Civil Liability and Compensation in a Hit and Run Accident Case

If you happen to be a victim of a hit and run traffic accident, the legal issues involved are more complex when compared to an ordinary traffic accident, according to Atlanta, GA accident lawyers. Let’s look at the responsibilities of the driver in question, the civil and criminal consequences of fleeing, as well as the recovery options available to the victim of a hit and run accident.

A Driver’s Duty in an Accident

Drivers are subject to specific duties if they become involved in any traffic accident. An accident might involve injury, and the state law expects an uninjured driver to alert the emergency services, and transport the victim/s to a hospital when necessary.

Even if it is a minor accident it is essential to inform the local police. In addition, all persons involved in this accident are required to exchange insurance and contact information. These obligations signify that, all those who are involved in the accident, must stop and refrain from leaving the scene, according to Georgia accident lawyers.

If you need legal assistance you will know it. If you do not know it and you have been in an accident, then yes, you need legal help. Do not waver or beat around the bush, make the phone call and this site can help you in this legal pursuit.

Hit-and-Run Accident - Civil Consequences

For the most part, in a civil lawsuit it is likely that plaintiff will recover punitive damages. Punitive damages are usually obtained whenever the defendant recklessly and deliberately causes harm, or acts in an extremely egregious manner.

The plaintiff is entitled to obtain compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Such damages should be in proportion to the resulting harm and not based on the behavior of the defendant.

However, punitive damages are intended to prevent and punish bad behavior, as a warning to all others. They are assessed in direct proportion to the lack of morality of the defendant, as well as how much money is necessary to punish the defendant effectively. The amount recovered in punitive damages will depend on the income and financial status of the defendant.

As everyone is considered legally conscious of their own responsibilities at the scene of the accident, a "hit-and-run" would almost always be considered as morally culpable, which can result in punitive damages. It doesn’t matter if the accident was unintentional, but fleeing the scene is indeed an intentional act that justifies punitive damages, according to Atlanta, Georgia accident attorneys.

Criminal Consequences - Hit-and-Run Accident

Depending on the type of injuries or damage the accident caused, criminal consequences of fleeing the scene of accident ranges from a mere misdemeanor to felony. If you hit a person, and believe he/she was injured, but refrained from stopping and helping them, you can face prison time, if the person was hurt or killed. 

Who Pays for Injuries and Damage?

Often times, victims of hit and run accidents are forced to obtain compensation from their own insurance provider following an accident. Unless the fleeing driver is identified by means such as the identification of the license plate by a witness or video evidence from scene of the accident, you cannot do anything to hold him or her responsible.

If you happen to be the victim of a hit and run, it would be prudent to hire the services of a marvelous Georgia accident lawyer to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. You only get one shot at this. The first phone call/consultation costs you nothing. Do not make this situation worse by not using this website (https://usattorneys.com/) and making your life much better.