Hit and Run Car Accidents in Athens

Hit and run car accidents in Athens can be dangerous, particularly if the victim’s injuries are life-threatening. Sometimes, the minutes between the collision and the arrival of emergency services can be the difference between life and death. When the perpetrator flees the crash scene, it can lead to a significantly worse outcome for the victim.

If you have been involved in a hit and run collision, our car accident lawyers at The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, can help explore your legal options and provide a pathway that can lead to the recovery of compensation for you.  

Why Do People Flee a Car Accident Scene?

When most people get in an accident, they wait at the scene, exchange information, provide aid to anyone who is hurt, and do whatever is necessary to ensure each party is okay. However, when a motorist decides to flee the scene of a crash, it is largely due to one or more of the following:

• They were driving under the influence of alcohol or other illicit substances
• They lacked proper documentation, such as a driver’s license
• They had no insurance or were underinsured
• They wanted to avoid fines, liabilities, or other consequences
• They panicked or were scared of the legal consequences
• They were unaware of the accident

In Athens, fleeing an accident scene is considered a serious crime under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 40-6-270 and can attract a misdemeanor or felony charge.

Filing Insurance Claims for Compensation After a Hit and Run

One of the major bottlenecks following a hit and run crash is identifying the person responsible. Identifying the person responsible—by contacting police, checking nearby cameras for their plate number, or speaking to eyewitnesses with dashcams—often simplifies your claim. Apart from paying for your injuries, the motorist could face criminal charges and penalties for their actions.

If you are unable to identify and locate the hit and run driver that caused your Athens collision, you have the option to file an insurance claim with your provider and to seek compensation under your uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist policy. This is available to all insured drivers, unless specifically rejected.

Even when filing with your provider, it is important to have legal representation. This encourages your insurance provider to do right by you and make you a fair offer, rather than lowballing you. Speak to our lawyers at The Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, to get more clarification on how to proceed with your compensation claim.

Comparative Fault and How it Affects Your Settlement

Athens residents injured in car crashes involving hit-and-run drivers can pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. Your compensation options will depend on the severity of your injuries and losses.

Under Georgia’s comparative fault rule, the final receivable amount may be affected if the court or insurer determines that you contributed to the crash. If your degree of fault is less than 50 percent, it is possible to claim compensation. However, if your fault is above 50 percent, you may be barred from recovery.

Call an Athens Car Accident Attorney For Help After a Hit and Run

Victims of hit-and-run car accidents in Athens deserve adequate compensation that will make them whole. At the Law Offices of Joshua W. Branch, LLC, our lawyers can help you explore your legal options and ensure justice is served.

Call our team today for a free consultation.