Georgia drivers are required to report accidents that cause damage or injury. When drivers fail to do so and leave a victim with a hit-and-run accident, this kind of collision is doubly challenging. Not only have you been injured, but the negligent party did not grant you the courtesy of taking responsibility.
The good news is that even if the driver fled the scene, you are not without options for holding them responsible or seeking compensation. A Marietta hit-and-run accident lawyer at Bader Law Injury Lawyers can examine your case and explain how to pursue compensation.
Call our office today for a free consultation with a team member at (404) 888-8888.
Finding a Path Forward After a Hit-and-Run
Sadly, some hit-and-run drivers get away with their crime, fleeing the scene with your injuries as the only trace of their actions. They may have run because they were afraid of the consequences or because they knew that their other illegal actions could make the charges much worse, such as drunk driving or existing legal trouble.
Regardless of their reason, the bottom line is that the other driver made more than one mistake. In addition to causing an accident, they ran away. This is a crime, according to Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) § 40-6-270.
In fact, Georgia drivers are obligated to:
- Stop or return to the scene after an accident
- Render assistance if possible
- Call for help
- Provide personal information (name, address, and vehicle registration number)
However, even if the at-fault driver failed to perform any of these steps, do not assume that this is the end of the line for your chances of recovering compensation to pay for your expenses. Your own insurance company may be able to cover some of your costs.
For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accidents lawyer serving Marietta, call (404) 888-8888
What Your Insurance May Do for You
The Insurance Information Institute (III) estimates that 12 percent of drivers in Georgia lack insurance coverage. Uninsured drivers are why many insurance companies offer special policies to cover losses if you are involved in an accident where the other party has a lack of (or insufficient) coverage.
A hit-and-run accident claim is typically treated in much the same way as an uninsured motorist accident claim. After all, in either case, the other party may not be able to pay for your losses. This means you may be able to pursue compensation through your own insurance. However, your ability to recoup costs may vary depending on what kind of coverage you have.
To recover compensation, you may be able to use:
- Underinsured/uninsured coverage
- Collision coverage
Neither of these forms of insurance are required in Georgia, so you will need to check your policy. If you carry collision coverage, you can be reimbursed for losses regardless of who was at fault for an accident, including hit-and-runs. Underinsured/uninsured coverage can also typically be applied to hit-and-run collisions as well. However, your recoverable compensation will be limited by your policy’s maximum coverages.
A Marietta hit-and-run accident lawyer can help guide you through your options. Call a team member from Bader Law Injury Lawyers to learn more at (404) 888-8888.
Marietta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Be Sure to Report Your Accident
You are required by law to report an accident that causes injuries or property damage of $500.00 or more, even if you are the victim of a hit-and-run, according to Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) §40-6-273. In addition to complying with Georgia law, having a record of the accident will help prevent your insurance company from trying to challenge or deny your claim.
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How an Attorney Helps in Hit-and-Run Cases
An insurance company may not want to agree on a just settlement amount initially, and attorneys can help put pressure on them to do so. This is why working with a hit-and-run lawyer can be helpful, especially when your insurance is trying to find ways to deny your entitlement to seek compensation. Having someone else on your team could help show your resolve.
Contact the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers if your insurance is attempting to:
- Deny your claim
- Deny certain aspects of your claim
- Provide insufficient coverage for expenses
- Bully or haggle with you
Your attorney can act as the go-between with the insurance company, helping to keep them accountable for what they promised to cover—as well as negotiating the details of your compensation.
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What You May Be Able to Recover
Depending on your insurance coverage, you could seek compensation to help pay for:
- Hospital bills
- Diagnostic tests
- Specialists
- Surgeries
- Rehabilitative therapy
- Lost income
- Prescription medication
- Funeral expenses
Some hit-and-run cases sadly result in death. If you carry uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to pursue compensation to defray the cost of a funeral and burial, in addition to any related medical bills.
You should not have to fight with an insurance provider to pay your bills. Leave that to us.
If the Driver Was Located
If the police tracked down the negligent driver, their insurance may cover your expenses. However, if their coverage will not pay for everything, you may have to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against the driver individually.
In this case, once you consult an attorney at Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we will begin by gathering evidence to paint a picture of how your accident occurred. This may entail:
- Police reports
- Criminal charges and records
- Blood tests
- Medical records
- Witness testimony
- Surveillance footage
- Photos from the scene
The goal is not only to highlight that the other driver struck you and left, but also that your losses have a certain worth. Your medical records, the accident’s impact on your lifestyle, and the pain and suffering you experienced could all figure into the value of your case.
Your Partner in this Fight
You are the victim of a crime. When that happens, the law provides avenues for seeking justice. Even if the negligent driver cannot be found, you may still have options for pursuing compensation to cover your accident-related expenses. Do not let your insurance company talk you out of what you deserve. A Marietta hit-and-run accident lawyer may be able to help.
Let someone from Bader Law Injury Lawyers evaluate the specifics of your case and let you know what to do next. Call now for a free consultation at (404) 888-8888.
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