Hit-and-Run Accidents

Atlanta Auto Accident Law

Atlanta car accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert has helped hit-and-run accident victims for over 20 years. He uses his broad experience in personal injury law to provide high quality service to individuals and families across Georgia. At this firm, you are ensured honest, hassle-free advice and personalized attention at absolutely no up-front expense.

Hit-and-Run Accidents

Over 21 percent of fatal crashes in the last decade have been caused by hit-and-run drivers. The Fatality Analysis Reporting System showed a 19 percent increase in hit-and-runs, especially in the top seven states with the largest populations of undocumented immigrants and unlicensed drivers. Fear of being apprehended seems to be the number one reason perpetrators choose self-preservation over helping others. Other motorists often flee accidents involving:

• Drunk driving
  
• Speed violations
• Unregistered car
• Underage driving
• Suspended license
• Pedestrian casualties
• Previous DUI offenses
• Lack of auto insurance
• Prior felony convictions
• Commercial vehicle rules
• Driving on revoked license
• Distracted, negligent driving

Georgia law prohibits fleeing the scene of an accident, whether or not the collision involves property damage, bodily injury or death. Motorists are required to pull over at or near the scene of the crash, exchange information, and render necessary medical assistance. Failure to do so is punishable as a crime. If the fugitive driver is intoxicated, unlicensed, uninsured or otherwise evading liability, the hit-and-run accident is treated as a separate or subsequent offense.

Hit-and-Run Damages

Hit-and-run accidents can be devastating for the victim. Negligent drivers, or those who fail to use reasonable care and injure others as a result, that remain unknown cannot be held legally liable. This places the financial burden on innocent victims who must pay out-of-pocket for their damages. Atlanta hit & run accident lawyer Stephen M. Ozcomert can help, since accident-related expenses may include:

• Repair bills
• Property loss
• Missed income
• Medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Partial, total disability
• Costs arising from wrongful death

Negligent drivers attempting to avoid liability are penalized more severely when they are caught. Once identified by witnesses, video cameras, or police investigation, hit-and-run motorists face criminal charges in addition to civil damages. They must compensate the victim for injuries.

Hit-and-Run Accident Insurance

Depending on the insurance provider, most new policies provide protection for hit-and-run accidents. Insured drivers are generally required to waive such coverage in writing. But many policies still lack protection in the form of uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) benefits. The additional coverage may supplement the minimum policy required by law. UIM benefits protect drivers and their families in collisions caused by unknown, uninsured, or underinsured drivers. This ensures that innocent victims receive full compensation, even if the negligent party is unknown, unidentified, or has a lower policy limit. Victims can recover the full amount of damages or the difference between policy limits by filing a claim with their own insurer.

Help With Hit-and-Runs

If you were involved in a hit-and-run accident, contact Atlanta personal injury attorney Stephen M. Ozcomert today. He has successfully recovered substantial awards from reluctant insurers and unknown drivers for over 20 years. Accident victims should remember that insurance companies often seek to minimize their own liability for injuries. Never sign a waiver or accept an initial settlement without an attorney present. Claimants with legal representation are exponentially more likely to receive approval and obtain greater compensation from insurers. Call (404) 370-1000 for a free consultation or contact us online.