When an accident happens in Alpharetta, drivers should pull over and report the collision. However, some drivers do not follow the law. If you suffered injuries in a hit-and-run accident, you’ll need help from a professional. Call an Alpharetta hit-and-run accident lawyer to discuss the details today.
Hit-and-run accidents are complicated. If you don’t cannot identify who hit you, it makes compensation more difficult. But at John Foy & Associates, we’ll do whatever we can to help you seek recovery.
We have been helping hit-and-run accident victims for over 20 years. We will not charge you a fee unless we win you compensation. To get a FREE consultation today, call us at (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Hit-and-Run Laws in Georgia
Georgia Code Section 40-6-270 covers the laws on hit-and-runs in Alpharetta. According to the code, drivers must stop if there is an accident with injuries, deaths, or property damage. After stopping, each driver should:
- Render aid or call for assistance for those with injuries.
- Provide their name, contact information, and registration number.
- Show their driver’s license to others involved in the accident.
- Report the accident to the police.
If someone does not do the above after an accident, it’s a dire situation. A driver who doesn’t stop after a crash commits a hit-and-run.
Penalties for a Hit-and-Run
Someone who performs a hit-and-run can face:
- Fines
- Suspended driver’s license
- Jail time
If a hit-and-run accident causes severe injuries or deaths, the penalties are worse. The driver could face a felony charge and prison time.
If the driver who caused your accident is charged with a crime, it can help your personal injury case.
Get the strong arm
Why Hit-and-Run Accidents Happen
Hit-and-run crashes often come out of nowhere. You expect the other driver to follow the law and pull over. Instead, the driver speeds off in a flash. You might stand there in shock, wondering what just happened.
There are many reasons why someone might commit a hit-and-run. Someone could flee the scene if they:
- Do not have auto insurance coverage
- Do not have a valid driver’s license
- Are not supposed to be driving for any reason
- Were drinking and driving
- Have drugs or other illegal substances in their car
- Have an arrest warrant or previous charge
A driver often leaves the scene when they’re trying to avoid responsibility. Maybe they were doing something they don’t want the police to know about. Or, they know that the police will see their record when they come to the scene. It’s rare for a driver to run for no reason.
There is no acceptable excuse for leaving the accident scene. If someone left the scene of your crash, the consequences are serious. It can also make your compensation more difficult.
Contact an Alpharetta hit-and-run accident lawyer. A lawyer can determine your legal options. They will also try to help you identify the at-fault driver. If you know who caused your accident, you’ll know where to bring legal action.
When to Report an Accident in Alpharetta
The laws on reporting an accident are very clear. You must report an accident to the police if there are:
- Any injuries
- Any deaths
- More than $500 in property damage
When someone does not report an accident, they are violating the laws. The complexity of this situation is reason enough to call a lawyer immediately.
What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Alpharetta
If someone crashed into your vehicle and fled, you deserve compensation for your damages. However, seeking compensation if difficult if you don’t know the driver’s identity. Here are some things you can do to help improve the situation.
Report the Accident
Even if the other driver has left, you should still call the police. Tell them that another driver hit you and left the scene. The police should create an accident report with details about the crash.
Make sure officers create and file the accident report. Ask where you can get a copy of it for your records. If you know anything about the driver, give that information to the police. The police might even know the driver and be able to help you identify them.
Document What You Can
Document whatever information you can about the driver. If you remember their license plate, write down the number immediately. Use your phone to snap pictures of the driver and their vehicle, if you can. Then, take pictures of the accident scene.
Write down anything you can remember about the crash. When the police arrive, tell them everything you know.
Identify Any Witnesses
Other people could have seen the accident occur. If there were eyewitnesses, talk to them and ask if they saw anything identifying about the driver. Ask for their names and contact information.
Your lawyer will contact witnesses for supportive statements. Eyewitness accounts might also help you find the person who caused your accident.
Keep Track of Your Damages
Save all bills, receipts, and other evidence of your costs. If you can identify the driver, you can bring a personal injury case against them. You’ll need to provide proof of your damages when seeking compensation.
Call a Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Call an experienced lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Your attorney can help you investigate the accident and find the other driver. The sooner you reach out, the better it will be for your case.
Talk to an Alpharetta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Hit-and-run accidents are confusing and frustrating. However, don’t assume that you cannot pursue financial recovery. John Foy & Associates is here to help.
We have over 20 years of experience helping car accident victims win what they deserve. We’ll help you investigate the accident and fight for your rights. Don’t let a hit-and-run crash keep you from seeking justice.
To get a FREE, no-risk consultation today, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
