It is illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Stonecrest. Unfortunately, some drivers choose to hit and run, leaving victims with very few options. Drivers often flee out of fear or to avoid the consequences. However, that’s no excuse—and you have rights.
Contact a Stonecrest hit and run accident lawyer if the other driver left the scene. You likely deserve compensation, but you will probably need legal assistance. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you with this dire situation.
Our attorneys know how to handle tricky situations like hit and run accidents. We’ll go over your options and how we can help your case. To learn more, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Why Hit and Run Accidents Happen
After an accident, you expect the other driver to stay around and handle the aftermath. If the driver takes off instead, it can feel like a betrayal. You’re left wondering what to do next and how to find the at-fault driver.
A hit and run can leave you with many questions, most notably: why did the driver leave the accident scene? While each crash is different, drivers often hit and run because of:
- Police warrants for minor to severe offenses
- Expired, suspended, or no driver’s license
- No insurance coverage
- A vehicle that isn’t registered
- A stolen car
- Drug or alcohol possession
The driver might flee to avoid further charges. In many cases, they’re not supposed to be driving or were breaking the law in some way. Some motorists might run to avoid an insurance claim or out of fear. For example, a young or inexperienced driver might not realize the repercussions of leaving the scene.
No matter the reason, a hit and run is never okay. According to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §40-6-270, drivers must immediately stop if there are injuries, deaths, or property damage. If that doesn’t happen, it’s a serious crime.
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Recovery Options After a Hit and Run
Typically, the at-fault driver in an accident is responsible for the damages. For example, suppose a driver side-swiped you, causing injuries and property damage. If the driver was entirely at fault, you can file a claim with their insurance company.
An insurance claim should cover the costs of your accident. However, a hit and run does not allow you to get the other driver’s insurance information. Plus, some hit and run drivers do not have sufficient insurance coverage.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
If you cannot find the driver, your own insurance might help cover the damages. Most drivers have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. The coverage will help pay for the damages from a hit and run accident.
Talk to your insurance company if you’re not sure about your coverage. Unless you remember opting out of UM/UIM coverage when you bought your policy, you probably have it.
Investigating the Accident
A lawyer can also help you find the driver who fled. After the hit and run, don’t assume all hope is lost. Contact a Stonecrest hit and run accident lawyer.
At John Foy & Associates, we have the experience and tools to investigate hit and run crashes. Our team knows how to look for drivers who fled and bring a claim against them. You might be able to sue the driver or get compensation from them in some way.
To learn more, call us for a FREE consultation. We’ve available 24/7 for you to reach out. Call us at (404) 400-4000 or fill out our online contact form.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Accident
The moments after a hit and run accident are crucial. You might feel blindsided by the fact that the other driver fled. However, it’s essential to keep a clear head. Do not chase the driver, but gather whatever information you can.
Take Notes
First, try to remember the driver’s license plate. If there’s time, take a picture of the car as they drive away. If you can remember any part of the plate number, write it down immediately. Also, write down any details you can remember about the car.
Did the car have any scratches, bumper stickers, or weird details? Note anything that stood out to you. Even noting the color, make, and model can be helpful.
Did you remember anything about the driver’s appearance? Write that down immediately, too. Memories can fade quickly, so taking notes will help you keep things straight.
Document the Scene
Look around to see if there were witnesses. Did anyone else see your accident occur? If so, they might have more information that can help you find the driver.
Also, take pictures of the area where the crash happened. There could be skid marks or debris that help show what occurred.
Call the police right after the driver leaves the scene. The police can help you look for the hit and run driver. They might even recognize your description if the driver has a record.
Contact a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
Call an experienced lawyer immediately after a hit and run. A lawyer can start working on your case right away. They will have tactics for identifying a hit and run driver and seeking the compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Get Started After a Hit and Run
Time is vital after a hit and run accident in Stonecrest. Even when you don’t know who the driver is, the statute of limitations is two years. That means you have two years from the accident date to take legal action.
You’ll need time to investigate the accident and look for the driver. Then, you’ll need to build a case against the motorist. This takes time, so don’t wait to get started.
Talk to a Stonecrest Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Today
Hit and run accidents happen suddenly, and they can leave you feeling hopeless. However, you still have options—and you don’t have to figure them out on your own.
At John Foy & Associates, we can help. We have 20-plus years of experience in winning hit and run accident cases. For us, each case is personal—and we fight to win.
Call the “Strong Arm” today for the legal help you deserve. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
