An Augusta hit-and-run accident can quickly change a person’s life. Following the accident, a victim may be forced to deal with injuries and property damage. Meanwhile, this individual is solely responsible for the costs of dealing with the accident’s aftermath.
If you were recently involved in an Augusta hit-and-run accident, get in touch with the team at John Foy & Associates. We can connect you with an experienced Augusta hit-and-run accident lawyer. At this point, we can help you pursue damages from anyone responsible for your accident.
How to Figure Out Who Is Responsible for an Augusta Hit-and-Run Accident
Thousands of hit-and-run accidents occur in the United States, and many of these incidents are fatal. If you are the victim of an Augusta hit-and-run accident, it is paramount to try to find out who caused the incident. That way, you can hold a negligent party responsible for their actions.
After a hit-and-run accident in Augusta, call the police immediately. You can then report the accident and get medical help for any injuries you suffer. In addition, you can get help in your efforts to figure out who is responsible for your accident.
It is beneficial to reach out to an Augusta hit-and-run accident attorney as well. Your attorney can learn about your accident and provide tips and guidance on how to respond to it. If you and your lawyer identify the at-fault party, your attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
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You Have Up to Two Years to Sue Someone Who Causes an Augusta Hit-and-Run Accident
In Augusta, there is a two-year statute of limitations for seeking damages against any at-fault parties. You can request economic and non-economic damages up to two years from the date of your accident. Otherwise, you lose the opportunity to seek damages.
Compensatory damages are awarded for economic and non-economic losses. In a hit-and-run accident, an individual can suffer economic losses like a loss of wages or losses due to medical expenses. Along with these losses, an individual can incur non-economic losses relating to pain or suffering.
A hit-and-run accident lawyer in Augusta understands what it takes to request damages from an at-fault party. The lawyer will encourage the client to seek the most damages possible. In doing so, the attorney helps their client get a fair amount of compensation that can be used to cover the short- and long-term expenses associated with their accident.
There Can Be Times When an Augusta Hit-and-Run Accident Is Resolved Outside the Courtroom
A hit-and-run accident attorney in Augusta will let their client know if an at-fault party offers a settlement. The defendant may propose a settlement in the hopes of resolving a personal injury lawsuit outside the courtroom. Yet, the plaintiff must evaluate the proposal carefully to decide if it meets their expectations.
As a plaintiff reviews a settlement offer, this individual can share any concerns or questions about it with their attorney. Even though the plaintiff must make the final decision about the offer, their lawyer can provide suggestions and recommendations. This can help the plaintiff weigh the pros and cons of a proposal before finalizing their decision about it.
If a plaintiff chooses to decline a settlement in a hit-and-run accident case, there is no need to stress. The plaintiff’s attorney will notify the defendant about their client’s decision to decline the offer. From here, the plaintiff and their lawyer will continue to look for ways to strengthen their case.
What It Takes to Build a Strong Case in an Augusta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawsuit
A plaintiff must be able to show a judge or jury that a defendant was negligent. The plaintiff can present evidence and witness testimony to illustrate that a defendant intentionally left the accident scene. Also, the plaintiff must prepare for any questions that the defendant’s attorney will ask during a trial.
The best hit-and-run accident attorney leaves no room for guesswork. This lawyer helps a plaintiff get ready for a trial. To do so, the attorney analyzes the plaintiff’s case in detail and makes sure this individual knows what to expect throughout their trial.
In the weeks before a trial date, a hit-and-run accident attorney will meet with their client and discuss a legal strategy. The lawyer and their client will explore ways to make it clear to a judge or jury that the defendant should be punished. Most importantly, the attorney and their client will determine the best course of action to make sure the judge or jury rules in their favor.
How a Judge or Jury Renders a Decision in an Augusta Hit-and-Run Accident Case
A judge or jury examines all of the information presented by the plaintiff and defendant in an Augusta hit-and-run accident case. The judge or jury is under an obligation to maintain an unbiased outlook. Thus, a judge or jury will make a decision in the best interest of all parties involved in a hit-and-run accident case.
If a judge or jury deems a defendant is fully responsible for a hit-and-run accident, it can hold this individual accountable for damages. In this scenario, the plaintiff can be awarded the full amount of damages that were requested. The defendant will be required to pay these damages and may face punitive penalties, too.
An Augusta judge or jury will award punitive damages to deter an at-fault party from future negligent acts. Punitive damages are rarely awarded in hit-and-run accident cases and others in Augusta. If a plaintiff is awarded compensation in a hit-and-run accident case, this individual may be awarded punitive damages in combination with economic and non-economic ones.
Get Legal Help with Your Augusta Hit-and-Run Accident Case
John Foy & Associates can help you win or settle your Augusta hit-and-run accident case. We can put you in touch with a hit-and-run accident lawyer who is ready to assist you in any way possible. To learn more or request a free consultation, please reach out to us today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form