Hit-and-run accidents are among the most heinous car crash cases in Atlanta and worldwide. Whatever the reason, there is no excuse to flee the accident scene. Common hit-and-run cases include hitting a pedestrian with a vehicle, hitting a parked vehicle, hitting a building, and hitting an animal.
The victims of such accidents can feel that they will have to shoulder all responsibility for damages, including medical expenses.
If you are a victim of such an accident, hiring a hit-and-run attorney in Atlanta can help protect your rights. Here is what you can do if you are injured in a hit-and-run accident in Atlanta.
What are the Legal Consequences for Leaving the Accident Scene in Atlanta?
The penalty for leaving the scene of the accident in hit and run case varies depending on the severity of the accident. Leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor for non-serious injuries. The penalties for such offenses may vary from $300 to #1,000 with imprisonment of up to 12 months. For accidents that result in death or serious injuries, it is considered a felony.
Investigations for hit-and-run accidents can take longer than traditional cases. There are various factors that determine the length of a hit-and-run investigation, including the availability of evidence
What to Do After a Hit-and-run Accident?
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be very frustrating for a victim. The crash can result in injuries and damage to the vehicle. While you may want to chase the car down, it is not a good idea. Instead, you should look to gather as much evidence as possible so that you can pursue the legal claim.
Ensure the Safety of you and your co-passengers: The Safety of everyone involved in the crash is most critical. Ensure you and your passengers are safe.
Report the accident: Call the police immediately after the crash to report the accident. A police report is one of the most crucial pieces of evidence in hit-and-run cases.
Gather important Information: You can note the description of the vehicle, weather conditions, and other details that caused the accident. You also want to take photos of the vehicles to document the damage caused to your vehicle.
Speak to Witnesses: If there are any eyewitnesses at the accident scene, remember to get their information.
Contact an Attorney: The assistance of an intersection accident lawyer in Atlanta can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case.
A hit-and-run accident can happen in a matter of seconds, leaving you with injuries and vehicle damage. But you don’t have to deal with the complexities alone. The assistance of an attorney can help you at every step in the process.
Can You Sue for a Hit-and-run Accident in Atlanta?
The victims of hit-and-run accidents in Atlanta have the right to pursue legal action against the other driver to seek compensation for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering. The success of a lawsuit in hit-and-run cases depends on several factors including:
Identifying the other Driver: Identifying the driver who left the accident scene is often the biggest challenge in hit-and-run cases. Evidence such as witness statements, vehicle descriptions, and surveillance footage play a crucial role in identifying the other driver.
Establishing Liability: Even if a driver is identified you must show that they were at fault and their actions led to the accident. If you are 50% or more at fault you can’t recover any compensation for the accident.
Insurance Coverage: If the other driver is not identified or the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, it might affect your ability to recover damages. In such instances, the victim’s own uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation.
Having an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney in Atlanta on your side can help gather the evidence and provide the guidance that you need to navigate the legal process.
Damages You Can Recover After a Car Accident in Atlanta
The damages that you can seek after a hit-and-run accident may cover
- Lost income due to the accident
- Medical care
- Future medical expenses
- Vehicle repair costs
- Punitive damages
The assistance of an experienced attorney can help you recover the financial compensation that you deserve.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
Hit-and-run accidents can be devastating, leaving the victim with pain and agony. The assistance of an experienced hit-and-run attorney in Atlanta can help you navigate the legal process.
At Karma Injury Law, we are dedicated to safeguarding the rights of individuals when they are injured and stuck with medical bills.
Contact Us today to schedule a consultation!