Atlanta Hit & Run Accident Lawyers
Managing Difficult Hit & Run Claims
When a driver leaves the scene of a crash before they can be identified or before they give proper insurance information, they have caused a hit and run accident. While this act might seem unthinkable, it happens countless times a day across the country, so you’re not alone if you are wondering if you can file a hit and run accident claim now.
To get to the bottom of the matter without stressing yourself out, team up with Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC in Atlanta. Our Atlanta hit & run accident attorneys are backed by 75+ years of combined experience managing complex injury claims, including hit and run accident cases. Rely on our insight and counsel today.
Dial (888) 425-6070 or contact us online to begin your free consultation with our hit & run lawyers in Atlanta.
On This Page:
- Why Hit & Runs Happen
- When You Can Sue After a Hit & Run
- How to Report a Hit and Run Accident
- Recovering Compensation
- Punitive Damages for Hit & Run Accidents
- Is Leaving the Scene of the Accident a Crime?
- Hire Our Team of Experts Today
Why Do Hit & Runs Happen?
You won’t know exactly why the driver who hit you fled the scene if they are never identified. But many hit and runs happen for two reasons: the driver who caused it either doesn’t have insurance or is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Rather than risk getting in legal trouble, they flee.
Can You Sue a Hit & Run Driver?
Suing a hit and run driver is obviously difficult if you do not know who they are. However, a claim can be initiated against a “John Doe” defendant. This is why it is so important to call the police immediately if a driver leaves the scene of your car accident before they are identified.
How to Report a Hit & Run Accident
When you call the police to report a hit and run accident, try to tell them the following:
- Vehicle’s make, model, and color
- Basic description of the driver
- What part of their car was damaged
- Direction they went when fleeing
When you report this information to the police, they will have a better chance of finding and apprehending the other driver. If they do, then you can sue them as you would after any other car accident. The criminal element of the case might or might not play into your claim because civil and criminal cases are distinctly separate.
How Do You Recover Compensation After a Hit & Run?
If the other driver is never identified, then you can file a claim naming “John Doe” as a defendant. This does not mean you can’t get any compensation, though. You can use your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) insurance policy to seek recovery. UM/UIM coverage is one of the most important coverages to have- it protects you when the adverse driver has insufficient coverage, no coverage, or in cases where the other driver is unknown.
UM/UIM insurance policies are usually optional add-ons to auto insurance policies, so you might not have one. If you do, then you use the policy provided by your insurance provider to make a recovery. As with any case, though, your insurance provider could refute your claim and complicate matters. Let us deal with them on your behalf.
Can You Get Punitive Damages for a Hit & Run?
Punitive damages are rare in the average car accident claim. For a hit and run accident, they could be more likely, but only if you were able to identify and file a claim against the other driver. The court might approve of punitive damages to penalize them for the criminal wrongdoing. But, again, this is rare, so you shouldn’t rely on getting this type of damage. We will do the most we can to secure as much compensation in your name, though, even if punitive damages remain unlikely.
Is Leaving the Scene of An Accident a Crime?
Yes! In fact, Georgia law views leaving the scene of an accident as even more serious than a DUI offense. You can read more about these statutes in Georgia's state code § 40-6-270. Leaving the scene of a crash without following the laid out procedures, particularly if someone is injured, may result in felony charges. In cases where the hit and run driver is caught, the victim may be eligible for punitive damages.
Create Your Claim with Professional Counsel
Make the most of your hit and run accident claim by letting our hit & run attorneys in Atlanta handle it from start to finish. We have two offices in Atlanta for client convenience.
Call (888) 425-6070 to schedule a consultation at the office nearest you, or for a remote consultation that you can conduct from your own office or living room.
Case Results
More Than $400 Million Won for Georgia's Injured
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$150 Million Truck Driver DUI: Wrongful Death
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$30 Million Brain & Spinal Cord Injuries Requiring Extensive Treatment
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$24,000,000 Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Involving Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
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$20 Million Medical Negligence: Medical Malpractice
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$17,250,00 Wrongful death tractor trailer collision
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$9 Million Medical Negligence: Traumatic Brain Injury
HOW WE PUT YOU FIRST
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75 Years of Combined ExperienceWe apply our 75 years of combined legal experience to make sure each and every case is meticulously prepared for trial.
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Over $600 Million in RecoveriesWe have successfully represented clients against some of the largest corporations, insurance companies, and hospitals.
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Recognized for Our Expertise, with the Awards to Prove ItOur attorneys are nationally recognized for providing exceptional service and obtaining outstanding results.
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Personal Attention, Like You Are One of Our OwnOur boutique setting ensures you receive small firm care – all with the advocacy, skill, and experience of a large firm.
Client Testimonials
Real Stories of Recovery
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"The most efficient, professional and ethical law firm in Georgia."If you are looking for the most efficient, professional and ethical law firm in Georgia you do not need to look any further than Goldstein Hayes & Lina, P.C. There are not enough kind and positive words that can use to express the gratitude and respect- Eileen G.
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"They have exceeded my expectations."Atty. Jonathan Hayes worked very hard for me and getting my case settle in a timely matter. I will recommend Goldstein Hayes & Lina P.C. to anyone looking for the best personal injury attorneys in Atlanta. They have exceeded my expectations.- Shunte
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"Extremely attentive, personable, and there for me."Goldstein Hayes & Lina made my unfortunate experience positive by representing me with little to no work on my end. It allowed me to heal from my injuries without worries. Mr. Hayes and paralegals were extremely attentive, personable, and there for me- Lauren J.
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"They have been so wonderful."
Mr. Hayes, Jessica and Alli have helped me with two cases in the past 3 years, and they have been so wonderful! The generosity and kindness of everyone at this practice are just great. I will always refer them to anyone that needs legal representation f
- Amanda S. -
"They have a client for life!!"I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the time and effort Jonathan Hayes and his staff have put into making my case successful!! Me and my family are forever grateful for all the help and support you have given us over the years. Jonathan Hayes fights fo- Cherry H.
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"Compassionate and professional service."Mr. Hayes, as well as his paralegal Jessica, offered us compassionate and professional service. Nothing can bring our son back, but having Mr. Hayes walk us through the litigation process made this nightmare just a little bit more bearable.- Dorcas W.
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"Highly recommended!"If you're looking for a firm that will fight for you, this is definitely the place to be. No fast-talking or bait and switch. They did everything they said they would do! They stood by me and concerned themselves with what concerned me.- Tina C.
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"The best attorney I have ever worked with."Both Jonathan and Jessica are extremely professional and really took care of me. Their communication was incredible through the whole process and I never had to worry about anything. From the start, they were really involved and interested in my wellbeing- Jessica P.
