Being involved in a car accident is a harrowing experience, but when the other driver flees the scene, it adds an extra layer of stress and uncertainty. Hit-and-run accidents leave victims grappling with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens, all while trying to navigate the complexities of Georgia's legal system.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. This post aims to guide you through the steps you should take and the legal options available to you in Georgia, ensuring that you have the information you need to pursue justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
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Steps to Take Immediately After a Hit-and-Run Accident
The moments following a hit-and-run accident are critical. Taking the right steps can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s what you should do:
Ensure Safety: First, make sure that you and any passengers are safe. Move to a secure location if possible and check for injuries.
Call 911: Immediately report the accident to the police. Provide as much information as you can about the vehicle that fled the scene, including the make, model, color, and license plate number, if possible.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s essential to get a medical evaluation. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, any visible injuries, and any debris or skid marks on the road. This evidence will be invaluable later.
Gather Witness Information: If there are any witnesses to the accident, collect their contact information. Their testimony could be crucial in identifying the fleeing driver and supporting your case.
Working with Law Enforcement
After reporting the accident, law enforcement will begin an investigation. Cooperating fully with the police is essential in tracking down the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.
Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, drivers involved in an accident are required to stop at the scene, provide their information, and render aid if necessary. Fleeing the scene is a serious offense with significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and a possible felony charge if the accident resulted in injury or death.
While the police work to identify the at-fault driver, keep in regular contact with the investigating officer. Provide any additional evidence you might discover, such as dashcam footage or witness statements, and stay updated on the progress of the investigation.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
Evidence is the backbone of any successful legal case. As a victim of a hit-and-run accident, you’ll need to gather and preserve as much evidence as possible to strengthen your claim.
Photographs and Videos: As mentioned earlier, photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and injuries are critical. If you have a dashcam, the footage may capture the fleeing vehicle, which can be vital in identifying the driver.
Medical Records: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses related to the accident. This includes doctor’s visits, prescriptions, physical therapy, and any other medical care you receive.
Police Reports: Obtain a copy of the police report as soon as it’s available. This document will contain important details about the accident and the steps law enforcement is taking to locate the responsible driver.
Witness Statements: Witnesses can provide key evidence that may help identify the hit-and-run driver. Their statements can also corroborate your account of the accident, strengthening your case.
Legal Options and Pursuing Compensation
If the hit-and-run driver is identified, you can pursue compensation through their insurance company. However, even if the driver remains unknown, you still have legal options to recover damages.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is an essential resource for hit-and-run accident victims. This coverage can compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering when the at-fault driver cannot be identified.
For example, let's say you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, and despite a thorough investigation, the driver was never found. If you had uninsured motorist coverage on your auto insurance policy, and with the help of a hit and run accident lawyer like John Edmonson, you could have a real chance at filing a successful claim with your insurance company and receive compensation for your medical bills and lost income.
Filing a Civil Lawsuit: If the driver is identified but doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage, or if the accident caused significant damages, you may choose to file a civil lawsuit. A hit-and-run accident attorney can help you navigate this process so that you have a better chance of receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
Georgia’s laws are designed to protect victims of hit-and-run accidents, but navigating the legal system can be challenging without professional help. Working with a knowledgeable hit-and-run accident lawyer is crucial in pursuing justice and securing the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Hit-and-run accidents can leave victims feeling helpless and frustrated, but you don’t have to navigate this difficult situation alone. Understanding your legal rights and options is the first step toward achieving justice and recovering the compensation you need to move forward.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, don’t wait to take action.
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Call our office at ☎ (678) 271-9111 ☎ or fill out our 🌐 hassle-free injury questionnaire to schedule a FREE case assessment with our experienced hit-and-run accident attorney.
The Edmonson Law Firm is here to help you every step of the way, from working with law enforcement to gathering evidence and pursuing compensation through uninsured motorist coverage or a civil lawsuit.
Please remember that this post offers a general overview and should not be considered as legal advice. Always consult with an attorney with the experience necessary to secure fair compensation for you.
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