A lawyer can help after a hit and run accident by gathering evidence for your claim, negotiating with insurance companies, working to locate the other driver, and, if necessary, representing you in court.
A hit and run claim can be difficult to handle on your own. If you were recently on the wrong end of a hit and run, an Atlanta hit and run accident lawyer from Van Sant Law can assist with every aspect of your case and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
An Attorney Can Help You After a Hit-and-Run Accident
If you were involved in a hit and run, a hit and run accident attorney from Van Sant Law can:
- Investigate the accident: A lawyer can gather police reports, photographs, surveillance footage, witness statements, vehicle information, and other evidence that may help identify the driver.
- Identify available insurance coverage: An attorney can review your auto insurance policy to determine whether uninsured motorist, medical payments (MedPay), collision, or other coverage applies.
- Calculate your losses: A lawyer can evaluate your medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses to determine the value of your claim.
- Attempt to locate the other driver: An attorney can partner with experts and attempt to identify the driver who hit you.
- Handle insurance negotiations: A lawyer can negotiate with insurers and push for compensation that reflects the true value of your claim.
- Take legal action: If the other driver is found and their insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer, an attorney can take your case to court.
Can a Lawyer Help Identify the Fleeing Driver?
Yes, a lawyer may be able to help identify the driver who fled the scene. An attorney can gather surveillance footage, speak with witnesses, examine the scene of the crash, and look for other evidence that could identify the fleeing vehicle or its driver.
If the driver is eventually identified, an attorney can negotiate with their insurance company and, if necessary, help you bring a personal injury lawsuit against them.
When Should You Hire a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer?
You should hire a hit and run accident lawyer as soon as possible after the crash, particularly if you suffered injuries, your vehicle sustained significant damage, or the other driver has not been identified. This will give your attorney an opportunity to preserve surveillance footage, locate witnesses, and gather other types of evidence before it disappears.
The longer you wait to get legal help, the more difficult it will be to track down the other driver and the more likely it will be that you say or do something that hurts your claim. As soon as you reach out to the car accident lawyers at Van Sant Law, we will provide guidance and start building your claim.
What Happens If You Don’t Hire a Lawyer?
While you don’t necessarily need a lawyer to pursue a hit-and-run claim, going without one will expose you to several risks, including:
- Not identifying the fleeing driver: You may not know where to look or have difficulty obtaining surveillance footage, witness statements, vehicle records, or other evidence that could help identify the driver.
- Failing to preserve evidence: Important evidence, such as surveillance footage or witness information, may disappear before you can gather it.
- Missing available insurance coverage: You may overlook insurance coverage that could help pay for your losses.
- Accepting too little compensation: An insurer may offer a settlement that does not fully account for your losses, and if you accept it, you won’t be able to reopen your claim.
- Making harmful statements: Statements you give to insurance adjusters could be used to dispute your claim or reduce the amount of compensation you are offered.
- Missing deadlines: If you fail to comply with applicable filing deadlines or policy requirements, it could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
- Not having court representation: If litigation becomes necessary, you may have to handle court filings, evidence, negotiations, and other legal procedures without professional assistance.
A car accident attorney from Van Sant Law can handle your claim so you can focus on recovering from the crash.
How Much Does a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Cost?
The lawyers at Van Sant Law work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not have to pay any upfront fees to get help with your hit and run claim. Instead, your lawyer will receive a prearranged percentage of your settlement or verdict.
If you don’t receive compensation, you won’t owe us anything.
Do I Need a Lawyer If the Insurance Company Has Already Contacted Me?
You should hire a lawyer after a hit-and-run, even if the insurance company has already contacted you. Insurance adjusters’ goal is to elicit statements that can be used to minimize or even deny your claim. A personal injury lawyer from Van Sant Law can handle communications with insurers so you don’t say anything that undermines your claim.
A lawyer can also negotiate on your behalf, review settlement offers, and fight for compensation that covers all of your losses. Lastly, if the insurance company disputes your claim, questions the circumstances of the accident, or argues that certain losses are not covered, a lawyer can gather evidence to counter their claims.
What Else Should You Do After a Hit and Run in Georgia?
In addition to contacting Van Sant Law after a hit and run accident in Atlanta, it’s important to:
- Call 911: Report the accident to law enforcement, particularly if anyone has been injured.
- Record information about the fleeing vehicle: Write down the make, model, color, license plate number, or any other identifying details you remember.
- Look for witnesses: Ask any available witnesses for their contact information.
- Take photographs: Photograph your vehicle, the accident scene, the road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Look for surveillance cameras: Businesses, homes, traffic cameras, and other nearby cameras may have captured the accident or the fleeing vehicle.
- Seek medical attention: Get evaluated by a doctor, even if you initially feel fine.
- Notify your insurance company: Report the accident to your insurer as required by your policy, but don’t go into detail or speculate about fault.
- Keep records: Save medical bills, repair estimates, receipts, wage documentation, and other correspondence related to the accident.
Speak to a Hit and Run Accident Attorney
Insurance companies often dispute or even deny hit and run claims. If you need to file one, a hit and run accident attorney from Van Sant Law can guide you through the process, handle insurers, and help you pursue compensation.
Book a free consultation to get help with your case.
