It is difficult to estimate the average settlement for a hit-and-run car accident. Georgia uninsured or underinsured motorist laws can be complicated, making the claim process challenging, especially while recovering from an injury. This guide is intended to provide clarity about the compensation available to hit-and-run accident victims.
Suppose you were hurt in a car accident caused by a driver who then fled the scene, and you purchased uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. In that case, we can help you recover compensation from your own insurance company or the absent driver if they are later found.
What is UM/ UIM Coverage, and How does It Help Me?
Georgia law requires insurers to make UM/UIM additional coverage available to insured parties. It is usually listed under the ‘Declarations’ section of your policy. Your lawyer can explain your coverage.
UM/UIM protection is additional insurance for compensation in the event of an accident involving a driver who fled the scene. The coverage usually extends to your spouse if they live in the same household, relatives residing in your home, anyone using your vehicle with your consent, or a guest who is a passenger in the car.
As a legal minimum, this type of coverage protects up to the following amounts:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident for bodily injury (if more than one person was injured)
- $25,000 per accident for property damage
The average settlement for a hit-and-run car accident is typically calculated from:
- The level of coverage you purchased on your car insurance policy
- The circumstances of the accident
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether or not the other driver is later identified
Proving your injuries were caused by a ‘phantom’ driver can add complexity to the legal process because the at-fault driver is unknown in many hit-and-run cases. Due to this, problems can arise from insurance companies unfairly denying coverage.
We can help you gather evidence to demonstrate another driver caused your accident. While proving the other motorist caused your injuries, there are many different reasons hit-and-run victims seek legal representation.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
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Whether someone hit you while as a driver, pedestrian or cyclist, or stuck your car in a parking lot without leaving insurance details, we can handle all communications with your insurers. We can also prepare the necessary paperwork and documentation required to file your claim instead of:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Damage to your vehicle
A car accident is a stressful experience. We understand how being injured can impact you and your family’s well-being. Being unable to work, worrying about medical costs, and meeting other financial responsibilities while you recover can be overwhelming in some cases. Dealing with a complex legal process on top of it all may seem like the final straw. This is why many people seek legal assistance with their claims.
Insurance and State Laws that Could Affect Your Claim
UM/UIM insurance policies may have specific reporting requirements you will need to promptly adhere to by giving notice of potential claims. Further, Georgia law allows two years in most cases for injured parties to file a hit-and-run lawsuit per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. If you miss the deadline, it is unlikely you will be able to claim compensation.
We Can Help You Identify All Available Options from Which to Seek Compensation
Now, we have covered the basics of UM/UIM coverage, what you can claim for, and how we can help. So, let’s delve a little deeper into the other possibilities from which to seek financial recovery.
Stacking UIM/ UM Coverage
The Insurance Information Institute (III) states that your policy may include a provision that allows you to “stack” your coverage. This could mean more financial remedies are available to you if any other people in your household have an insurance policy with U.M. coverage.
Other policies you could claim against include:
- Collision coverage for damage to your vehicle
- Medical payments coverage or “med pay” that could provide extra health insurance
- Private health insurance
Filing a Claim If the Driver Is Found
If the police can locate the driver who hit you, you may be able to file a claim against them for a settlement amount to cover your medical bills and other losses. In some cases, you could be awarded punitive damages.
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Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Hit-and-Run Accident Today
The responsive team at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers is here to help you make sense of the legal options available to you when seeking compensation for a hit-and-run accident.
Our injury lawyers have the experience, resources, knowledge, and proven track record to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at (404) 888-8888 for a free case evaluation today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
