Macon Hit & Run Accident Lawyer

Hit and run accidents are devastating and happen when you least expect them. Getting help after a collision where the driver fled the scene is crucial.

You may be able to get financial compensation for your injuries, but you will need the help of an experienced Macon hit and run accident lawyer.

The AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety reports that hit and run deaths have steadily increased by more than 7% every year. This means more families need legal assistance than ever before.

After a careless driver crash into you, you need to act quickly to get medical care. You also need to identify the driver who hit you and there may even be a funeral to plan.

A skilled hit and run accident lawyer in Macon, GA can help.

The Mann Law Firm can help you connect with the right doctors and other professionals you need to recover. Then, we’ll help you gather strong evidence to prove your case and fight for you to get a fair settlement in court.

Our team will listen to your story and explain each step of the legal process. We’ll go over your rights and what actions you should take to recover the money you and your family deserve.

We have recovered millions for clients and we’re ready to fight for you too. We’ll pursue the justice and vindication you need to move forward after a life-altering hit and run accident.

“The Mann law firm settled my case for the maximum amount. This is easily the best injury law firm in Macon.” – Todd S.

“They made me feel like family, it was a pleasure for them to represent me and I’m going to miss all of them. They made sure that I understood everything that was going on in the case.” – Crystal T.

“I really believe Mann Law Firm was serious about my accident and wanted to get me the fairest settlement possible.” – Derrick R.

The Mann Law Firm has the experience and knowledge to provide you with zealous legal representation after a devastating hit and run accident caused by a negligent and careless driver.

Can I Use my Insurance to Pay for my Injuries?

In Georgia, Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is optional, but many drivers have UM coverage as part of their policies without knowing it. Automobile insurance companies are required to offer drivers in Georgia at least $25,000 in uninsured bodily injury coverage per person and up to $50,000 per accident. Some policies may also have medical payments coverage, which can help pay for medical expenses for drivers and passengers.

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may feel frustrated and helpless. The driver who hit you fled the scene, and you may face significant medical bills and lost wages.

The attorneys at Mann Law Firm are experienced hit-and-run accident lawyers who can review your insurance policy to determine what coverage is available to you. In addition, they can work with witnesses and investigators to try to identify the driver who hit you. Call today for a FREE consultation at (478) 742-3381.

A Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Macon, GA, Who Levels the Playing Field

Vehicle accidents happen every day, but a “hit-and-run” accident is most grievous due to its reflection on us as a society. We tend to believe that most people are good and will do the right thing when someone is harmed. To think that someone who caused a serious accident would choose to flee defies common decency; unfortunately, it happens often.

According to Georgia law, the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident is required to immediately stop the vehicle where the accident took place and:

1. Give the name, address, and registration number of the vehicle they are driving;
2. Show their driver’s license upon request;
3. Render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, which includes transporting or making arrangements for transporting to a doctor or hospital if it is obvious that medical treatment is necessary or if the injured requests transportation;
4. If an injured person is unconscious or is otherwise unable to communicate, then the driver must make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency responders are contacted to report the accident and make a request for medical assistance; and
5. Remain at the scene of the accident until fulfilling these requirements.

Leaving the scene of an accident is considered a hit-and-run. If someone leaves the scene of an accident and causes minor injuries or property damage, they may be charged with a misdemeanor. If someone leaves the scene of an accident that caused severe injury or wrongful death, that person may be charged with a felony.

Uninsured motorist insurance (UM) covers you and your passengers if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) protects you if you’re in an accident where the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.

For example, if an uninsured driver hits you, your uninsured motorist insurance would cover your medical expenses. If an underinsured driver hits you, your underinsured motorist insurance would cover the difference between what their insurance pays and what you need.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance is important to have because it protects you in case of an accident with someone who doesn’t have proper coverage. For clarification of your auto insurance policy, a hit-and-run attorney is especially suited to review and explain the different types of insurance you may have available.

Any kind of accident can become a hit and run if the driver leaves the scene before rendering aid or providing their contact information. The most common reasons a driver flees include:

Drunk driving. If a driver is afraid they will be arrested for a DUI if they report an accident they caused, they may try to flee the scene. Or, they may be so intoxicated they don’t even realize they’ve hit someone.

The vehicle was stolen. Drivers who are using a stolen vehicle may leave the accident scene to keep police from finding the car.

The driver is on a suspended license. If a driver gets into an accident while on a suspended license, they may try to leave the accident even if they weren’t at fault to avoid being charged and incurring jail time and hundreds of dollars in fines.

The driver has an outstanding warrant. Another situation in which a driver may flee the scene of an accident they didn’t cause is if there is an outstanding warrant for their arrest. If they committed another offense and the police are looking for them, they won’t want to stick around after a collision.

Can I Still Get Compensation If I Can’t Find the Driver Who Hit Me?

If you can’t find the driver who hit you, you still have options. You could potentially file a claim with your own insurance company. Or you could file a lawsuit against anyone who contributed to the accident.

For example, say the road was under construction and there weren’t any signs that told drivers to slow down. The construction company or even the city could be sued too.

What criminal penalties do hit and run drivers face in Georgia? 

The driver could be charged with a misdemeanor if found. They could face up to 12 months in prison or probation if the accident did not result in critical bodily injury or death. They may also be fined between $300 and $1,000.

If the accident did result in serious injury or death, the driver might be charged with a felony. They face a minimum of 1 year in prison with a potential for up to a 5-year sentence.

Can I Use My Own Car Insurance Policy to Cover My Injuries?

Insurance companies are required to pay victims $25,000 bodily injury coverage per person and $50,000 per accident for a UM claim under Georgia law.

There’s also $25,000 for property damage per uninsured motorist accident, but you may need to pay a deductible. Some accident victims are able to successfully obtain

compensation from both their insurance policy and a hit and run accident lawsuit.

Don’t hesitate to get the help of a Macon hit and run accident attorney after you were injured by a driver who fled the scene.

When your life is impacted by a negligent driver who failed to stop to assess the accident or render aid, you need quality legal advocacy.