It can be challenging for hit-and-run accident victims to know how to pursue compensation if they can’t track down the at-fault driver. If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Alpharetta, you should call the car accident attorneys of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. so we can assist you with your case. We have the experience to guide our clients through the claims or legal process and hold negligent individuals accountable for their actions.
You won’t be alone as we’re attempting to locate the person who caused your injuries. Many of our clients face economic strain while they’re trying to afford their medical treatment and other costs associated with the crash. We know how overwhelming this situation can be, and we want to ensure you don’t face additional stress along the way. When you hire us, we will take your case on contingency, so you don’t have to worry about upfront legal fees or costs. We don’t get paid unless you get paid.
If you were injured in a hit-and-run accident, call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. at 678-213-2401 to learn about your legal options. One of our Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorneys will be happy to meet with you for a free consultation.
Steps You Should Take Following a Hit-and-Run Car Accident
Georgia statute § 40-6-270 requires drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents to stop if there are injuries or fatalities. Any driver who leaves the scene of a car crash where people were injured, or property was damaged commits a hit-and-run offense.
Despite state laws, some people will leave immediately after an accident. Sometimes it’s because they don’t have car insurance. Other times, it may be because they’re drunk and fear getting caught by the police. Whatever the reason the at-fault driver left you hurt in your car, you deserve to hold them liable and seek compensation for your losses.
It’s vital that you report the accident to the police so they can investigate and try to track down the other driver. Afterward, you should focus on your recovery. Hire an experienced and dedicated Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorney from Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. to handle your case while you seek medical treatment.
It’s critical that you don’t wait too long before visiting the emergency room or attending your first doctor’s appointment. Auto insurance companies often look at evidence of delayed or inconsistent treatment as proof that the injury isn’t serious and doesn’t require a significant settlement. Their goal is typically to avoid large payouts, and if you don’t have much medical evidence for the treatment you received, that’s the perfect excuse for them to deny your claim.
How the Fault System Works in Georgia
Georgia uses a fault system to determine financial responsibility after car accidents. That means the at-fault driver becomes liable for any injuries and losses other drivers and passengers face. You can file a claim with their auto insurance company for your losses, and since the other driver was responsible, their insurance should pay you.
All motorists must purchase liability insurance for their vehicle. This can compensate for an accident victim’s medical expenses, property damage, and other costs they incur.
The minimum limits required by state law are:
- Bodily injury – $25,000
- Property damage – $25,000
Unfortunately, the driver fled the accident scene, and if Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. or law enforcement can’t find them, you won’t be able to file a liability claim.
If that’s the case, you might be able to turn to your auto insurance carrier. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is available to accident victims if the at-fault driver doesn’t have liability coverage or a hit-and-run driver caused the crash. UM isn’t a legal requirement like liability insurance, so your Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorney will request a copy of your policy to determine if you chose to purchase it and what the available limits are.
If we can file a UM claim for you, we could potentially secure a settlement for your medical treatment, lost wages, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Many policies will even provide compensation for the physical or emotional pain and suffering you experienced from the accident.
Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. has the resources to determine the monetary value of your case and find the best options for securing the maximum compensation you need. You shouldn’t have to pay for any expenses yourself when someone else was at fault for the car crash. You can count on us to advocate for your rights and aggressively negotiate with the insurance company for the full and fair settlement you deserve.
Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
If your Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorney can track down the careless driver who left you injured at the accident scene, we will pursue a settlement from their auto insurance company. Filing a liability claim allows accident victims to seek compensation for more than just their expenses. There’s also a range of other intangible losses you can pursue.
The various losses available for compensation in a liability insurance claim are:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Physical impairment or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Loss of household services
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The insurance adjuster will investigate the accident to develop a settlement offer they believe is appropriate for the losses you suffered. However, their job is to save money for the insurance company, so they will probably look for evidence that diminishes the severity of your injury or places fault on you instead of their policyholder. Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. will do everything we can to get you the full and fair settlement you’re owed from the insurance company. If necessary, we can file a lawsuit and take your case to court to get them to pay.
Filing a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
If the insurance company unfairly denies your claim, your Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorney can file a civil lawsuit. There’s a statute of limitations for initiating legal action against another party. This is a strict timeframe you must follow if you want to sue the at-fault driver for the harm they caused. Georgia has a two-year statute of limitations for car accidents. The “clock” begins ticking on the crash date, so it’s crucial that you hire Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. immediately so we can start working on your case.
Other than the multiple losses available in an insurance claim, you might also be entitled to punitive damages. This award doesn’t compensate accident victims for their physical, financial, and emotional losses. Instead, it punishes the negligent party for their actions. A jury might award this to you if you can provide clear and convincing evidence that the other motorist showed or intended fraud, misconduct, wantonness, malice, oppression, or indifference toward the consequences of their actions.
Should I Hire a Lawyer?
Yes. You could have a hard time recovering the compensation you need to cover your losses if you try to handle your case alone. You might not understand the procedure you must follow or the deadlines involved in insurance claims and lawsuits. You could also encounter obstacles you don’t know how to overcome.
Only an experienced and knowledgeable Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorney can effectively guide you through the process and handle each step on your behalf. Your only job during your personal injury case should be attending your doctor’s appointments so you can heal your injuries.
While you’re seeking medical treatment, Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. will investigate the crash and collect all available evidence to prove the other driver was at fault and should be held liable. Some of the evidence we might need includes:
- Police reports
- Eyewitness statements
- Copies of your medical records, medical bills, and other documentation of medical care
- Video surveillance of the accident
- Photos from the accident scene
- Copies of all available auto insurance policies
Insurance companies might try to intimidate you if you don’t have legal representation. They use these tactics to scare claimants into accepting lowball settlement offers. If they deny your claim, you might think you don’t have any other options and give up on attempting to collect compensation.
Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. knows the tricks used by insurance companies to get out of providing settlements to accident victims. With us by your side, you can feel confident knowing you’re in skilled and capable hands.
Contact Us
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our Alpharetta hit-and-run attorneys care about our clients. You will be our number one priority while we’re working on your case. We provide personalized attention and services to meet your needs. You deserve to hold the at-fault driver accountable for causing your injuries and suffering. You can depend on us to work tirelessly to reach a favorable outcome in your insurance claim or lawsuit.
Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. has experience representing accident victims in Alpharetta and throughout Georgia. We know the devastation of getting hurt in a car crash by someone who drove away without any regard for your safety or life. They should suffer the consequences of their actions. Our team of Alpharetta hit-and-run accident attorneys won’t give up on your case without a fight.
If you sustained injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Alpharetta, do not hesitate to call us at 678-213-2401 for your free consultation.