A hit and run is when a negligent driver hits another vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist and leaves the accident scene. It is unlawful for any driver in an accident to leave the scene, yet it happens frequently. Injury victims in motor vehicle accidents often face a lot of stress and uncertainty, more so for those involved in a hit and run. These accidents can present unique challenges for victims seeking compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Our Atlanta hit and run accident lawyer can help.
If you have been injured in a hit and run accident, you may wonder what legal options you have to seek fair compensation for your losses. The Atlanta car accident lawyer with the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown offer client-first legal representation for victims of hit and run accidents. Learn more during a free case consultation with a member of our legal team, and get the personal attention your personal injury deserves.
Compensation Is Available to Hit and Run Accident Victims in Atlanta
When you are injured in an auto accident, your first concern should be your health. Severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), broken bones, and internal bleeding, could require emergency medical care at Grady Memorial Hospital or a similar facility. You may find yourself hospitalized for days, possibly months, and unable to work while you recover. These things will undoubtedly place a financial strain on you and your family.
As an accident victim, though, you have a right to pursue compensation for such damages as the following:
- Medical bills: This category covers the emergency medical attention you received, hospitalizations, and doctor’s visits. It also covers any rehabilitation and therapy, ongoing healthcare needs, and accommodation for your injuries.
- Lost wages: If you take time off from work to recover from your injuries, you can claim this loss. You can also claim any reduced earning potential if you have a long-term or permanent injury that is preventing you from returning to your old job.
- Pain and suffering: This non-economic damage represents a loss in your quality of life. You can demand compensation for the physical pain you endured from the accident, as well as any emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment in life it has caused you.
- Property damage: From car repairs to replacing personal effects, you can request compensation for the material items the accident has damaged or destroyed.
Your hit and run case may include additional damages not listed here. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyer can determine the full range of damages you may claim in your case.
Wrongful Death Damages Following a Fatal Hit and Run in Atlanta
If your loved one died in a hit and run accident in Atlanta, we are truly sorry for your loss. We understand how devastating such a loss can be and hope our law firm can help you find justice. As your wrongful death attorney, we can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Final medical expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of consortium
Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown today for a free case consultation. Allow our auto accident attorney to manage your personal injury claim so that you and your family can recover in peace.
Options for Atlanta Hit and Run Injury Victims
Just because the at-fault driver left the scene after an accident does not mean they won’t be found. Witnesses, traffic cameras, the police report, and other evidence may help locate the driver to hold them accountable for their negligent actions. The legal team at the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown will use our resources to find these drivers and hold them liable for the injuries they cause our clients.
What to Do When We Can’t Find the Hit and Run Driver
In some hit and run accidents, though, the driver is not found, or when they are located, they do not have insurance or the financial means to pay for the injuries they caused. When this occurs, we work to find other options to obtain the maximum compensation possible for our clients.
You could seek compensation through such insurance coverage as:
- Uninsured/Underinsured (UM) Coverage: Your first option would be filing an accident claim with your own auto insurance company if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This optional policy covers medical costs and lost income up to the policy limits.
- Collision Coverage: You can also file a collision coverage claim to handle your car repairs.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and MedPay Insurance: These two optional insurance policies are also designed to help cover expenses. PIP allows you to recover compensation for medical costs and lost wages. MedPay only covers medical expenses.
- Health Insurance: You can file a claim with your health insurance to cover medical expenses.
- Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: You can also find assistance through this state-run program for victims of violent crimes.
The negligent driver may have left the scene, but that does not mean there are no options to pursue compensation for your injuries. The Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown can help you explore your legal options and find the best solution for financial compensation.
Deadlines That Could Affect Your Atlanta Hit and Run Case
If the at-fault party is located, another option for compensation is filing a personal injury lawsuit. Per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to take legal action against the responsible party. You must file your lawsuit with the Fulton County Courthouse before the statutory deadline expires. If you miss this date, you will lose your right to sue, most likely be barred from court, and be unable to effectively negotiate a fair settlement offer from the insurance companies.
Our Atlanta personal injury attorney can manage the legal process, make sure your case meets all of its legal deadlines, and give you time to heal from your injuries.
Call the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown for Help Today
You are not alone if you were injured in a hit and run accident in the Atlanta area. For 30 years we have helped injury victims like you recover the compensation they deserve. Plus, there’s no financial risk. We provide legal representation on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.
Contact the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown to discuss your accident and options during a free consultation.
Atlanta Hit and Run Accident FAQs
Can I still recover damages in Atlanta if I was injured in a hit and run accident?
Yes, you can often recover damages in Atlanta after a hit-and-run accident through your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. A DLB hit-and-run lawyer can help you navigate this process.
What should I do if I’m the victim of a hit and run accident in Atlanta?
If you’re the victim of a hit-and-run in Atlanta, you should immediately report it to the police, gather any evidence (witness info, photos), seek medical attention, contact your own insurance company to explore Uninsured Motorist coverage, and consult with an Atlanta DLB hit-and-run lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
How much does a hit and run lawyer in Atlanta cost?
A hit-and-run lawyer in Atlanta typically works on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally don’t pay any upfront fees. Instead, their fee is a percentage of the final settlement or court award they recover for you. You would likely be responsible for case expenses, like filing fees.
What is the statute of limitations for a hit and run accident in Atlanta?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including hit-and-run accidents, in Atlanta, Georgia, is generally two years from the date of the accident.
Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown
Address: 3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1100 Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone: (404) 476-8462
Opening Hours: Available 24/7
