Atlanta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

When you experience a hit and run accident, you are likely dealing with the injuries from the accident and dealing with the legal process of trying to get your compensation for your injuries. At Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, we stand as dedicated and experienced advocates for individuals who have been victimized in hit and run accidents. We understand the shock, frustration, and uncertainty that follow such an event.

Our purpose is to provide you with clarity regarding the legal landscape surrounding hit and run incidents in Georgia, to illuminate the unique challenges you may encounter, and to demonstrate how our seasoned legal team can empower you to seek the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

We possess a deep and comprehensive understanding of Georgia’s traffic laws, and our commitment is unwavering: we will meticulously investigate every detail of your case and relentlessly fight to protect your rights and pursue the maximum compensation to which you are entitled. Call an Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer today for a free consultation at 404-975-1775.

The Seriousness of Hit and Run Accidents in Georgia

Under Georgia law, a hit and run accident is defined by the failure of a driver involved in a collision to fulfill specific legal obligations. The law mandates that the driver must immediately stop their vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close as possible without obstructing traffic unnecessarily. Furthermore, the driver is legally obligated to provide their name, current address, and the registration number of their vehicle to any other involved parties. If requested, they must also present their driver’s license, if it is available.

Beyond the exchange of information, Georgia law places a significant duty on drivers, including taking necessary steps to transport the injured person, or making arrangements for their transportation, to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if treatment seems necessary or is requested. In situations where an injured person is unconscious, appears deceased, or is otherwise unable to communicate, the law requires the driver to make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency medical services and to notify local law enforcement. Failing to stop, provide the required information, and offer necessary aid constitutes a direct violation of these legal obligations, and the responsible driver will face significant legal consequences for this act of evasion.

The Unique Challenges Faced by Victims of Hit and Run Accidents

When you are the victim of a hit and run accident, you already are at a disadvantage in the fact that the at fault driver has driven away and you have no idea how to contact them in order to get reimbursed for your injuries. Having this burden makes hit and run cases that much more stressful to deal with than other personal injury cases. In these situations, victims must rely heavily on the subsequent police investigation, which may or may not yield the identity of the driver. Eyewitness accounts can be unreliable and traffic cameras may not always be available.

Another significant challenge arises when dealing with their own insurance company, particularly concerning Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage is designed specifically to protect insured individuals when they are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver who is either uninsured or unidentified, as in a hit and run. While this coverage provides a vital safety net, navigating these claims can still be complex and frustrating.

Victims of hit and run accidents also face significant difficulties in independently gathering crucial evidence related to the incident when the other driver has fled the scene and is uncooperative. Without the other driver’s cooperation, obtaining their direct account of the accident becomes nearly impossible, making it near impossible to get a full account of the accident. The longer the victim waits to discover evidence to support their case, the more evidence can be degraded due to memories being distorted or evidence being discarded. This is why it is imperative to contact an attorney at Merritt & Merritt Law Firm at 404-975-1775 to discuss your case and get the facts right away.

Understanding the Compensation You Can Pursue

As a victim of a hit and run accident in Georgia, you may be entitled to pursue various types of compensation to address the losses and damages you have incurred. These damages fall into several key categories, and our experienced Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer will meticulously evaluate your case to ensure we pursue all available avenues for recovery to get you the maximum amount of compensation.

Expenses such as medical expenses, loss of wages from work, pain and suffering, property damages and damages for emotional distress are all possible things you can claim for compensation. If you are able to discover who was the cause of the accident, you may also be awarded punitive damages. Punitive damages are given not only to compensate for your pain and suffering, but also to punish the party who caused the accident as a hit and run accident is generally more than negligent, it was willful.

Taking the First Step Towards Justice and Recovery

If you have been the victim of a hit and run accident in Atlanta, it is imperative that you seek experienced legal help as soon as possible. The early involvement of our legal team allows us to promptly initiate a thorough investigation into the incident, preserving crucial evidence that could otherwise be lost or degraded over time. Acting quickly also ensures the timely filing of all necessary claims within the strict deadlines imposed by the statute of limitations.

In the state of Georgia, you must file a personal injury claim within two years from the date of the accident in order to seek compensation. This proves to be challenging when dealing with trying to find the driver of the hit and run as well as dealing with your pain and suffering.

When you contact Merritt & Merritt Law Firm, an Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer will thoroughly review your case for free and then go through all of the evidence to build you the strongest case possible. Our attorneys are highly experienced with hit and run accidents, and understand that you already have enough stress as it is, you don’t need the stress of dealing with the legal system.

Given the unique complexities and challenges associated with hit and run accidents, the guidance and support of an experienced personal injury attorney are not just helpful – they are often crucial for victims seeking justice and fair compensation. Our firm’s seasoned attorneys possess the expertise and resources necessary to conduct a thorough and timely investigation into the accident, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to potentially identify the responsible party. We work diligently with skilled investigators to gather all pertinent evidence from the accident scene, including physical remnants, witness statements, and official police reports.

Our team is adept at meticulously analyzing these reports and proactively tracking down and interviewing any individuals who may have witnessed the collision or observed the fleeing vehicle. Our attorneys will ensure to get every bit of evidence that we can to prove the negligence of the other party, and that their actions were the cause of your injuries.

We also provide comprehensive and invaluable assistance in navigating the often-intricate process of filing and managing complex insurance claims, particularly Uninsured Motorist (UM) claims, which are frequently the primary avenue for recovery in hit and run cases. Our attorneys have a deep understanding of the nuances of various insurance policies, including the specific provisions of UM coverage in Georgia, and we are committed to helping our clients fully comprehend the scope of their available coverage options.

We will act as your dedicated point of contact, handling all direct communications with the insurance company on your behalf. This shields you from the often-stressful and potentially confusing interactions with insurance adjusters, whose primary objective is frequently to minimize the financial payout on claims.

Our firm is equipped with proven negotiation skills and a resolute commitment to fighting for a fair and just settlement that accurately reflects the full extent of your injuries and resulting losses. Crucially, our role extends to vigorously protecting your fundamental legal rights throughout the entirety of the legal process, ensuring that you are not unfairly taken advantage of by the insurance company or any other involved parties.

We provide clear and comprehensive legal advice and guidance at every stage of your claim, ensuring that you fully understand your rights and the various legal options available to you. Our team will handle your claim step by step to make sure that no deadlines are missed and no evidence is left behind. Moreover, even in situations where the hit and run driver remains unidentified despite diligent efforts, our firm can still assist you in pursuing a personal injury lawsuit directly against your own insurance company under the provisions of your Uninsured Motorist coverage, providing a crucial pathway to potential compensation.

Speak to a Knowledgeable Atlanta Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer Today

If you are dealing with injuries that are from a hit and run accident, call us today at 404-975-1775 to talk to one of our attorneys today and get a free consultation to discuss your rights.