Although bicycle riders in Sandy Springs have the same rights as other drivers on the road, they often have to be more careful to avoid collisions. Far too often, drivers fail to give cyclists proper respect and concern when sharing the road. That makes it all the more devastating when a bicyclist is hit by a motorist who flees the scene. If you were hit on your bike and the driver didn’t stick around, you’ll want to speak with a Sandy Springs hit and run accident lawyer who can help.
No matter how is involved in the crash, a hit and run accident is a crime. At John Foy & Associates, we are passionate about protecting your legal rights and fighting for what you deserve. We can help you gather information about the hit and run to build a strong case.
With more than 20 years of experience in personal injury law, our attorneys know what it takes to win cases. We’d love to give you a FREE consultation and discuss the details with you today. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
Why a Hit and Run Accident Is So Wrong in Sandy Springs
Anyone who is involved in an accident must report it to the Sandy Springs police if:
- There are any injuries
- Anyone was killed and/or
- There is more than $500 in property damage
Those involved are also supposed to provide aid to others who were injured and make sure they get assistance as soon as possible. When a driver is in a collision and leaves the scene without reporting it and assisting the other party or parties, it’s illegal.
Many drivers commit a hit and run because they are trying to avoid responsibility for other charges, such as not having a valid license, not having auto insurance coverage, a stolen vehicle, or a DUI. However, that never makes it okay.
Consequences of a Hit and Run Accident
Fleeing the scene after causing an accident is a crime. If minor damage was done, the driver will typically be charged with a misdemeanor. If someone was seriously hurt or killed, the at-fault driver can be looking at a felony hit and run charge.
Bicycle accidents are often serious because bicyclists do not have much protecting them when a vehicle collides into them. This makes it all the more important for motorists to stop, pull over, and provide assistance after a bicycle accident.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident that was a hit and run—or someone you love was injured or killed—the best thing you can do is contact a Sandy Springs hit and run accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you investigate what happened and work to identify the at-fault driver who fled the scene.
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Your Options After a Hit and Run Accident in Sandy Springs
The hardest part of a hit and run accident is that it can be hard to know who to hold responsible. If a driver flees right after hitting you, you might not have time to get detailed information on them. This is where a lawyer can be helpful, though.
Identifying the Driver
A hit and run accident lawyer will work to find out who caused the accident and fled. We’ll use any information you were able to collect, such as the license plate, the make and model of the car, or identifying features of the driver, and our other legal resources. We might be able to access traffic camera footage, talk to witnesses, or send investigators to the scene to look for more evidence.
Filing a Personal Injury Case
If you and your lawyer are able to identify the person who performed the hit and run, you can file a personal injury claim with their auto insurance company. You may also be able to sue the driver for their negligence. The details will depend on your accident and whether or not the other driver has sufficient insurance coverage.
Your injury claim will account for all of the damages you have suffered from the hit and run, such as:
- Medical bills
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages
- Costs of repairing or replacing your bicycle and
- Pain and suffering
Your hit and run accident lawyer will work to calculate the full value of your damages so you know what type of settlement you deserve.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
The problem with hit and run cases is that drivers who flee are often low on assets, to begin with. If they are running because they don’t have enough insurance coverage, that will make it difficult to pursue compensation from an insurance settlement. You can sue them, but how much you can recover will depend on what they have—which might not be much.
Thankfully, uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage may be an option if you cannot identify the driver or they don’t have insurance. Although UM/UIM coverage is optional, all auto insurance companies must offer it to you (Georgia Code § 33-7-11). Even if you were hit on your bike, if you have this coverage through a policy for a vehicle, you may be able to turn to it to cover some of your costs.
A Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help You
Finding yourself the victim of a hit and run accident, especially if you were riding a bicycle, can feel like too much. You might worry that you won’t be able to recover for your damages, but don’t give up. You might have more options than you realize.
A Sandy Springs lawyer who is experienced in hit and run accidents can look at the details of your accident and explore every option. We do not recommend trying to handle this type of case alone because of how complicated it can get. Let an experienced and trusted attorney handle the legal side of things for you—so you can focus on healing.
Speak with a Sandy Springs Hit and Run Accident Lawyer for Free Today
At John Foy & Associates, we have been helping injured bicyclists and motorists win the recovery they deserve for more than 20 years. We are not afraid to fight for your rights and explore every option. Call us today and we’ll get started with a FREE consultation and case evaluation.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started today. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk to you.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
