A hit and run accident in Smyrna can be devastating. If the other driver doesn’t stop after the crash, it might feel like you have no options. However, a Smyrna hit and run accident lawyer can help you seek compensation.
At John Foy & Associates, we’ve worked with countless hit and run victims in Georgia. We know what it takes to hold the other driver responsible. Our lawyers do not charge a fee unless we win you money. Plus, the consultation is always FREE.
To schedule your FREE consultation, call (404) 400-4000, or contact us online.
Smyrna Laws Regarding Hit and Run Accidents
According to Georgia Code Section 40-6-270, any driver involved in an accident with injuries, death, or property damage has a legal duty. Drivers must immediately stop their vehicles and:
- Give their name, address, and vehicle registration number
- Present their driver’s license to the driver they hit
- Assist any injured people in the accident
- Contact law enforcement and medical services as needed for injured or unconscious people
The driver should also stay at the scene until they’ve completed all legal requirements. Drivers should move away from oncoming traffic as much as possible.
If a driver causes an accident and does not stop, it’s serious. The at-fault driver can face severe penalties. They also leave the injured driver without financial recovery options.
If a driver hit you and fled the scene, talk to a lawyer immediately. Our Smyrna lawyers will give you a FREE consultation to discuss your options. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started for FREE.
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Understanding the Severity of Hit and Run Accidents in Smyrna
Hit and run accidents are hazardous for injured drivers. After a car accident in Georgia, the at-fault driver is liable for the damages. But if you don’t know the driver’s identity, there’s no way to seek compensation.
Drivers who hit and run often have something to hide, such as:
- Lack of auto insurance coverage
- An arrest warrant
- No or expired driver’s license
- A stolen vehicle
Some drivers will panic and flee, but there’s usually a reason behind it. If a driver does not stay to exchange information, they’re leaving you with fewer options.
After a hit and run, contact the police. Let the dispatcher know that another driver hit and ran. Give the responding officers any information you have on the other driver. If you can remember their vehicle details, license plate, or appearance, it can help identify the driver.
Also, contact a Smyrna hit and run accident lawyer. Your lawyer can begin investigating immediately and explore your compensation options. Get started as soon as possible before too much time has passed.
Penalties for Hit and Runs in Smyrna
Suppose a hit and run accident causes injuries or vehicle damage. In that case, the at-fault driver is guilty or a misdemeanor crime. A misdemeanor conviction means a fine of between $300 and $1,000 and/or up to 12 months in prison. The driver can also face probation or a license suspension.
If the accident causes severe injuries or death, the driver is guilty of a felony. A felony conviction can mean between one and five years in prison.
How to Hold Someone Responsible for a Hit and Run Accident
If you can find the at-fault driver, you can pursue legal action against them. A lawyer can help you file a personal injury lawsuit. Your case will need to prove that:
- The driver owed you a duty of care.
- The driver breached their duty of care.
- The driver’s actions led to your accident.
- You suffered injuries and damages from the accident.
When someone breaches their duty of care, it’s negligence. The “duty of care” is what a reasonably careful person would do in a similar situation (Georgia Code Section 51-1-2). A hit and run driver fails in their legal duty by causing the accident and leaving the scene.
It can be hard to show how leaving the scene caused you harm. However, most drivers flee the scene when they’ve done something to violate the laws. Your lawyer will investigate the situation to determine what likely occurred.
If the driver has auto insurance, you can also seek compensation from their insurance company. Through a claim or lawsuit, you can pursue recovery for losses like:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Vehicle repairs
- Pain and suffering
In some situations, punitive damages are also an option. Talk to your lawyer about whether punitive damages apply to your case.
You should not have to pay for an accident you did not cause. Even though the other driver fled the accident scene, they are still responsible. An experienced lawyer can help you pursue the full recovery you deserve.
Your Uninsured Motorist Coverage Might Help with Damages
If you cannot find the driver who caused your accident, your insurance coverage might help. If you have uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, it can cover some of your damages.
UM/UIM coverage usually applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance. However, it can also apply to hit and run accidents. The law typically treats hit and run crashes as uninsured motorist accidents.
UM/UIM coverage is optional in Georgia, but most drivers have it. If you’re not sure, call your insurance company to know your policy information.
Talk to a Smyrna Hit and Run Accident Lawyer for Free Today
After a hit and run accident, it’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can determine your best options if the other driver did not stop. Don’t assume you are out of possibilities without talking to a lawyer first.
At John Foy & Associates, our hit and run accident lawyers can help. We have been helping injured drivers for over 20 years. We know what it takes to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to get a FREE, no-risk consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win you compensation. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for your FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
