Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run collision, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation to help cover the financial and personal losses caused by the traffic accident. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main types of compensation that are often available in hit-and-run cases:

1. Medical Expenses

• Immediate Medical Costs: Covers emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, and any immediate medical attention required after the accident.
• Ongoing Medical Care: Includes costs for future treatments, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, follow-up doctor visits, and any long-term care necessary due to the injury.
• Prescription and Medical Supplies: Reimbursement for medications, medical equipment (like braces or crutches), and other supplies needed for recovery.

2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

• Lost Income: Compensation for wages or salary you missed out on while recovering from the accident.
• Loss of Future Earnings: If injuries prevent you from returning to work in the same capacity, you may be compensated for the difference in potential earnings.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: If the injuries impact your ability to work or advance in your career, you may be eligible for compensation reflecting this long-term effect.

3. Property Damage

• Vehicle Repair or Replacement: This covers the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it was damaged in the accident.
• Personal Property: Compensation for other personal items damaged in the crash, such as electronics, clothing, or other belongings inside the vehicle at the time.

4. Pain and Suffering

• Physical Pain: Compensation for the physical discomfort and pain endured because of the accident.
• Emotional Distress: If the accident has caused anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other emotional challenges, you may be compensated for these psychological effects.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the accident and injuries have affected your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or time with your family, you may seek compensation for this impact.

5. Permanent Disability or Disfigurement

• Disability: If you suffer a long-term disability due to your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the ongoing impacts on your life and ability to work.
• Disfigurement: Compensation may be available if the accident causes visible scars, loss of limbs, or other disfigurements that affect your quality of life.

6. Loss of Consortium

• In cases where injuries affect your relationship with a spouse or family members, you or your loved ones may seek compensation for loss of companionship, support, or intimacy.

7. Punitive Damages

• In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault driver is located and it’s found that their actions were especially reckless or intentional.

8. Uninsured Motorist Coverage

• If the hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, you may be able to file a claim through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. UM coverage can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages similar to a typical liability claim.

What is the Statute Of Limitations for Hit-and-Run Accidents in Georgia?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a hit-and-run accident generally depends on the type of accident claim you are pursuing.

Here’s an overview of the relevant deadlines regarding hit-and-run cases: 

1. Personal Injury Claims

• Time Limit: 2 years from the date of the accident
• If you sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident, Georgia law allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent parties and seek maximum compensation for your losses. This deadline applies to all personal injury claims, including those involving hit-and-run drivers.

2. Property Damage Claims

• Time Limit: 4 years from the date of the accident
• For claims involving vehicle damage or other property losses, Georgia’s statute of limitations extends to four years. This gives you a longer period to seek compensation for damages from liable parties. 

3. Wrongful Death Claims

• Time Limit: 2 years from the date of death
• In cases where a hit-and-run accident results in death, the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim is two years from the date of the individual’s passing. This time frame allows surviving family members to seek compensation from the guilty party for the loss of a loved one due to the accident.

4. Exceptions and Special Circumstances

• Unidentified Driver: If the hit-and-run driver is unidentified, you may need to pursue compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM claims are often subject to the same two-year personal injury statute of limitations, but it’s wise to report such accidents and initiate the claim as soon as possible.
• Minor Victims: If the injured party was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended. In Georgia, the two-year clock for personal injury claims generally begins when the minor turns 18.

Importance of Acting Quickly

Even with these timeframes, it’s best to start the claims process as soon as possible after being involved in a hit-and-run accident. 

Evidence, such as witness statements and surveillance footage, can become harder to obtain as time passes, and initiating a claim promptly strengthens your case.

If you’re unsure how the statute of limitations applies to your case, a dedicated attorney can help you understand the specific deadlines for your automobile accident circumstances.

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, following the steps below can help protect your health, your rights, and your claim:

Check for Injuries

Move your car off the road and check if you or another party in the vehicle was injured. If anyone was injured, contact 911. If no one was injured, contact the non-emergency police number.

Speak with Law Enforcement

Wait for law enforcement to arrive at the scene. Provide only the facts and do not admit fault. Be as descriptive as possible regarding what the driver looked like and provide information regarding the vehicle's make, model, and license plate number if you wrote it down.

Gather Evidence

Write down everything you can remember about the other vehicle and the driver while the information is still fresh. If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their names and contact information. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries.

Seek Medical Treatment

Even if you do not believe you sustained any serious injuries, you must have a medical professional evaluate you.

Some injuries do not present symptoms for several hours or days following an accident. Make sure you keep the medical bills and treatment instructions.

This documentation can help tie your injuries to the accident and prove the extent of your injuries.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Notify your insurance company that you were involved in a hit-and-run accident. Most insurance companies require their policyholders to notify them of an accident 24-72 hours following a collision.

Speak with a Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney

Accident victims should contact a skilled car accident attorney at the Hines Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation.

An experienced personal injury attorney will discuss the details of the hit-and-run crash, as well as provide legal guidance during this challenging time. 

What Are Common Injuries Sustained in An Auto Accident?

At the Hines Law Firm, our legal team has handled many accident claims that have involved the following types of injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neck injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Nerve damage
• Back injuries
• Chest injuries
• Amputation
• Broken bones/bone fractures
• Crush injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Leg and arm injuries
• Soft tissue damage
• Whiplash
• Facial injuries
• Dental injuries

When assessing your damages, your experienced attorney will review your medical records and may consult with experts to determine the cost of medical treatment and what your medical needs will be in the future, depending on the severity of your injuries and your prognosis.

Our goal is to ensure you receive the compensation you need to continue to receive medical treatment now and in the future.