Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Georgia

A hit-and-run accident occurs when somebody causes damage to another person or their vehicle and then flee the scene of an accident 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.

• Pedestrian Hit-and-Run – Involves a driver hitting a pedestrian and fleeing the scene of an accident without stopping to provide assistance or exchange information.
• Bicycle Hit-and-Run – Occurs when a driver strikes a cyclist and leaves the scene without reporting the accident or offering help to the injured cyclist.
• Vehicle-to-Vehicle Hit-and-Run – Involves one driver colliding with another vehicle and then leaving the scene without stopping to exchange insurance and contact information.
• Hit-and-Run with Parked Vehicles – Happens when an at fault driver hits a parked car and drives away without leaving a note or contacting the vehicle’s owner.
• Hit-and-Run in Parking Lots – Occurs when a driver damages another vehicle while parking or maneuvering in a parking lot and leaves without informing the vehicle owner.
• Hit-and-Run Involving Property Damage – Involves an at fault driver damaging someone’s property, such as fences, mailboxes, or buildings, and then fleeing the scene without reporting the incident.
• Hit-and-Run with Injuries – Cases where the driver hits another person, causing serious injuries, and then leaves the scene without providing aid or waiting for authorities.
• Hit-and-Run with Fatalities – The most severe type, where the hit-and-run results in the death of a pedestrian, cyclist, or another driver, and the offending at fault driver flees the scene.
• Hit-and-Run Involving Drunk Driving – Occurs when a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs hits another person or vehicle and flees the scene to avoid DUI charges.
• Hit-and-Run with Stolen Vehicles – Involves a hit-and-run where the offending vehicle is stolen, complicating the identification and apprehension of the responsible party.
• Hit-and-Run with Unlicensed or Uninsured Drivers – Happens when drivers without a valid driver’s license or insurance hit another person or vehicle and flee the scene to avoid legal consequences.

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 hit and run driver who took off. Second, they need to seek immediate 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 Georgia hit and run 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.

Evidence to Collect from a Hit-and-Run Accident

1. Photographs and Videos
   • Capture detailed images and videos of the car accident scene, including damage to vehicles, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries. Document the surroundings, such as street signs, traffic signals, and weather conditions.
2. Witness Statements
   • Obtain contact information and statements from any witnesses who saw the car accident. Their accounts can provide crucial details about the incident and the fleeing hit and run driver.
3. Police Report
   • Contact the police immediately to report the hit-and-run. Ensure you get a copy of the official police report, which will include important details and an officer’s observations.
4. Surveillance Footage
   • Check for any nearby surveillance cameras from businesses, homes, or traffic lights that may have captured the accident. Request copies of the footage as soon as possible before it’s overwritten.
5. Dashcam Footage
   • If your vehicle or any witness’s vehicle has a dashcam, review and save the footage, as it can provide critical evidence of the accident and the fleeing vehicle.
6. Driver and Vehicle Description
   • Note any details about the fleeing driver and vehicle, including the make, model, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing features like stickers or damage.
7. Debris and Paint Scraps
   • Collect any debris, paint chips, or parts left behind by the fleeing vehicle. This physical evidence can help identify the vehicle involved.
8. Medical Records
   • Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Keep detailed records of your injuries, treatments, and medical expenses, as these will be crucial for your claim.
9. Contact Information for Witnesses
   • Gather names, phone numbers, and addresses of witnesses who can corroborate your account of the car accident.

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

Lawyers with extensive knowledge of Georgia law 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 Georgia hit-and-run lawyer may be able to advise them right from the start and allow them to focus on getting better and recover compensation. If you were injured in a hit-and-run car wreck, call today.