Hit and run accidents can occur anytime and anywhere, and sadly, they are on the rise in Georgia. According to the American Automotive Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety, there were 72 fatalities in Georgia from hit and run accidents in 2016. In 2006, that value was 42.
Whether the at-fault driver hit your parked car or struck you while you were walking, leaving you with serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention, it is illegal to leave the scene of the accident per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 40-6-270. A driver involved in an accident has a duty to stop, contact the police, exchange information, and if necessary, render any assistance to an injured party.
If you suffered injuries in a car accident in Atlanta, you have the right to compensation for your losses. If the at-fault driver hit you and ran, though, you may find yourself faced with some difficulties collecting. As an at-fault state, Georgia residents must first collect compensation from the driver who caused the accident. If you are unable to locate that individual, you may still have some options.
Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC at (844) 730-0233 today for a free case review an Atlanta hit and run accident lawyer who may be able to help. We can review the circumstances of your case and possibly help you find the at-fault driver and compensation to cover your medical bills and property losses. We also work on a contingency-fee basis, so you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees up front. We only collect after you have secured a fair settlement or court award.
Insurance Requirements in Georgia
As stated, Georgia is an at-fault state. To receive compensation for losses in a car accident, victims must collect from the party who caused the accident. As such, the state requires all drivers to carry specific minimum auto insurance coverage. From the Office of Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner, Georgia law requires its drivers to carry the following minimum amounts:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability (BIL) for one victim per accident
- $50,000 in BIL for multiple victims per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability (PDL) per accident
Some states require drivers to carry personal injury protection (typically states that are a no-fault insurance system). In Georgia, personal injury protection is an optional coverage. This insurance is available to you regardless of who caused your accident. There is also medical insurance coverage, which functions in a similar way. Both insurance coverages would be an option for compensation in a hit and run accident if you carry either of them.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accidents lawyer serving Atlanta, call (844) 730-0233
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Must Be a Part of Your Policy
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), 12% of drivers in the state of Georgia do not carry auto insurance. If you have suffered injuries in an accident with an uninsured driver, there is still another option—uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage must be a part of your insurance policy, and the values covered must be equal to your BIL and PDL coverage. The only way this coverage would not be a part of your policy is if you opted out of the coverage in writing. Typically, this insurance works in one of two ways:
- Scenario 1: Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would add to the existing at-fault driver’s insurance coverage if the at-fault driver’s coverage was insufficient to cover the total value of losses.
- Scenario 2: Your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would only apply if it was greater than the value of the at-fault driver’s coverage, and the value applied will be the difference between the two values. For example, the at-fault driver’s coverage is $25,000. Your uninsured/underinsured coverage is $50,000. In this scenario, you could apply $25,000 to your compensation.
The terms of your policy will dictate which scenario applies in a car accident. In a hit and run accident where investigators could not locate the at-fault driver, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage would take effect.
For a free case review, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today. An Atlanta hit and run accident lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Atlanta Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 730-0233
How Ben Crump Law, PLLC Can Help in Your Hit and Run Accident
After any car accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect yourself, both legally and physically. After a hit and run accident, it may be more important to be sure you have done these steps. Look at the following list to see if you have done most, if not all, the items. If you have not, do not stress. We can help you.
- Generate a car accident report with the police.
- Record what you remember from the accident, such as the vehicle make, model, license plate, color, and anything else you can remember.
- Collect contact information from any witnesses.
- Take photos of your injuries, your car, and your clothes.
- Get medical attention for your injuries.
- Call your insurance company.
- Most importantly, do not admit fault.
Again, if you have not completed these things, do not worry. We can assist you. We also will:
- Investigate the accident and, if possible, identify the at-fault driver.
- Gather police reports and medical records.
- Talk with eyewitnesses.
- Collect and review photographic and video evidence.
- Speak with medical specialists about your injuries and prognosis.
- Calculate all your losses from the accident, both economic and non-economic.
With the evidence we collect, we will build a claim to present to your insurance provider. We will handle all communication between you and the insurance company, keep you posted of any changes, and answer any legal questions you may have. We will negotiate with the insurance company to collect a fair settlement, and if negotiations fail, we will represent you in court.
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Call Ben Crump Law, PLLC Today
If you have suffered injuries in a hit and run accident, you have options for collecting compensation for your losses. An Atlanta hit and run accident lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you build a claim and negotiate on your behalf. Hit and run cases can be difficult, but we do not shy away from tough cases. Our goal is to get you a recovery, not to put you through any more harm.
Call (844) 730-0233 for a free case review.
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