Can I Sue For A Hit-And-Run Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents are among the most egregious that we see. In Georgia, it is always illegal to leave the scene of an accident if there is property damage or injury. Nonetheless, that doesn’t seem to stop some people from fleeing the scene of an accident. In fact, if you’ve been hit by a car that fled the scene, you are not alone. Georgia actually ranks 4th in the nation for hit-and-run car accident fatalities. This isn’t so surprising when you consider that 60% of people injured in hit-and-run crashes are walking or biking, both of which are popular pastimes in Georgia due to its temperate climate. The good news is that if you have been injured in a hit-and-run accident there may be legal options available that can help you recover from your loss. The circumstances of every hit-and-run accident are different, the exact facts are critical to developing the best legal strategy for your case, so it’s always a good idea to talk to a lawyer. If you would like to speak one-on-one to an experienced Fulton County personal injury attorney, you are welcome to contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Liability for Hit and Run
Liability for a hit and run generally lies with the party who ran. By doing so, they broke the law and can be held accountable for their negligence in court, provided that their identity is known. Bringing a personal injury lawsuit for a hit-and-run accident allows you to recover for all costs related to the accident, including medical costs, lost wages and lost earning potential, and compensation for pain and suffering. Additionally, because of the egregious nature of hit-and-run accidents, punitive damages may also be appropriate. Unlike other damages which are intended to make the victim whole, punitive damages are intended to punish the offender and discourage other members of society from acting similarly.
Establishing Liability for a Hit-and-Run Accident When You Don’t Know the Driver’s Identity
Establishing liability in a hit-and-run accident is easy to do if you know who hit you or if the police are able to identify or locate the responsible party. Without that information, it can be more difficult to sue because the identity of the liable party is unclear. Even in those situations, it is still worthwhile to talk to a lawyer to see what options exist and what can be done. For instance, even in an accident where a driver hit you and took off, there could still be other liable parties. If another car caused that one to swerve into you, there was a poorly marked or ineffective traffic signal, a lack of security cameras, or you were hit on someone else’s property, these can all create avenues for liability beyond the actual driver. Your attorney also may want to take additional actions to locate the driver. Depending on your coverage, your own insurance company may provide a course of compensation if you have an uninsured motorist rider.
Talk to Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers
If you or a loved one have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, Sandy Springs, or the greater Georgia area, Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers will fight to get you every cent that you deserve. Contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation.
