Getting in a car accident is bad enough, but things get much more complicated when the other driver decides to flee the scene. If you are hurt in a hit and run accident in Savannah, you are likely wondering who is going to pay for your medical bills and property damage.
Recovering the compensation you are owed without the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer may be difficult. Hiring a lawyer to help with your accident claim can increase your chances of obtaining a maximum recovery.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Hit and Run Accident in Savannah
Hit and run accidents can be complex. Georgia is an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for your injuries and any other damages resulting from the accident. However, things can get challenging if the at-fault driver runs and cannot be located.
An experienced hit and run accident lawyer can help you by:
- Answering all your questions and giving you sound legal advice
- Gathering evidence and working with the police to identify the fleeing driver
- Assessing all potential insurance coverage, including your own uninsured motorist coverage
- Working with your medical providers to put an appropriate value on your claim
- Negotiating a top-dollar settlement for your claim
After a hit and run accident, your mind is likely racing in many different directions. However, you should understand that you do not have to go through this difficult situation alone. An attorney can walk you through the legal process.
How Common Are Hit and Run Accidents?
Hit and run accidents are much more common than you might think. Drivers flee for a number of different reasons, such as when they have no insurance, active warrants, or have been drinking. Not only do hit and run accidents involve other vehicles, but roughly 25 percent of pedestrian accidents in Georgia in 2022 were hit and run accidents.
What Should I Do After a Hit and Run Accident?
The time after a hit and run accident can be confusing. You are left dealing with the effects of the accident and wondering what to do next. Knowing how to handle this situation can help you remain calm and also protect your interests. After a hit and run accident, you should:
- Get as much information about the other vehicle as possible. If you are able to get the tag number, this can help the police locate the vehicle. Additionally, try to get the make, model, and color of the car. Any other identifying information, such as stickers or personalization, can help locate the vehicle after the accident.
- If you have any injuries, seek immediate medical treatment. Go ahead and call 911 and let them know that you need medical assistance. Additionally, this will also allow the police to respond to your accident and create a crash report.
- If you are able, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. Take photos of your vehicle and the surrounding area. Obtain the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident. This is especially important in a hit and run accident because you might need to file a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage.
- Contact a car accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you navigate the process of obtaining compensation after a hit and run accident. They can also help you properly value all your damages so that you obtain a full and fair recovery.
If someone hits you and decides to flee, remember to stay calm and follow these steps. Never attempt to catch or stop the fleeing driver on your own. This could put you in a dangerous situation and lead to additional injuries or legal consequences.
Types of Damages Available to Hit and Run Accident Victims
Victims of hit and run accidents may be entitled to recover both economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate victims for their monetary losses, while non-economic damages are used to compensate victims for their physical and emotional suffering. Some common examples of damages available in these cases include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost benefits
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Diminished quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- PTSD
- Depression
- Anxiety
Even if the other driver cannot be located, you may still be able to recover these types of damages from your uninsured motorist coverage. Although uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in Georgia, your insurance company must offer this coverage as part of your automobile policy.
Contact the Savannah Car Accident Lawyers at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, contact the experienced team at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for help today by calling (912) 335-1909. Your time to file a claim after the accident is limited, so do not wait until it is too late to get the compensation you are owed. Our Savannah car accident lawyers are ready to begin helping you.
