Dealing with the consequences of an accident while seeking compensation for your injuries can be difficult. When the accident is with a driver that leaves the scene, it can make the aftermath of the collision even more challenging.
Hit-and-run accidents can happen anywhere, but they are especially problematic in Georgia. A report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety ranked the state fourth in hit-and-run accident fatalities nationwide for 2016. According to the report, that year had the state’s highest rate of hit-and-run accident fatalities in a decade.
Despite the challenges that come with a hit-and-run accident, the good news is that compensation could still be possible. The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers dedicates itself to helping accident victims hold hit-and-run drivers accountable. To learn more, contact an Albany hit-and-run accident lawyer today at (404) 888-8888.
Damages Following a Hit-and-Run
There are a couple of entities that could potentially pay the damages for a hit-and-run accident in Albany. In an ideal situation, law enforcement will track down the other driver. If that happens, you could pursue a claim for compensation against them immediately.
There is another option available even when no one can locate the driver. If you have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you could pursue a claim on your own auto policy following a hit-and-run accident.
Pursuing the Hit-and-Run Driver
If the driver responsible for your accident leaves the scene, that does not mean you will miss out on your opportunity to pursue an injury claim against them. In some cases, law enforcement will track down and identify the driver soon after the crash. Even when the police are unable to make an identification, your lawyer might be able to uncover the other driver’s identity following an investigation.
The more information you provide to your legal counsel, the more they will have to go off of to obtain the driver’s identity. The other driver’s license plate number is invaluable, as is any physical description of the vehicle or its driver.
If you are ultimately able to identify the other driver, you have the right to pursue a lawsuit against them. If they have liability insurance, a claim with their carrier could result in monetary benefits for you.
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
You are not out of luck even if the other driver is never identified. While you will miss out on the chance to pursue a claim on their liability policy, you might be able to pursue benefits from your own auto policy. This is only possible if you have UM coverage.
UM coverage exists to compensate drivers that are injured by uninsured or underinsured drivers. It is similar to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, although it is only available under limited circumstances. You may not pursue a claim under this policy unless the other driver is unidentifiable or lacks adequate insurance coverage.
It is also worth noting that not every driver carries UM coverage. Unlike in some states, this coverage is not mandatory in Georgia. While all carriers must offer it as an option when selling auto liability policies, many drivers waive UM coverage due to the slightly higher premiums that come with it. If you do not have this coverage, you cannot pursue a UM claim.
For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accidents lawyer serving Albany, call (404) 888-8888
Possible Compensation
Depending on whether you are seeking compensation through a personal injury lawsuit or a UM claim, the damages that you may qualify for could include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Diminished future earning power
- Loss of consortium
When you reach out to Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our team can review your case and determine which damages may be available to you. Call today to begin discussing your case at (404) 888-8888.
Albany Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Taking On Challenging Cases
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers will never back down from a difficult case. While some attorneys focus on a quick settlement, we are never afraid to put in the work to obtain the result you deserve.
When we take on a hit-and-run accident claim, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of the collision. In some cases, we may uncover important evidence the police were unable to obtain. For example, nearby businesses may have security camera footage of the accident that we could use to identify the fleeing driver.
If we are able to identify the driver, an Albany hit-and-run accident lawyer from our team can handle every aspect of your personal injury claim. From negotiating with the insurance company to preparing a lawsuit, we understand how to hold negligent drivers accountable.
If we are unable to determine the identity of the other driver, we can advise you of your options. This could include assisting you with the process of filing a UM claim. If you are curious about how we can assist you, call right away to speak with our team about your case.
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You Could Obtain Compensation Following a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run driver, never assume you will be unable to recover the compensation you deserve. Even in cases where you are unable to identify the other motorist, you might have other options besides a personal injury lawsuit, and an Albany hit-and-run accident lawyer can assist you.
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can evaluate your case and advise you of your options. In many cases, we can assist in identifying the negligent party that fled the scene. In other situations, we can negotiate a settlement with your own insurer. To learn more, call (404) 888-8888 to speak with a representative right away.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form