Hit-and-run car accidents are traumatizing and leave victims struggling to deal with the aftermath. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a hit-and-run collision in Columbus, GA, you may have several options to recover the money you need. A Columbus hit-and-run accident attorney can help you.
A lawyer can help you explore options to pay for your damages, file a claim with your insurance company, and make sure you are treated fairly. A lawyer may even be able to help with locating the at-fault driver.
Since 2016, Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm has recovered tens of millions in settlements and jury awards. Contact our law office in Columbus, Georgia, at (706) 940-4030 to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus hit-and-run lawyer to discuss your case.
How Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Can Help After a Hit-and-Run Accident In Columbus, GA
A serious accident is bad enough, but a hit-and-run accident adds additional hurdles to an already overwhelming experience. You may be unsure what steps to take next, how to pay your medical bills and cover lost wages, and how to even pursue compensation. An experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm has represented car accident victims since 2016. With more than 26 years of legal experience, We have recovered tens of millions in compensation for clients. Mark Casto has earned the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent rating.
After a devastating hit-and-run crash in Columbus, Georgia, our Casto car accident lawyers will:
- Help you understand your insurance coverage
- Attempt to find the other driver
- Handle your insurance claim
- Document all the damages you sustained
- Negotiate for a fair settlement agreement on your behalf
- Defend you against insurance company tactics to deny or devalue your claim
- Take your case before a jury if needed
You do not need to face the insurance company and complex legal landscape alone. Contact our law office for a free consultation with a Columbus hit-and-run accident attorney to discuss your case and what we can do for you.
Why Do Hit-and-Runs Occur?
Georgia law requires motorists to stop after a collision to exchange contact and insurance information and render aid.
Unfortunately, many drivers flee the scene instead for reasons such as:
- Lack of insurance
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Driving under the influence
- Outstanding warrants
- Immigration fears
- Fear of arrest
Georgia has the fourth-highest number of fatal hit-and-run accidents in the U.S. after California, Texas, and Florida.
How Can I Recover Compensation After A Hit-And-Run Crash In Georgia?
You have the legal right to seek fair compensation for your damages from the party at fault for your crash. This includes financial or economic damages and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, as well as mental anguish. Of course, recovering compensation can be an uphill battle, especially if the at-fault driver is not found.
After a hit-and-run accident, one of the most important roles of a personal injury lawyer is to help you understand your coverage options and potential avenues for compensation.
The most common source of compensation is an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) claim. UM/UIM coverage is optional, but it pays for damages you suffer when the at-fault driver has no insurance, can’t be found, or is underinsured.
Georgia law is unique because it allows motorists to buy stacked or unstacked UM/UIM coverage:
- Stacked coverage means you can combine limits from multiple policies or vehicles for greater protection.
- Unstacked coverage only pays up to your coverage limit and only when you have a higher limit than the at-fault driver if they are located.
Personal injury protection (PIP) can also compensate you for your losses. PIP is an optional coverage that pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, lost earnings, and essential services. Medical Payments is yet another car insurance coverage option that can help you cover your damages. Med-Pay coverage pays for medical bills related to your accident. It can be combined with PIP coverage.
When all other avenues are exhausted, you may still be entitled to up to $25,000 through the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. This program pays for lost income, medical expenses, and more for the victims of crime.
What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Is Located?
If the at-fault driver is found, they may face criminal charges. You also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit against them for your damages. Your lawyer can help you understand your options for pursuing a claim against the at-fault driver if they are located.
How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Hit-And-Run Accident In Georgia?
The Georgia statute of limitations is two years from the date of your injury for personal injury cases like car accidents. If your case is not filed before this deadline expires, you will be barred from recovering any compensation. Don’t wait to pursue your claim; the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your damages. Contact our law office for a free case review today.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Columbus Hit-And-Run Accident Lawyer
If you have been seriously hurt in a hit-and-run crash in Columbus, GA, our law office is here to help you. Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm has represented accident victims since 2016, with tens of millions recovered.
Contact our law firm to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus hit-and-run accident attorney to explore your legal options.
