aggravated your injuries. Your attorney can assist you with exploring all possible ways to recover compensation.

What Happens if the Driver Is Later Found?

If the driver is ultimately identified, you may be curious as to whether you can sue after the hit-and-run. The driver will likely not have an automobile liability policy, but you can potentially file a lawsuit against them personally and seek compensation through non-insurance sources (e.g., by placing a judgment lien on their property). Ask an attorney about this and other strategies for seeking damages.

When you retain us, we do what we can to find the hit-and-run driver in Atlanta or elsewhere. We work with law enforcement to determine what they know from the crash site and may also conduct a private investigation into the hit-and-run. If there were witnesses to the accident, we can interview them to learn whatever details we can. 

We may take steps to obtain and review surveillance camera footage, dash cam footage, and any other video evidence. You can rest assured that our accident lawyer will investigate the hit-and-run and locate the driver if possible.

Victims deserve a top Atlanta hit-and-run lawyer who will work on their behalf for the monetary damages they need to recover from their losses. You have your choice of attorneys, but what sets The Dixon Firm apart is our:

• Deep knowledge of Georgia UM laws and claim strategies: An experienced Georgia injury attorney not only knows the state’s UM and other relevant insurance laws, but also understands how to develop a strong compensation claim.
• Compassionate support for trauma victims: Hit-and-run victims often suffer extreme trauma due to their experiences and the fears that surround trying to find the driver. We offer the support that victims deserve in their hour of need.
• Bilingual hit-and-run law firm: Our bilingual legal team is ready to assist Spanish-speaking families who have been impacted by hit-and-runs. We help them better understand the legal and insurance system so we can assist in their recovery.
• Local experience with hit-and-run cases: Hit-and-runs often occur in Atlanta neighborhoods, and you need a firm that is prepared to work with local police and courts. Our firm uses its extensive community networks to your advantage.

What if I Never Find the Driver?

You still have potential coverage options even if you can’t find the at-fault driver. These include your UM insurance policy, any applicable victims’ compensation funds, and third parties (see below).

Can I Still Sue?

There may be other parties besides the at-fault driver whom you can name in a lawsuit. For example, if your injuries were aggravated because the brakes in your vehicle failed, the manufacturer or a repair shop could be held liable for making the accident worse.

How Long Do I Have to File a Hit-and-Run Claim in Georgia?

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. If you don’t, a judge could dismiss your lawsuit. However, to make the strongest argument for the highest amount of compensation, you should take action much earlier than the two-year mark.

Time is of the essence when processing a hit-and-run accident claim. You and your attorney will need to investigate the accident, secure evidence, and ensure any liable parties besides the driver are identified. 

Don’t wait to contact our Atlanta hit-and-run lawyer. We offer a free hit-and-run case review as well as bilingual legal support. To schedule your no-cost review, connect with The Dixon Firm today.