Accidents can be scary, especially after the driver that hits you flees the scene. A hit and run accident in Georgia occurs when:
Someone hits your vehicle in a parking lot or a spot while you were away
Someone hits your vehicle while driving
Someone hits you while you’re walking or on a bicycle
If you ever find yourself in one of these situations, don’t panic. Here is what you need to do in order to pursue compensation for your injuries.
What To Do After a Hit and Run
You may be shaken up after an accident, but remember that you should take some steps in order to ensure your health and protect your rights:
Get somewhere safe. Pull to the side of the road and away from traffic.
Call 9-1-1. Make sure that both police and medical responders come to the site of the accident.
Gather evidence. This includes contact information of any witnesses as well as photos of the accident, your injuries, and damage to your vehicle.
Get medical attention right away. Even if you do not believe you have severe or life-threatening injuries, having a full medical report of your post-accident condition will ensure you are able to seek maximum compensation for your losses.
If you were able to see the vehicle that hit you, make note of any distinguishing factors you saw including the vehicle color, model, license plate number, or driver appearance.
Who Pays for Your Damages?
Hopefully, the police are able to find the driver who hit you. If they do, the at-fault driver’s insurance company should offer you a settlement amount for your full damages, including medical bills, lost wages, property damages, and pain and suffering. However, if the other driver is not located, your own insurance coverage will be your means of financial recovery.
In Georgia, a hit and run is considered to put lives at risk. Victims of hit and runs may also be entitled to punitive damages you may also be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are unrelated to your actual losses. Instead, they are extra compensation awarded to you by the court to punish a defendant whose actions showed “willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, or oppression.”
Contact a Georgia Personal Injury Attorney
Sometimes, the settlement offered to you by the insurance company is not enough to cover your full damages. If this is the case for you, you need experienced legal representation immediately in order to ensure your rights to compensation are protected. Our Valdosta attorneys will review your case and determine what your recovery options are moving forward.
Contact Studstill Firm at (229) 515-8900 for help pursuing your personal injury case.