Drivers in Johns Creek are required to stop and pull over when they get into an accident. However, not all drivers follow the laws—and that can result in a hit and run accident. Hit and runs can be incredibly serious and upsetting. If you or someone you love was injured in this type of collision, speak with a Johns Creek hit and run accident lawyer as soon as you can.
At John Foy & Associates, we believe everyone deserves compensation for an accident they did not cause. If another driver didn’t stop after hitting you, you still have rights. Our Johns Creek car accident lawyers can help, bringing our 20 plus years of experience in personal injury law to the table.
Call us today or contact us through one of our online forms and we’ll set you up with a FREE consultation. We do not charge a fee unless we win you money, so there is no risk in reaching out.
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Why Hit and Run Accidents Are So Frustrating
When another driver collides with your vehicle, it can feel like a slap in the face. You were simply trying to get to your next destination, and now you’re dealing with an accident. But a hit and run situation is often even worse. An experienced Johns Creek personal injury lawyer can empower you to fight for justice.
Drivers who flee the scene after causing an accident often have something to hide. They might be running from the fact that they:
- Do not have a valid driver’s license;
- Are uninsured or underinsured;
- Were drinking and driving;
- Have prior traffic violations or a warrant; or
- Are worried about their insurance rates increasing.
Some drivers might run out of panic, but many are trying to avoid some other form of accountability. Some people might use an excuse, such as “I thought I hit a deer,” especially if the accident happened at night or on a poorly-lit road.
No matter the reason for a hit and run accident, there is no good excuse for leaving the scene of an accident. If someone left the scene without checking on you or reporting your accident, they should be held responsible.
Georgia Law on Hit and Run Accidents
According to Georgia Code § 40-6-270, any driver whose vehicle was involved in an accident with injuries, death, or vehicle damage should stop at the accident scene and:
- Give their name, address, and vehicle registration number;
- Display their driver’s license if requested by any driver or passenger involved in the accident;
- Render aid to anyone injured in the accident, including getting them medical assistance if needed or requested; and
- Make every effort to report the accident to the police and contact emergency medical services if someone injured in the accident is dead, unconscious, or somehow unable to communicate.
The driver should stay at the scene until all of the above requirements are fulfilled. Performing a hit and run in Johns Creek is a serious offense, resulting in steep fines, driver’s license suspension, possible jail time, and more.
If a hit and run accident causes serious injuries or death, the driver who fled can be found guilty of a felony crime and between one to five years in prison. A conviction for the other driver can be very helpful for you when seeking compensation through an injury case. You’ll know the driver’s identity, and their conviction will back up your claim that they caused your accident.
Hit and Run Accidents with a “Phantom Driver”
While many hit and run drivers are aware of their decisions, there are some circumstances where the at-fault driver might not even know they caused an accident. This is known as a phantom driver accident or no-contact driver accident.
Phantom driver accidents usually look something like this:
- One driver (the phantom driver) drifts from their lane into a lane with another driver’s vehicle.
- The second driver swerves away to avoid the phantom driver.
- As the second driver swerves, they collide with a third vehicle or run off the road and crash.
- The phantom driver continues driving, often unaware that they even caused a serious accident.
It’s often difficult to identify the at-fault driver in this situation, and you might even find yourself getting blamed for the collision. However, it’s not impossible to hold the at-fault driver accountable. If you crashed because of a phantom driver or another driver who hit and ran, you’ll want to gather as much information as you can about them.
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How to Build a Case After a Hit and Run Accident in Johns Creek
If you were not at fault for your car accident, you can seek compensation by filing a personal injury claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. A hit and run accident makes this difficult if you don’t know who caused your accident, but you might be able to find out more by gathering information.
Besides speaking with a hit and run accident lawyer, here are some actions you can take to support your case.
Call the Police
Even if the other driver leaves the scene, you should still contact the police and let them know you were in an accident. This will create a record of the collision and alert authorities to a hit and run driver. Give the police any identifying details you noticed about the driver, their vehicle, or their actions.
Talk to Witnesses
If any other people saw the hit and run accident happen, talk to them and ask what they saw. Get their contact information. Their eyewitness account might be really helpful in finding the at-fault driver.
Take Notes and Pictures
Use your phone to take pictures of anything that might be helpful. If you can safely snap a picture of the at-fault driver or their license plate number, that can be incredibly beneficial.
Also, take notes on anything you remember about the accident. Record all of your damages and keep bills and receipts from accident-related expenses.
Thankfully, your lawyer can help you with all of the above and more. Contact a trusted attorney today to get started as soon as possible.
Speak with a Johns Creek Hit and Run Accident Lawyer for Free Today
Don’t wait to get help after a hit and run accident. At John Foy & Associates, we can assist you in building a strong case and determining who caused your accident. We have 20 plus years of experience helping injury victims, and we are not afraid to fight for your rights.
To get a FREE consultation and case evaluation, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
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