Have you been the victim of a hit-and-run accident in Sandy Springs? The sudden impact, followed by the realization that the responsible driver has fled the scene, can leave you feeling shocked, confused, and unsure of what to do next.
You need to speak with our Sandy Springs hit-and-run accident lawyers right away. You may be dealing with injuries, property damage, and a host of legal questions. We can help you get the answers you need and the compensation you deserve.
Our Sandy Springs car accident lawyers will help you explore your legal options after a hit-and-run accident. Contact us now for a free consultation with a law team with over 20 years of experience.
Understanding Hit and Run Accidents in Sandy Springs
A hit-and-run accident occurs when one driver causes an accident and doesn’t stay at the scene to exchange information or report the accident to the police as required by law. In Georgia, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges for the fleeing driver.
Hit-and-run cases present specific challenges that set them apart from typical car accident claims. Without identifying the responsible party, it’s difficult for victims to get compensation because they don’t know who to sue.
However, there may still be ways to either find out which car hit you, or you may have coverage in your auto policy to cover hit-and-run accidents. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can determine the best compensation route for you after your hit-and-run accident.
What Should I Do if I’m a Victim of a Hit and Run Accident?
If you’re reading this, we assume you’ve already seen a doctor for your immediate injuries. If you haven’t seen a doctor, do so not. You may have hidden injuries that could worsen without treatment, and we’ll need medical records to calculate the total value of your claim.
You also need to contact the police to make a report. They will take your statement and create a record of your accident to prove it happened. It will also notify them that you’re a hit-and-run victim and will start to work to find the other driver.
Finally, contact a hit-and-run accident lawyer in Sandy Springs, GA, for a free consultation about your situation. They can determine if there are other ways you can get compensation if the responsible driver cannot be found.
What Happens if the Other Driver Is Found?
If the other driver is found, we can determine which car they were driving and which insurance policies covered the vehicle. Once we have that, the case will proceed like any other. We’ll create a case showing your damages and explain why the accident isn’t your fault.
Then, we’ll contact the insurer to make a claim and begin negotiations to reach a fair settlement in your case. Once they come up with a settlement offer that’s agreeable to you, the case will end, and you will be paid. If they cannot, we can take them to court to let a judge and jury decide.
While your case is going on, the state will also pursue criminal charges against the hit-and-run driver. You can start your case before the state finishes its case.
What if the Other Driver Cannot Be Found at All?
It is trickier, but not impossible, to recover some compensation if the other driver manages to evade justice. Here are some of the routes we might take:
Evidence From the Vehicle
To make an insurance claim, we need to know whose insurance was on the vehicle. If a camera or a witness can positively identify the vehicle that hit you, we can use public records to determine if that car had insurance, even if we don’t know who drove it.
UI/UIM Coverage
Your auto policy may have something called UI/UIM coverage. This pays you if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. From an insurance company perspective, a hit-and-run driver is the same as an uninsured driver.
We can help you make a claim with your insurer under this coverage and any additional coverages you may have in your policy.
PIP Coverage
Georgia is not a no-fault state, but you can purchase Personal Injury Protection coverage on your own that will pay you for an accident regardless of fault. You may have this on your policy if you came from a no-fault state or purchased it independently.
Why Choose Our Sandy Springs Hit and Run Accident Lawyers?
People who flee hit-and-run accidents aren’t just irresponsible. They put lives at risk. Leaving an injured person behind who cannot call for help will only worsen their health. Many victims die at the scene because of hit-and-run drivers.
With over 20 years of experience and over $1 billion recovered for our clients, we have a proven track record of successfully handling complex accident cases, including hit-and-runs. To us, you’re not a case number—you’re a client deserving our full dedication and respect.
Our hit-and-run accident attorneys in Sandy Springs, GA, understand your pain. We’ve helped many victims with their cases and are confident we can help you, too. Contact us for a free consultation to find out how.
