Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorneys in Albany, Georgia

A hit-and-run accident happens when the driver responsible leaves the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid.

Drivers may flee for many reasons, such as panic, intoxication, lack of insurance, or fear of arrest due to an outstanding warrant.

Georgia is an at-fault auto insurance state, meaning car accident victims should file their injury claims with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pursue compensation.

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So, what happens if the hit-and-run driver flees the scene? Identifying them and understanding your options for filing a claim can be challenging. However, filing a claim against their insurer may not be your only course of action.

After a car crash, you shouldn’t have to navigate the legal system alone. The Albany hit-and-run accident attorneys at Underwood Law LLC can review your case and insurance coverage, explain your options, and guide you toward the path forward — all starting with a free consultation.

Call or contact us today to get started.

Understanding Georgia Laws for Hit-and-Run Accidents

Georgia Code Section 40-6-270 is the state law regarding hit-and-run accidents in Albany.

It requires all drivers involved in a crash resulting in the injury to or death of a person or damage to another vehicle to stay at the accident scene. They must provide their name, address, and vehicle registration number to other vehicle occupants and call for emergency medical services if they need it.

Drivers must also report the crash to the police and wait for them to arrive and conduct an initial investigation into the incident. Failure to do this may result in criminal charges.

If the driver who caused your injuries fled before police arrived, officers will work to identify them. If the driver is located, they could face criminal charges for leaving the scene of an accident. A defendant’s conviction can help support your personal injury claim against their insurance provider.

Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Albany, GA

Knowing the right steps to take after a hit-and-run can help you protect your legal case and build a solid foundation for a personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:

  • Avoid discussing the crash or your injuries with the insurance company until you have spoken with an experienced Albany car accident lawyer.
  • Follow your medical treatment as prescribed. Wait until your doctor clears you to resume activities they restricted.
  • Keep track of all medical bills, lost wages, medical records, and receipts related to the hit-and-run incident.
  • Write down everything you remember about the collision, the vehicle that struck you, and any description you have of the hit-and-run driver.
  • Avoid posting about the accident or your injuries on social media.
  • Consult a hit-and-run injury lawyer about your case.

Georgia Statute of Limitations on a Hit-and-Run Accident

Under Georgia law, an injured person generally has two years to file a hit-and-run lawsuit against the negligent driver if they are identified. In most cases, the statute of limitations begins on the date of the injury.

However, in hit-and-run cases, the time limit may be delayed until the driver is found.

If the at-fault driver cannot be identified immediately, the clock may not start until you know — or should reasonably have known — their identity, such as when police locate the driver. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you understand how the hit-and-run statute of limitations applies to your specific case.

Can You Get Compensation If the At-Fault Driver Is Not Found?

If the at-fault driver isn’t identified, you can still seek compensation for hit-and-run injuries if you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM).

While uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required in Georgia, insurance providers must offer it. Unless you declined it in writing, your policy should include UM coverage. You would then file a hit-and-run claim seeking compensation through your own insurance company.

Types of Damages You Can Recover after a Hit and Run

Damages is the legal term for financial compensation you can pursue in a personal injury lawsuit. Compensation for serious injuries in a hit-and-run case can include money for:

  • Past, current, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost enjoyment of life
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages (in some instances)

Determining the reasonable value of pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent disability can be challenging. An experienced hit-and-run accident lawyer can assess your injuries and their potential long-term impact to help estimate fair compensation.

Why You Need a Hit-and-Run Attorney in Albany, GA

Dealing with insurance claims after a hit-and-run accident can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if the at-fault driver has not been found.

That’s where Underwood Law LLC comes in. We can handle every aspect of your case — including supporting local law enforcement in their search for the negligent driver. At the same time, our legal team will get to work gathering evidence for your case, interviewing witnesses, evaluating your injuries, and discussing next steps with you.

Our Albany hit-and-run accident lawyers have a track record of successfully negotiating and litigating cases for our injury victims. With thoughtful preparation, strategic planning, and strong negotiation, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for Georgia residents.

These results are based on past cases, and outcomes vary depending on the unique facts of each matter.

Past clients can attest to their experience with our firm:

This is probably one of the best law offices I have ever used. They always answered my questions. They communicated with me with every step of my case. The staff is awesome and actually pay attention to your questions and requests. Just an overall GREAT experience from start to finish! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!” – S.F.

 

Contact Our Albany, GA Hit-and-Run Attorneys Today for a Free Consultation

When a Georgia hit-and-run accident knocks you down, you need a local law firm to provide the legal advocacy and moral support you need to get back on your feet. At Underwood Law LLC, we put people first. Let us join you in the fight to recover compensation and balance the scales of justice.

Contact us today for a free initial case review with our experienced legal team.

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