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Hit-and-run crashes refer to situations where a motorist involved in an accident leaves the crash scene and does not fulfill their legal responsibilities. While facing such accidents can be traumatic and infuriating, victims in Georgia have options. In the guide below, we will review the legal recourse you may have if you were injured in a Georgia hit-and-run accident and the steps you can take to help your legal claim.
Pursuing Legal Action
If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident in Georgia, you have the legal right to take action against the motorist who fled the scene, provided that you are able to identify the motorist. If you decide to pursue this legal action, you may be able to receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, property damage, lost income and business opportunities, and pain and suffering. However, the success of the legal claim will depend on various factors:
- Identifying the Driver: Police efforts and other evidence, such as eyewitness accounts, videos of the accident, and motor vehicle descriptions, can play a vital role in finding the driver
- Determining Liability: Once the driver is identified, you will need to show that the motorist was at fault for the accident.
- Insurance Coverage: If the responsible motorist is underinsured or uninsured, the ability to recover compensation for your harm and losses may be limited. In these instances, you may need to use uninsured motorist coverage if you have it to obtain financial recovery.
To better understand these legal options, consider contacting an experienced Georgia hit-and-run accident attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help navigate this complex legal process, obtain evidence to show fault, take on the insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.
The Steps To Take After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Georgia
Following a hit-and-run accident, there are some things you can do to help your legal claim:
- Call the local authorities and provide them with as much information as possible.
- Document the accident, including writing down details about the other driver or the vehicle that hit you, such as the color of the car and make and model.
- If there were witnesses who saw the accident, obtain their contact details. These witnesses may be able to provide valuable information that can help your claim.
- Take photos of the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and the location where the accident happened.
- Get prompt medical care, even if your injuries appear to be minor. Refusing care or not getting your injuries documented can hurt your legal claim.
Stay Aware of the Statute of Limitations
The time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a motor vehicle accident in Georgia is usually two years from the date of the accident. That is why initiating legal proceedings promptly is crucial, as it can help your chances of receiving the compensation you require.
Contact Richard D. Hobbs & Associates Today and Determine Your Legal Options
If you or a family member suffered injuries in a Georgia hit-and-run accident, contact Richard D. Hobbs & Associates today to find out the legal options you have and how our legal team can help you.