You are stuck in rush-hour traffic along State Road 120, you are frustrated, tired after a long workday, and anxious to get home. However, your day is about to take a turn for the worse when you are rear-ended by a distracted driver who flees the scene. This is just one example of how quickly hit-and-run accidents in Duluth can occur.
No matter how your hit-and-run happens, holding the at-fault party accountable is necessary if you hope to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. With the support of an experienced Duluth hit-and-run accident lawyer from Slam Dunk Attorney, who has represented over 1,000 clients, you can identify the driver that hit you and demand the just compensation you deserve. Contact a dedicated Duluth car accident lawyer from our firm today to discuss your opportunities for legal recourse further during a free consultation.
Hit and Runs in Duluth Can Cause Catastrophic Injuries
It may surprise you to learn that, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health, motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) were the second leading cause of hospitalizations and emergency room visits, and injury deaths in 2020. This is despite the fact that drivers were off the road more in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic. With numbers this high, it is easy to see why car accident victims are anxious to hold negligent drivers accountable.
Though many people often associate hit-and-runs with rear-end collisions or minor accidents, it is not unusual for drivers who flee the scene to cause serious motor vehicle wrecks. Victims may suffer a wide variety of injuries, including broken bones, burns, whiplash, concussion, traumatic brain damage, spinal cord trauma, and other serious injuries. Fortunately, it is not the type of injury you are dealing with that will determine whether you have the right to pursue a claim. Our Duluth personal injury lawyers can help.
Instead, what matters is how seriously your life has been affected. Whether you have a massive amount of medical expenses, are temporarily out of work, or are struggling with a permanent disability, the at-fault party should compensate you for your damages in full. Even if the driver that hit you has not yet been identified, we can begin building a powerful case against them so that when they are, we can bring them to justice.
For a free legal consultation with a hit and run accident lawyer serving Duluth, call 404-951-3513
Why Drivers Flee the Scene
After being involved in a car accident, one of the last things you probably expected was for the driver who hit you to flee the scene. However, it may surprise you just how often hit-and-run accidents occur, in fact, in 2022, there were 2,932 fatal hit-and-runs reported across the US, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Some of the top reasons drivers may flee the scene include:
- Failure to carry auto insurance coverage as required by the Georgia Department of Revenue
- Knowing that they have a warrant out for their arrest
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the wreck
- Being in possession of drugs, paraphernalia, or other illegal substances
- Simply panicking due to the trauma of the accident
The hit-and-run driver’s intent will not necessarily matter after they flee the scene. This is particularly true if they caused the collision. If their negligence contributed to or is primarily responsible for causing your injuries, they can be ordered to repay you for the actual value of your economic and non-economic damages.
Duluth Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Near Me 404-951-3513
How You Can Make the Driver that Hit You Pay
It is up to you to be your strongest advocate after a hit and run. Working with a reputable personal injury lawyer may be the best way to ensure you are taking every step to ensure the driver who hit you is held accountable. Your hit-and-run accident attorney in Duluth with Slam Dunk Attorney can help you explore every option, which might include:
- Filing a claim against the hit-and-run driver’s insurance policy once they have been identified
- Filing a claim against your no-fault or personal injury protection (PIP) insurance coverage
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against your hit-and-run driver in civil court
Insurance rarely compensates for every single way your life has been affected by the injuries you sustained. If you have damages that are not considered covered losses, you are not without hope. By filing a lawsuit, you have an opportunity to request full repayment of every compensatory loss.
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Duluth Hit and Run Accident FAQ
Is There a Statute of Limitations for Hit and Run Accidents?
According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, there is a two-year statute of limitations for hit-and-run accident claims. If your lawsuit is not filed before the expiration date, you may be barred from moving forward with your case in civil court.
Can I Get Punitive Damages in a Hit and Run Accident?
Punitive damages may be warranted in a hit-and-run accident according to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1. If the defendant’s conduct was intentionally harmful, egregious, or grossly negligent, punitive damages may be appropriate. However, punitive damages are a rare award that only applies when the court system deems further punishment is necessary.
What if the Insurance Company Asks Me for a Statement?
You should direct them to your hit-and-run accident lawyer in Duluth for additional information. Do not say anything to the insurance company, as your statement will likely be recorded. Anything you say could be manipulated or taken out of context and used against you to reduce your insurance settlement.
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Consult a Premier Duluth Hit and Run Accident Attorney for Legal Support When You Need It Most
Hit-and-run accidents can feel hopeless at first. You may have serious concerns that the fleeing driver will not be identified, leaving you to cover the total value of your damages. However, with an intensive investigation by law enforcement officers and your trial-tested Duluth hit-and-run accident lawyer from Slam Dunk Attorney, it is just a matter of time before we uncover their identity.
When we do, you can feel confident in our ability to bring them to justice. Whether we need to file a claim against their auto insurance policy or bring your case to trial, Slam Dunk Attorney has what it takes to maximize your payout. When you are ready to take advantage of this opportunity, complete our convenient contact form or call our office to schedule your no-cost, risk-free consultation.
Call or text 404-951-3513 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
