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Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in Peachtree Corners

It only takes a few seconds for a car accident to happen. But the devastating effects—property damage, injuries—can last for years afterward, sometimes even a lifetime. Dealing with the aftermath of a major accident is already difficult. When the other driver involved flees the scene, it can become a nightmare.

Hit-and-run accidents aren’t just unfair; they’re illegal. If the fleeing motorist is ever found, they can face criminal charges in addition to civil liability for the accident. That’s only if the other driver gets found. Often, they don’t, which leaves you with to deal with the accident and find a way to get compensation for your injuries.

The Scott Pryor Law Group understands the frustration that comes with a hit-and-run accident. We’re ready to help you fight for damages to help cover your expenses and get your life back on track.

Damaged car with broken windshield and legal scales in the background, representing Scott Pryor Law Group's hit-and-run legal support in Peachtree Corners.

Who Pays Damages After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

In car accident claims in Georgia, the at-fault party can be held responsible and required to pay damages to the victims. However, if a driver flees the scene of the accident, how can you make them pay?

One way is to attempt to track them down. If you’re in a hit-and-run accident and you’re able to collect some identifying information about the other driver’s vehicle, there’s a small chance the police can find them. This rarely happens, however.

For most hit-and-run accidents, you have to seek compensation via your auto or health insurance policies. Typically, you can file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company—but if the other driver can’t be identified, you’ll have to turn to your own insurance.

How to Get the Other Driver to Pay Damages

In the moments after a collision with another vehicle, you’re disoriented. Your brain attempts to process what happened, you’re in shock, you’re trying to figure out if you’re hurt or if your passengers are okay. You assume the other driver is doing the same, and that they’ll still be on the scene by the time you’ve gotten your bearings. You don’t expect them to run away, so you don’t look for identifying information on their vehicle, like a license plate number, or car make and model.

That’s what makes hit-and-run accidents so hard to deal with. Still, if you’re able to get these few clues about the other motorist before they flee, you can contact the police and they can work on tracking the person down. When you hire a personal injury attorney, they can also investigate and use other tools at their disposal to find the person.

Keep in mind that even if you do find the other driver, you still might not be able to pursue a claim with their insurance policy. Why? Most drivers who flee the scene of an accident do so because they don’t have liability coverage. You could have other options, however.

Filing a Claim with Collision Insurance

If you can’t find the other driver or they don’t have the liability coverage needed to file a claim, you might have to file a claim with your own insurance provider. However, it depends on what kind of coverage you carry. If your policy includes collision coverage, your insurer should pay for damages after a hit-and-run accident.

Filing a Claim with Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you don’t have collision insurance, there are other policies that might apply in a hit-and-run situation. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might be an option for your claim if the police and your attorney can’t identify the other driver.

However, carrying uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Georgia. If you don’t have it, your attorney will have to pursue other options to get you compensation.

The financial recovery process after a hit-and-run, highlighting ways to seek compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, and related expenses.

Compensation You Can Recover After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Getting the compensation you need to pay for damage to your car or your injuries can seem complex after a hit-and-run. If you work with a personal injury attorney in Peachtree Corners, you can pursue a settlement for the damages you’ve suffered:

Some examples of compensation you may be able to get are:

  • Medical expenses: Doctor’s visits, hospital bills, medications, rehabilitation, etc.
  • Lost wages: Pay you didn’t receive because you were unable to work after the accident.
  • Lost earning potential: Income you won’t receive in the future because you can no longer do your job due to your injuries.
  • Pain and suffering: Chronic pain, mental anguish, permanent disability, and mental health disorders that result from the accident.
  • Property damage: Damage to your car, smartphone, laptop, or other belongings.
  • Wrongful death: Your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run accident.

Why Drivers Flee the Scene of an Accident

Drivers flee the scene of an accident for a variety of reasons:

  • Lack of car insurance
  • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Avoiding arrest
  • No damage to their own vehicle

No matter the reason the other driver didn’t stick around, you can still try to pursue a claim and get compensation for your injuries and property damage.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Successful hit-and-run claims rely on good evidence and thorough documentation. If you want to strengthen your claim, try to do these steps following the collision:

  1. Check for injuries and call an ambulance for anyone on the scene who needs emergency medical care.
  2. Call the police and have them come to the scene to make a report. This report will serve as evidence in your claim.
  3. Capture detailed images and videos of the scene, including any vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and visible injuries. Also, document the surroundings such as street signs, traffic signals, and weather conditions.
  4. Look for any surveillance cameras nearby, either on traffic lights or nearby businesses. If you see any, take note of their locations. Your attorney might be able to obtain the surveillance footage from the time of your collision.
  5. If your or any other vehicles involved have a dashcam, be sure to review, save, and make a copy of the footage.
  6. Speak with witnesses who were present and ask them to provide an account of what happened. Record their account on video if you can.
  7. Try to get details about the fleeing vehicle and driver if you can, such as make, model, color, license plate number, and any distinguishing marks.
  8. Collect debris, scraps, paint chips, or parts left behind by the fleeing vehicle. These pieces of evidence might help police identify the vehicle that fled.
  9. Gather the names and contact information of witnesses who were present and can corroborate your account.
  10. Get a medical examination in the days after the accident. Even if you didn’t need emergency care, you might still have an injury whose symptoms haven’t manifested yet. Keep detailed records and copies of all medical visits.
The Scott Pryor Law Firm helps hit-and-run victims in Peachtree Corners through investigation, liability assessment, and legal representation.

Why You Should Have an Attorney on Your Side After a Hit-and-Run

Navigating a hit-and-run claim in Peachtree Corners is complex and can be overwhelming. When you hire The Scott Pryor Law Firm, you can expect us to:

  • Collect evidence, review police reports, and conduct a thorough investigation
  • Determine who was liable for the accident
  • Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf
  • Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company to get you fair compensation
  • Represent you in court if necessary

We understand the challenges you’re facing at this difficult time and we’re here to support you.

Contact our Peachtree Corners hit-and-run lawyer so we can discuss your accident.