What to do in the Event of a Hit And Run
Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident can be a terrifying experience. You’re going about your day, and in the blink of an eye, the course of your life could be forever changed. When you have suffered harms and losses, reaching out to a qualified personal injury attorney will help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Seven Steps to Take if You Are in a Hit And Run Accident:
1. Call 911, immediately, especially if anyone is injured.
2. Ask any witnesses to report what they saw. Get their contact information, and attempt to convince them to stay and speak to the police when they arrive. Having a corroborating witness can be crucial.
3. Convince the police to make an official report; even if the incident occurred on private property. Having such a report will help you with an insurance claim, memorialize the details of the accident, and can serve as evidence in future legal proceedings.
4. Record details surrounding the accident as soon as you are able. Include information such as:
- a. license plate information
- b. a description of the fleeing vehicle and its driver
- c. their direction of travel when they fled the scene
- d. the location, time, and date
- e. any details that seem noteworthy, such as whether there was heavy traffic or other road conditions.
5. Take photos or videos of the damage, and note what damage the other vehicle may have incurred.
After the trauma of an accident, this step can seem unimportant and could be easily overlooked. Remember that images are often the best way to show exactly what happened, and what damages you incurred to prove another vehicle was responsible.
Do not post images or details about the accident to social media since opposing lawyers and insurance companies often check to assess you and your damages.
6. Accept medical assistance on the scene if offered. If not offered, seek medical care through an emergency department or urgent care, immediately. Thereafter, strictly adhere to the discharge instructions of your providers, and at a minimum, follow up with your doctor within one week. Trauma is not always immediately evident after an accident, and receiving help on the scene will help document the extent of your injuries.
7. Contact your insurance provider within 24 hours even if you did nothing wrong.
At any point during this process, if you have questions and need someone on your side, give our offices a call! We can help walk you through the situation and provide assistance to help you get the resolution you deserve.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
State laws regarding the statute of limitations for car accidents vary depending on the applicable state laws, the type of accident, and the damages you seek. In Georgia, for most bodily injuries caused by hit-and-run accidents, you will have two years to file your lawsuit and seek compensation for damages, including medical expenses. However, if the accident involved a city, county, or state-owned vehicle, other limitations periods are notably shorter.
Retain Legal Representation
The trauma of an accident can be overwhelming, especially when the perpetrator fled the scene. We will compile evidence, work with medical professionals, and provide you with the best support as you deal with the aftermath of your hit and run accident.
If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident, retain legal representation immediately.
By having legal counsel from the beginning, you will be in the best possible position to successfully obtain the appropriate reparations for your damages.
Ready to Get Started?
At Lazenby Law Group, we will fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your case.
