Hit and run accidents can occur anywhere, and East Point is no exception. Unfortunately, the rate of hit and run accidents is increasing across the entire state of Georgia. According to the Foundation for Traffic Safety, the rate of fatal hit and run accidents in Georgia nearly doubled from 2006 to 2016.
Whether you were struck by a vehicle while walking or involved in an accident while operating your own vehicle, a collision with a hit and run driver is more complex than your average accident. Without identifying the responsible party, it can be challenging to hold them accountable.
The good news is that an East Point hit and run accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can assist you in pursuing an injury claim following a hit and run accident. Not only can the Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team assist with a case against the at-fault driver, we can also pursue a claim through your own insurance depending on the type of policy you have. Call the Bader Scott Injury Lawyers team at (404) 888-8888 to get started today.
Steps to Take (or Avoid) Following a Hit and Run Accident
Your actions immediately following a hit and run accident could have a direct impact on the odds of recovering compensation for your injuries. Consider the following steps in the aftermath of a hit and run accident.
- Don’t follow the other driver. It might be tempting, but you should never chase the driver that struck you. For starters, leaving the scene can make it difficult for police to find you. Additionally, a confrontation with a hit and run driver could be dangerous. Let the police work to track down the driver and remain where the accident occurred.
- Do collect evidence. Make every effort to collect the information your attorney will need to identify the driver. Note the make and model of the vehicle, and try to get a look at the driver. Most importantly, write down the license plate number.
- Do call the police right away. Your first call should be to 9-1-1. Additionally, you will need to contact your insurance company as well as an attorney.
- Do speak with witnesses. If there were eyewitnesses to the accident, obtain their contact information. They might have seen something you missed.
For a free legal consultation with a hit-and-run accidents lawyer serving East Point, call (404) 888-8888
How The Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Can Help
In many cases, the identity of the driver that struck you will not remain a mystery for long. Often, the police are able to track down the driver within minutes of an accident. In an effort to find the driver’s identity, police can use the description of the vehicle and license plate number to track the owner of the vehicle to their home. Once the police identify the driver, these claims often follow a path similar to most other vehicle accidents.
You may not be out of luck if the police cannot identify the at-fault motorist. Your East Point hit and run accident lawyer may be able to track down the driver with the information you obtained at the scene.
Our team of attorneys will fully investigate your accident. If we can identify businesses or other drivers that caught the accident on security video, we might be able to obtain a license plate number. These videos could also turn up eyewitnesses that might be able to identify the driver. In the age of cell phone cameras, there could be multiple videos of the accident that the police failed to uncover.
We can also track the vehicle based on the damage it incurred. Often, the at-fault driver will not have insurance coverage available. It is not uncommon for the vehicle to remain in its damaged condition well after the date of the crash. If found, the damaged vehicle may be used as evidence if the damage to the vehicle matches the facts of your accident.
The team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers will work tirelessly to identify the driver responsible for your accident. To learn more about how we can help, call our office (404) 888-8888 to schedule your free consultation right away.
East Point Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
The Value of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you were involved in a hit and run accident and our efforts to identify the driver are unsuccessful, you might not be out of luck. Depending on the type of auto insurance you carry, you might be entitled to file an uninsured motorist (UIM) claim. This insurance provides compensation to the holder of the policy if they are injured in a crash with a driver that does not have liability insurance. Additionally, these policies cover at-fault drivers with inadequate amounts of coverage. A claim on a UIM policy is allowed following a hit and run accident.
UIM coverage is not mandatory in the State of Georgia. However, every liability insurance provider offers some form of this coverage with its standard policies. Opting out of this coverage must be done in writing, therefore many drivers are unaware that their policies provide coverage for accidents with uninsured drivers.
The Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can review your insurance policy and advise if you are protected by UIM coverage. Our team can assist with filing your claim and serve as your advocate when dealing directly with the insurer.
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Speak with an East Point Hit and Run Attorney Today
You should not have to bear the financial burden of your injuries following a hit and run accident. With the help of an East Point hit and run accident lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, you can pursue a legal claim against the driver that left the scene of the accident.
Our firm can assist you with an insurance claim if you are unable to identify an at-fault driver. Throughout every step of the claims process, we will work tirelessly to protect your rights. To learn more about how we can help, call (404) 888-8888 to speak with a member of our team today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form