A hit-and-run car accident can result in devastating injuries for the victims involved. When a driver flees the scene of an accident without providing assistance or exchanging information, it leaves the injured parties vulnerable and without immediate medical attention. The injuries sustained in a hit-and-run can vary widely, ranging from minor bruises and cuts to severe fractures, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatalities.
If you've been the victim of a hit-and-run car accident, don't panic. There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Stay Calm and Stay Safe
The first step after a hit-and-run accident is to stay calm and ensure your own safety. Pull over to a safe spot if you're able to safely move your vehicle, and turn on your hazard lights. If you or anyone else involved is injured, call 911 immediately.
Gather Information
While the other driver may have fled the scene, it's still important to gather as much information as possible. Take note of the make, model, and color of the other vehicle, as well as any damage sustained. If possible, try to remember the license plate number and take pictures of the other vehicle and the accident scene.
If there were any witnesses to the accident, ask them for their names and contact information. Eyewitness accounts can be critical in identifying the other driver. Be sure to exchange contact and insurance information with any other involved drivers.
Note: Dashcams have become increasingly popular due to their ability to capture footage that can be used as evidence in hit-and-run accidents. This footage can be helpful in identifying the offender and providing proof for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
File a Police Report
After a hit-and-run accident, it's important to file a police report. Even if the other driver is not found, having a police report on file can be helpful in pursuing legal action or making an insurance claim. The police will ask for the information you collected, so be sure to provide as much detail as possible.
Contact Your Insurance Company
If the other driver cannot be identified, you'll have to file a claim with your own insurance company. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the accident, and provide them with all the information you've gathered. Your uninsured motorist coverage should cover damages to your vehicle, as well as any medical expenses resulting from the accident (provided that you have enough coverage). However, be mindful that in the State of Georgia, there needs to be one independent witness to the hit-and-run accident to access and pursue the UM coverage.
See Related Reading: “Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Insurance Coverage”
Contact an Attorney
If you've been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may want to consider seeking legal counsel. An experienced personal injury attorney at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected. They can also help you seek compensation for any damages or injuries sustained in the accident.
How The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC Can Help Hit-and-Run Victims
If you have been a victim of a hit-and-run accident, The Athens Car Accident Attorney can help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries. The team at The Law Office of Joshua W. Branch, LLC will analyze the details of the accident and work to identify the at-fault driver, even if they fled the scene. We will work tirelessly to pursue your claim and help you get the recovery you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run car accident, call The Athens Car Accident Attorney today at (706) 760-9220 to start your journey toward justice.