Getting involved in an accident is scary. It can also be very painful if your injuries are serious. If you have to take time off work, you are likely to lose out on wages. Usually, when the accident is not your fault, you can claim damages from the other driver’s insurance company. However, if you were hit by a driver who fled the scene, your situation can seem hopeless.
Hit and run accidents typically occur in one of three ways.
- The driver hits you while you’re both in traffic and never stops.
- The driver stops and has a conversation with you but doesn’t give you any contact information. They leave before the police arrive.
- The driver hits your car while it is parked and doesn’t leave any contact information.
It is frustrating when a driver hits your car while it is stationary. However, the damage isn’t usually too serious, and you don’t suffer injuries. The other two types of accidents are generally more problematic. If your injuries are severe, you will face high medical bills and a long period without wages.
Luckily, if you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can cover you in a case like this. It should allow you to receive compensation for injuries, property damage, and even pain and suffering. If you were involved in an accident with a hit and run driver in Georgia, you should contact an Athens DUI attorney. They will help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is an optional form of insurance which you can purchase along with your usual liability policy. It offers protection to you and your passengers if you are hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient insurance. You are also covered if the other driver flees the scene. Under Georgia Code OCGA §33-7-11(b)(2), a vehicle is considered to be uninsured if the owner or operator is not known.
It is often difficult to handle hit and run accidents in the usual way. The driver usually remains unknown unless the police track them down or they turn themselves in. Hit and run drivers are also more likely to be uninsured. Even if you identify them, they probably won’t be able to compensate you.
However, if you have UM coverage, you can file a claim to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. To get compensation, you will have to prove the other driver caused your accident. You will likely need a Georgia car accident lawyer to assist you with collecting this evidence.
If you’re lucky, there will be video footage of the accident. Otherwise, you will have to rely on physical evidence or eyewitnesses to corroborate your story. If there is visible damage to your car, this may suffice. However, if the driver cut you off and force you to crash without touching your car, you will need eyewitnesses. In some cases, your attorney may seek the services of an accident scene reconstructionist. An expert may be able to help prove you were the innocent party.
Why Do I Need an Attorney to Deal with My Insurance Company?
You may assume that since you’ve been paying your premiums faithfully, you will get the compensation you demand. However, this isn’t always the case. The insurance company may deny your claim or offer you a lot less than you asked for. You may even have to sue them to get them to pay your claim.
If so, you will need someone on your side who is familiar with the insurance industry and the law. You will also need someone who will fight on your behalf to ensure you get what you are due. It becomes more difficult to deny your claim if you have sufficient evidence and you file your case in time. Having an attorney representing you can make all the difference.
Contact the Experienced Attorneys at Athens DUI Lawyers Today
If you were hurt in a hit and run accident in Georgia, you need all the help you can get from DUI attorneys at Athens DUI Lawyers. We’ll represent you in discussions with your insurer and ensure your policy is followed to the letter.
We have several years of experience in dealing with car accident cases in Georgia. We know how difficult it can be to get a claim settled for the amount you really need. If you want the best chances of getting all the compensation you deserve, reach out to us for a consultation. We are ready to help you recover your losses.