Atlanta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

A hit-and-run accident occurs when somebody causes damage to another person or their vehicle and then flee the scene immediately to avoid taking responsibility. Hit-and-run accidents provide a unique set of challenges for car accident attorneys and claimants, as the identity of the negligent driver may be difficult to confirm and there may be correlating criminal proceedings. An experienced Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer could help a potential plaintiff preserve evidence and hold the responsible driver accountable.

Common Fact Patterns of Hit-and-Run Crashes

Common fact patterns surrounding hit-and-run accidents include perpetrators who may have been drinking or may have some form of drugs or contraband in their vehicle. In other cases, a hit-and-run perpetrator may have a warrant out for their arrest, or they may be a teenager not wanting to get in trouble with their parents. It may even be a road rage case where people hit somebody else and they just think they can get away with not taking responsibility.

A civil claim related to a hit-and-run is usually a stronger case than other types of car accident cases. It is better because if they are hurt and somebody hit them and took off, it implies guilt immediately. Juries and judges do not like people who will not take responsibility for their actions and by that person driving off or running away, they are automatically put in a bad light. In addition, an Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer could go after more compensation for the victim because they are allowed to seek punitive damages for a hit-and-run case.

Punitive Damages

Recoverable damages in a hit-and run-case include the standard damages that a plaintiff can recover in a regular case. In a hit-and-run case, however, punitive damages also apply. Punitive damages are additional economic damages paid by the fleeing driver and are meant drivers from avoiding responsibility.

Steps to Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Three crucial steps a person should take after being injured in a hit-and-run accident are, one, they need to contact an attorney immediately to identify the driver who took off. Second, they need to seek medical attention. Finally, they should also call the police for a full police report

It is imperative to contact an attorney early on in a case to preserve evidence, as evidence can deteriorate or be destroyed following an accident. A lawyer could preserve evidence and also help the injured person seek appropriate medical attention early on, which can be crucial to their physical recovery. Often, complainants wait to see if an injury will heal on its own. Typically, however, the pain of a car wreck injury worsens one or two weeks after the wreck. If a complainant has not sought medical treatment shortly after an accident, the gap may harm their civil liability claim.

Contact an Atlanta County Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney Today

Lawyers take a huge burden off of the claimant’s shoulders. Most laymen do not know how to navigate the days and weeks after a hit-and-run accident. An experienced Atlanta hit-and-run lawyer may be able to advise them right from the start and allow them to focus on getting better. If you were injured in a hit-and-run car wreck, call today.