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What Pedestrians Should Know About Hit-and-Run Accidents

When a driver is involved in a pedestrian accident, he or she must stop, ensure that no one is severely injured, and wait for the police to arrive. Sometimes, a motorist flees the scene of an accident—leaving the pedestrian without the information that he or she needs to file a claim.

If you were injured in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, it is best to stay calm, contact law enforcement, and enlist the help of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

Your Options for Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Like most states, Georgia follows a fault-based system for road accidents. Any driver who causes a pedestrian accident would be liable for the victim’s injuries. As an injured pedestrian, you have the right to file an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible motorist.

When a driver flees the scene of a pedestrian accident, you may wonder what to do next. Unless you can identify the hit-and-run driver, you won’t know his or her name or insurance information and thus would not be able to file a claim against the driver directly. You could pursue a claim under your own insurance policy, as long as you have the appropriate and valid coverage.

What Should You Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After a hit-and-run accident, your top priority is to seek help and identify the hit-and-run driver. Take the following steps after your collision:

• Record as much information about the driver as you can remember, such as his or her vehicle, a partial or complete license plate, and the direction he or she was headed.
• Call 911 and report the accident and the driver to the police.
• Seek medical attention and save your records.
• Collect the contact information from any witnesses who saw the accident.
• Take photographs and videos of the accident scene.
• Contact a pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your case.

Why You Need a Lawyer for a Hit-and-Run Accident Claim

If you were hit by a driver who fled the scene, you deserve justice. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side who can help you find the driver and hold him or her accountable for the injuries that you suffered. An Augusta pedestrian accident lawyer specializes in claims of this nature and will work tirelessly to secure fair compensation in your case.

Hiring an Augusta accident lawyer can provide several benefits to your case:

• Your attorney can help investigate your accident and track down the at-fault driver so that you can file a claim.
• Your lawyer can represent your case against the negligent motorist and guide you through each step of the insurance or personal injury process.
• Your attorney can identify the damages that you may qualify for and calculate your potential settlement.
• Your lawyer can negotiate with insurance representatives on your behalf and ensure that your best interests are protected during these proceedings.
• Your attorney can conduct a full review of the evidence related to your accident and build a case showing the hit-and-run driver’s negligence.
• If you are unable to find the hit-and-run driver, your attorney can explain your other options for pursuing compensation, likely under your own insurance policy.

After your accident, do not wait to seek help. You only have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim, so it is important to speak to an attorney right away. Schedule a free consultation with an Augusta pedestrian accident lawyer to discuss your case and plan your next steps.