The law clearly states that drivers must stop at the scene of an accident and exchange information. Unfortunately, not everyone follows this obligation. Even worse, being unable to identify who hit you can make it difficult to recover financially after a traumatic collision.
An experienced car accident attorney could provide vital assistance with tracking down the person who caused your injuries and building the strongest possible claim against them. From start to finish of litigation over a hit-and-run car accident in Winder, a dedicated attorney at Smith Hulsey Law could enforce your rights, protect your best interests, and pursue the best possible outcome on your behalf. Our legal team is prepared to exhaust all possible options to try and get the compensation you deserve.
Even if someone involved in an auto accident drives away, anyone who is injured should remain at the scene. Pursuing the law-breaking driver may put injured parties at risk of further harm. Additionally, these parties can strengthen their civil claim by summoning police to the scene, telling them what happened, and following legal procedures.
Once the police are notified of the hit-and-run, they will take the lead in investigating the accident as a criminal matter. Police will work on identifying the person responsible, often based on information provided by crash witnesses about the driver’s appearance as well as the make and model of their car. These witnesses can also provide testimony during an ensuing civil claim.
If possible, taking photos or videos at the scene of the accident could serve as essential evidence in a civil case. After a hit-and-run, injured people in Winder should keep records of all losses they experience as a direct result of the crash. This includes retaining copies of medical bills and car repair bills. Once injured parties have notified the police and pursued any necessary medical treatment, their next step should be calling a determined local accident attorney.
If the driver who caused a hit-and-run car wreck in Winder is never identified, the primary avenue of recovery for injured people will be their own insurance coverage. While state law requires all drivers to maintain a minimum amount of insurance coverage, it does not require coverage specifically built for hit-and-run accidents. For this reason, it is almost always a good idea to invest in underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage.
Insurance companies may also provide coverage called MedPay, which offers significant help with crash-related medical bills and typically pays out faster than traditional health insurance. A dedicated legal professional could explore all possible avenues for getting an injured survivor the resources they need and deserve after a hit-and-run crash.
Someone who breaks the law by leaving the scene of a car crash may face civil and criminal liability for their actions. However, courts can only assign this liability if the police track down and identify the at-fault driver. After a hit-and-run car accident in Winder, this outcome is never guaranteed.
With this in mind, seeking help from seasoned legal counsel could be essential to recovering fairly after an at-fault motorist flees the scene. Call Smith Hulsey Law today to schedule a consultation.
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