Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney in Savannah

If you suffer an injury in a hit-and-run accident in Savannah, Georgia, you may wonder what your options are for seeking compensation. After all, if you don’t know who caused the accident because they fled the scene, how can you hold them financially accountable? Fortunately, you can seek the compensation you need after a hit-and-run accident through an uninsured motorist (UM) claim with your auto insurance provider.

Contact Spiva Law Group to speak to an experienced Savannah hit-and-run accident lawyer. We’ll review your case, help you gather necessary evidence, and represent you in negotiations with your insurance company.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run accident is when the driver at fault for an accident leaves the scene without providing their name and contact information. It is a violation of Georgia Code section 40-6-270, and those found guilty can face between one and five years in prison. However, that punishment doesn’t stop all drivers from fleeing the scene after a crash.

Why Would a Driver Flee the Scene of the Accident?

Drivers flee from accident scenes for various reasons, including the following:

• Fear of Consequences – Some drivers, particularly younger drivers, may flee the scene because they fear facing the consequences of their actions.
• Lack of Insurance – Drivers may flee if they don’t have the minimum liability insurance required under Chapter 9 of Georgia’s Motor Vehicles Safety Responsibility Act.
• Criminal Record – Drivers with criminal records may flee the scene to avoid getting in trouble with the law again.
• Driving Under the Influence – Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol may flee to prevent the police from arresting them for DUI.
• Driving Without a License – Drivers without a valid license may flee rather than face charges.

What Are Some Injuries That Happen in Hit-and-Run Accidents?

Common injuries suffered by hit-and-run victims in Georgia include the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) – These can result in permanent and severe cognitive and physical disabilities requiring full-time care.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – Injuries to the spine can cause chronic pain or paralysis, depending on the severity.
• Broken Bones – Fractured and broken bones are among the most common injuries suffered in severe accidents.
• Soft Tissue Injuries – Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are particularly prevalent and may require extensive physical therapy.
• Lacerations – Broken glass and other sharp objects flying around inside your vehicle after a severe crash can cause deep lacerations.

What Should You Do if You Have Been in a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident, you should do the following:

• Report the accident to both the police and your insurance company.
• Seek ongoing medical treatment for your injuries until you recover or reach maximum medical improvement.
• Keep track of your medical bills and other losses related to the accident.
• Gather evidence, such as the contact information of witnesses or, if you have one, footage from a dash camera.
• Contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you seek the compensation you need.

Can Anything Be Done to Find the Hit-and-Run Driver?

Once the police know that a hit-and-run has occurred, they will search for the offending driver based on the vehicle description provided by you and any eyewitnesses. The police can also access traffic camera footage to assist in their investigation.

The best thing you can do is provide the police with an accurate account of the accident. If you have a dashboard camera that captured it, provide that footage to the police. Contact our Savannah hit and run accident attorney today.

What Is the Insurance Process in a Savannah Hit-and-Run Accident?

In Georgia, you would normally file your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, after a hit-and-run, you file your claim with your own insurance company because you don’t know who the at-fault driver is.

The process of filing a hit and run claim includes the following:

• Notifying your insurance company of the hit-and-run accident as soon as possible
• Filing an uninsured motorist claim with your auto insurance provider
• Waiting for your insurance provider to investigate the incident and approve or deny your claim
• Negotiating with your insurance company for a settlement that covers your losses

Under Georgia Code section 33-7-11, all auto insurance providers must offer the following minimum uninsured motorist coverage:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
• $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $25,000 per accident for property damage

Unless you opted out of uninsured motorist coverage, you should be able to recover up to at least this amount of compensation after a hit-and-run.

What Sort of Damages Might Be Recoverable in a Savannah Hit-and-Run Accident?

Compensation (damages) you can seek after a hit-and-run accident include the following:

• Medical Expenses – In most cases, victims seek compensation for their medical treatments, prescription medications, physical therapy, and other medical expenses.
• Lost Wages – You can seek compensation for the wages you lost or will lose because of your injuries.
• Property Damage – You can seek compensation for your damaged property, including your vehicle.
• Pain and Suffering – In some cases, you may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering as part of your bodily injury compensation.

What Happens if the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Finally Located?

Should police or other officials find the hit-and-run driver, you can file an insurance claim against their auto insurance provider if they have the required liability insurance. Additionally, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver directly to seek additional compensation beyond that received through insurance.

If you recover compensation in either of these ways, you may need to reimburse your insurance provider for the compensation it paid you through your uninsured motorist claim. If you don’t seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver, your insurance company may file a claim against them to seek reimbursement for the compensation it paid to you. Our Savannah hit and run accident lawyer is here to help.

Contact a Savannah Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer

At Spiva Law Group, our compassionate Savannah personal injury attorneys have been tackling the toughest cases since 1984 and have secured over $500 million for our clients. We have five attorneys and a seasoned staff, including a skilled investigator, paralegals, a claims manager, legal assistants, a receptionist, and clerical assistants.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Savannah, Georgia, you need a legal team that focuses solely on catastrophic injury cases. Contact Spiva Law Group for exceptional service, a strong legal background, and a team dedicated to getting you the results you need.