Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Athens

In the historic city of Athens, Georgia, a hit and run accident can turn your world upside down in an instant. You may be facing painful injuries, mounting medical expenses, and the frustration of not knowing who is responsible for your suffering.

What can you do when the at-fault driver flees the scene? Holding them accountable—and securing the compensation you need—can be a complex process. Proving your claim requires strategic legal action, and insurance companies often try to minimize or deny rightful payouts.

You don’t have to navigate this battle alone. A hit and run accident lawyer in Athens can help you fight for justice. At The Scott Pryor Law Group, our attorneys leverage extensive resources to investigate your case, advocate for your rights, and take on the insurance companies so you can focus on healing.

• What You Should Know About Hit and Run Accidents in Athens
• Hit and Run Accident Laws in Georgia
• Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Athens
  • Safely Pull Over and Call 911
  • File a Police Report
  • Gather Evidence
  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention
  • File an Insurance Claim
  • Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Athens
• What to Do If a Hit and Run Driver Can’t Be Found
• Why You Need a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Athens
• Compensation in a Hit and Run Accident Case
  • Economic Damages
  • Non-Economic Damages
  • Punitive Damages
• How The Scott Pryor Law Group Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions

What You Should Know About Hit and Run Accidents in Athens

Hit and run accidents are a serious issue across Georgia, and Athens is no exception. With busy streets and a growing population, these incidents leave many victims struggling to recover physically and financially. Here are key facts about hit and run accidents in Athens from the Athens-Clarke County Police Department’s annual report:

• In 2023, 17.87% of all crashes in Athens-Clarke County involved a hit-and-run, which is higher than the Georgia state average of 14.37%.
• Of the 5,844 crashes reported in Athens-Clarke County in 2023, 2,034 people were injured, and 21 were killed. Additionally, 34.80% of all crashes resulted in injury.
• 45% of fatal crash victims were not wearing a seatbelt, and less than 2% of total crashes involved alcohol or drugs—yet these factors contributed to 24% of fatal crashes.

Many hit and run drivers are eventually tracked down and held accountable. Personal injury claims can help victims recover medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Hit and Run Accident Laws in Georgia

Georgia law takes hit and run accidents seriously, and drivers who flee the scene can face severe penalties. Whether charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, hit and run cases involve both criminal and civil consequences. Your personal injury claim may proceed only after the driver’s criminal case is resolved, but a conviction can strengthen your case.

Under Georgia Code § 40-6-270, hit and run laws include:

• Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense.
• If a hit and run causes serious injury or death, the driver faces felony charges with a minimum prison sentence of 1–5 years.
• Failing to remain at the scene after causing $500+ in property damage, serious injury, or death leads to misdemeanor or felony charges.

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run, knowing these laws can help you understand your rights and legal options.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident in Athens

After a hit and run accident in Athens, taking the right steps can protect your health, legal rights, and potential compensation. A hit and run lawyer in Athens can guide you through the process to ensure you’re not left covering costs that should be the responsibility of the at-fault driver.

Here are the most crucial steps to take after a hit and run accident:

Safely Pull Over and Call 911

If your vehicle is still drivable and you are not seriously injured, move to a safe location away from traffic. Try to recall any details about the vehicle that struck you, such as the make, model, color, or any portion of the license plate. Call 911 immediately and wait for first responders to arrive.

Do not attempt to chase the driver—this could put you in further danger and complicate your legal claim.

File a Police Report

Law enforcement will document the accident scene, gather witness statements, and create an official police report. This report serves as critical evidence in both tracking down the driver and supporting your personal injury claim.

Avoid admitting fault or apologizing, as these statements could be used against you by insurance companies.

Gather Evidence

If possible, take photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and any injuries. Collect the contact information of any witnesses who saw the crash happen. If you have damaged belongings or bloodstained clothing, keep them as evidence.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical care right away. Some injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately. Official medical records will also strengthen your personal injury claim.

File an Insurance Claim

Even if the hit and run driver isn’t immediately located, start the claims process with your insurance provider as soon as possible. If the driver is later found, your insurance company will pursue compensation from their insurer.

Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Athens

Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims, making it critical to have legal representation. A hit and run accident lawyer in Athens can help you navigate the claims process, negotiate for fair compensation, and ensure you’re not left paying for someone else’s negligence.

The Scott Pryor Law Group is dedicated to fighting for hit and run victims and ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

What to Do If a Hit and Run Driver Can’t Be Found

If the hit and run driver is not identified, you still have options for recovering compensation. Filing a claim with your insurance provider is the first step, especially if you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

If the driver is later found, you may have the opportunity to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. Your police report, collected evidence, and eyewitness statements will be crucial in supporting your claim and maximizing your compensation.

Why You Need a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Athens

Navigating a hit and run accident case on your own can be overwhelming. A personal injury lawyer in Athens has the resources, experience, and legal knowledge needed to help you secure the compensation you deserve. These cases often involve complex legal and insurance challenges, making professional representation crucial.

At The Scott Pryor Law Group, our attorneys work diligently to investigate hit and run cases, track down drivers, consult forensic experts, gather eyewitness testimony, and guide you through the legal process. Whether the driver is found or not, we fight to ensure you are not left covering the costs of someone else’s negligence.

Compensation in a Hit and Run Accident Case

Even if the hit and run driver is never located, you may still be entitled to compensation. In legal terms, this compensation falls under damages, which cover both measurable and immeasurable losses from your accident. Damages are typically divided into three categories: Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for financial losses with a clear dollar value. These may include:

• Lost Wages: If your accident caused you to miss work, lose out on bonuses, tips, or other earnings, you may be able to recover these losses.
• Medical Expenses: Compensation may cover emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing treatments related to your injuries.
• Property Repair and Replacement Costs: This includes vehicle repairs or replacement, as well as compensation for other personal property damaged in the accident.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover intangible losses that impact your quality of life. These damages recognize that some injuries extend far beyond financial costs, affecting your physical and emotional well-being. Examples include:

• Chronic Pain
• Emotional Trauma
• Disfigurement
• Loss of Limb
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Mental Anguish
• Loss of Consortium (loss of companionship/intimacy)
• Wrongful Death

While financial compensation cannot erase these hardships, it can help ease the burden and provide support for your recovery.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, a hit and run lawyer in Athens may advise seeking punitive damages, particularly if the driver’s actions demonstrated gross negligence. Unlike other damages, punitive damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter others from similar reckless behavior.

In Georgia, 75% of any punitive damages awarded are allocated to the state treasury, while 25% goes to the victim. Because these damages are not always applicable in personal injury cases, having a skilled attorney can help determine whether pursuing punitive damages is a viable option for your case.

If you’ve been injured in a hit and run accident in Athens, The Scott Pryor Law Group is ready to help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.

How The Scott Pryor Law Group Can Help

At The Scott Pryor Law Group, we understand the trauma and uncertainty that follows a hit and run accident. Our team is committed to fighting for justice on your behalf, holding negligent drivers accountable, and ensuring that insurance companies don’t deny you the compensation you deserve.

A hit and run accident lawyer in Athens will be by your side through every stage of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle.

While no outcome is ever guaranteed, we fight relentlessly for the best possible result. Our firm has secured seven-figure settlements, built strong relationships with our clients, and maintains a 90% case success rate.

You don’t have to face this alone. The path to justice starts with a free consultation—let’s take the first step together.

Frequently Asked Questions