Hit & Run Accidents
Hit and run accidents can be especially frustrating for their victims. Not only has someone damaged your vehicle and possibly injured you through their negligence, but they’ve refused to take any responsibility whatsoever and tried to get away without anyone finding out about it.
A hit and run is a violation of basic human decency; it’s a serious violation of Georgia law. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, a driver of a vehicle who is involved in an accident causing injuries or property damage must: (1) give their name, address, and vehicle registration number; (2) provide their driver’s license upon request; (3) provide reasonable assistance to anyone they injured by getting them to medical treatment.
Hit and run accident cases require unique legal services, and the attorneys at Jackson Injury Law have extensive experience working on them. Read below to find more about what we can do for you and your family.
Investigation
Our first move in a hit and run case is to do everything we can to identify the driver who caused the accident. We use legal processes to obtain 911 calls, police reports, bodycam videos, and anything else the police may have created during their investigation. We also interview witnesses, find any available videos from nearby businesses, and dig up anything else we can to find the person responsible for the accident.
Even if it’s impossible to find the responsible driver, there’s still hope for recovery. We will determine if any insurance you have could provide coverage for your medical bills and your pain and suffering. Some people may be concerned about having us put their own insurance company on notice of an accident they didn’t cause, but Georgia law clearly protects them from suffering any adverse consequences in those situations. O.C.G.A. § 33-9-40 forbids insurance companies from raising your premiums or canceling your policy for getting into an accident that wasn’t your fault.
Legal Guidance
One of our most important jobs is to educate our clients. The right information can help you feel more comfortable with the legal process. More importantly, a thorough explanation of your rights will empower you to make the best decisions for yourself and your family if you’ve been the victim of a hit and run. A strong understanding of the legal process will give you peace of mind and allow you to navigate what would otherwise be a scary and uncomfortable situation.
Negotiations
Dealing with a multi-billion-dollar insurance company can be intimidating. We know insurance companies do not want to pay what your case is worth – to them, it’s not personal, it’s just business. Despite what their ads may say, you are not “in good hands” and insurance companies are not “on your side” when they negotiate with you. They have unlimited financial resources and you don’t. That’s one reason representation from a skilled attorney is so crucial when you’re in a hit and run accident. We will use our experience to determine when the time is right to negotiate your case for maximum compensation. We understand why your hit and run case is valuable and what evidence may help or hurt your case.
Litigation
Many cases do not go to court. But if a lawsuit is necessary to get you proper compensation, we will file it and litigate it all the way through trial if it’s in your best interest. Even in hit and run cases where the responsible driver can’t be identified, you can still file suit against “John Doe” and recover from the appropriate insurance policies.