After a collision in which someone suffers an injury, Georgia state law O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270 requires that all parties involved, including the drivers, must remain at the scene and attempt to render reasonable assistance.
Unfortunately, some drivers choose to ignore this law. If a driver causes injuries to you or your passengers and then flees the scene, you could be facing a difficult situation. You will need to find another way to pursue compensation for your medical bills, pain, suffering, and potential reduction in quality of life.
An Alpharetta hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you sort through the confusing circumstances you may be facing when attempting to file a personal injury claim after this type of crash. At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we work tirelessly to defend our clients’ rights. For a free consultation, call us today at (404) 888-8888.
The Dangers of Hit-and-Run Collisions
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, more than 680,000 hit-and-run collisions occur on an annual basis in the United States. In 2016, there were 2,049 fatalities from hit-and-run accidents, with nearly two-thirds of those fatalities involved bicyclists and pedestrians. The fatality rate in hit-and-run accidents is steadily increasing across the United States, growing 60% from 2009 to 2016.
Hit-and-Run Accident Injuries
Any type of collision becomes a hit-and-run if a driver leaves the scene without exchanging information or rendering reasonable aid. As such, there is a wide variety of injuries that victims of such an accident may suffer. Typical injuries that may occur in a collision include the following:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Bruising
- Fractures or broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
If the injuries are serious enough, and the negligent driver does not call for help or offer assistance, this delay in receiving aid could result in a more serious injury to the victim or even a fatality.
For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accidents lawyer serving Alpharetta, call (404) 888-8888
Why Drivers Flee the Scene
Drivers will flee the scene of an accident for a variety of reasons, most of which will center around avoiding the consequences of their behavior. A hit-and-run driver may panic in the aftermath of the collision, fearing any criminal charges they may face once law enforcement arrives at the scene. The following factors may cause a driver to flee an accident:
- Illegal items in the car: The driver may have stolen items or illegal drugs in the car that they do not want the police to find.
- Drinking and driving: The driver may have been intoxicated at the time of the accident. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime with serious penalties. Drivers with past DUI convictions face even more serious consequences and may feel they have nothing to lose by fleeing the scene.
- Lack of identification: The driver may have been driving on a suspended or revoked license, or had no license to drive at all.
- Lack of insurance: A driver who does not have auto insurance may not want to wait for law enforcement. Not only can they receive a citation for this, but it can also leave them open to a personal injury lawsuit for damages.
- Nighttime: The driver may believe that lack of visibility at night may make it difficult for the victims and witnesses to identify the hit-and-run vehicle.
- Lack of experience: Younger drivers may be more likely to flee the scene out of fear than older drivers with more experience.
Ultimately, a driver may choose to flee an accident scene because they believe there is very little chance of being caught later. If the crash occurs in a rural area with no traffic cameras or witnesses, the driver may try to escape rather than face law enforcement officers.
Even with the confusion that may arise in this type of collision, an Alpharetta hit-and-run accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your injuries. The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers may be able to help you find another avenue for damages, such as through your own insurance company. Call us at (404) 888-8888 for a free case review today.
Alpharetta Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
You Deserve the Fairest Possible Settlement
In a typical Georgia collision, victims can pursue compensation from the negligent party’s liability insurance policy. Police officers will interview witnesses and work to identify the driver in your case. A hit-and-run driver might leave behind evidence without realizing it, which could lead to an arrest later. For example, scraped paint from the hit-and-run driver’s car that is left at the scene could serve as evidence.
Unfortunately, locating the driver is not always possible. When a driver causes a collision and then flees the accident scene, they violate multiple traffic laws. You and your attorney can use this information to file a claim with your uninsured motorist policy. Georgia requires all insurance companies to include this type of coverage in their policies, which means it is likely you have access to it.
It applies in collisions with uninsured or underinsured drivers, as well as in hit-and-run cases. You will still need to provide information and evidence regarding the collision and go through the claims process. An attorney can handle this on your behalf while you recover.
Hiring an Alpharetta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
Should you choose to hire Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we are ready to sort through all of the facts in your hit-and-run case. If we are unable to identify the driver and pursue damages from their insurance, we can help you build and submit a claim under your uninsured motorist policy.
With all of the confusion in a case like this, a member of our firm can help you keep all of the evidence and paperwork on track, working to secure the compensation that you deserve. Call us today for a free case review at (404) 888-8888.
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