A hit and run can turn an already frustrating car accident into a nightmare to navigate. Since the at-fault driver is unknown, you can’t file a claim with their insurance and must rely on other avenues for financial compensation.
If you’ve been in an accident where the responsible driver fled the scene, you need an experienced hit and run accident lawyer in Peachtree City to manage the aftermath. An attorney can manage filing an insurance claim with your uninsured motorist coverage to recover your losses and work with law enforcement to identify the culprit.
Shane Smith Law has recovered over $100 million for injury victims, including victims of hit and run accidents. Contact us today to discuss strategies for compensation with a Peachtree City car accident lawyer.
The Benefits of Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Hit and Run Accident
If you have severe injuries, you may not have the time or effort to pursue an insurance claim after a hit and run. Fortunately, a Peachtree City personal injury lawyer from Shane Smith Law can handle the entirety of your claim for you. An attorney can investigate the accident and gather evidence as well as organize your medical documentation.
Your lawyer can also represent you during insurance negotiations and, if necessary, pursue the case in formal litigation. A personal injury attorney on our team can handle all the legal legwork related to filing a claim so you can prioritize healing and recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Peachtree City, call (980) 246-2656
Why Do People Flee the Scene of Accidents?
In Georgia, all involved drivers are required to stop, render aid, and share information after a car accident. A hit and run is a serious criminal offense, and you can face harsh punishment for fleeing the scene of an accident, especially if injuries or death are involved.
Despite the potential penalties, some drivers will choose to run after an accident. A driver might flee the scene because they:
- Panicked in the confusion and pressure of the moment
- Were intoxicated on alcohol or drugs
- Don’t have insurance and can’t pay for the costs of an accident
- Have warrants and do not want to interact with the police
Peachtree City Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (980) 246-2656
Who Pays for Injuries From Hit and Run Accidents?
After a car accident in Georgia, you’re supposed to file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. So, the natural question is: who pays after a hit and run accident if the at-fault driver is unknown?
The answer is your policy’s uninsured motorist (UM) insurance. UM coverage will pay for accidents when the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or, in the case of hit and runs, is unknown. With UM coverage, your insurance provider effectively plays the role of the responsible driver’s insurance company.
UM coverage is not mandatory in Georgia, but you must explicitly reject the coverage in writing when you buy a policy. Without UM coverage, your options for recovery after a hit and run are significantly limited, so you should always carry coverage to protect yourself and your family.
What if the Driver Is Later Identified?
If law enforcement later identifies the at-fault driver, you may also have the option of filing an at-fault lawsuit against them. A fault-based lawsuit against the at-fault driver can cover any additional losses that exceed the policy limits of your UM coverage.
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Damages You Can Recover After a Hit and Run Accident
Through filing a UM claim, a Peachtree City hit and run accident lawyer can pursue compensation for the following types of losses:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses and treatment costs
- The value of lost income from missing work due to your injuries
- Reductions in your projected lifetime earnings caused by permanent disability
- The value of lost household services, such as childcare or housekeeping
- One-time or miscellaneous injury-related expenses
- Property repair/replacement
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Inconvenience from impairment or disfigurement
Please Note: Recovering property repair/replacement costs through a UM claim typically requires proof of physical contact or an eyewitness to the crash.
In addition to the above compensation, you may also be able to receive punitive damages if the driver is located. These are damages that are awarded to punish the offender for egregious behavior. Fleeing the scene after an accident is a serious crime and can qualify as willful or wanton misconduct, justifying the award of punitive damages.
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How Long Do I Have to File a Hit and Run Lawsuit?
Georgia’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims sets a general two-year time limit on filing lawsuits for injuries. However, there are some exceptions to this time limit.
For example, in civil claims related to criminal acts, the timer doesn’t begin until the criminal trial is concluded. This rule is particularly relevant in hit and run cases, where the at-fault driver can face criminal charges if they are later identified.
Contact a Peachtree City Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
Regardless of the circumstances of the accident, having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make managing the aftermath of a hit and run collision much easier. Shane Smith Law has extensive experience managing and litigating these types of cases and can be your legal advocate.
Contact us today to see how a Peachtree City hit and run accident lawyer can help you. Once you submit the form, one of our team members will get back to you within 24 hours.
Call or text (980) 246-2656 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
