Protecting the Rights of Hit-and-Run Victims
When you or someone you love suffers injuries in a motor vehicle accident, you would expect the responsible party to stop, render aid, and call for help Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case; in fact, more than one hit-and-run crash occurs in the United States every minute. Georgia ranks 14th in the United States of the worst hit-and-run fatalities per-capita. Hit-and-runs cause more than difficulty navigating the insurance claims process; delays in medical treatment due to hit-and-run accidents can result in additional medical complications, and even death.
Statistics Regarding Hit-and-Runs
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2016 saw the greatest number of hit-and-run fatalities or crashes since compiling statistics in 1975. More than 1,900 fatal hit-and-run crashes occurred, resulting in 2,049 fatalities. Non-vehicle occupants, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, accounted for 1,398 of these deaths.
Where are these types of crashes most common? A recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report notes that hit-and-run accidents generally take place in areas with low-speed limits and frequent pedestrian crossings. Almost 60 percent of fatal hit-and-run crashes occur on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Motivating Factors for Hit-and-Runs
Motorists flee the scene of an accident for many reasons. Experiencing a crash is traumatic, and for those responsible, fear and panic may drive them to run. Beyond this, several additional factors may influence motorists to flee:
- Driving under the influence
- Driving with a suspended license
- Outstanding warrants
- Bad driving records
- Lack of insurance
What many hit-and-run drivers don’t think about, however, is the evidence they leave behind. Automobile crashes leave many clues, like the make of the vehicle or speed at the time of impact. Car parts and tire marks are two common types of evidence left behind by hit-and-run drivers, in addition to witness statements. While a hit-and-run driver may believe they are avoiding consequences by fleeing, in many cases, the driver is simply compounding liability for their actions.
Proper Response After an Accident
Georgia law clearly lays out the duties of drivers involved in vehicular crashes. The law states that it is the driver’s duty to:
- Stop and remain at the scene
- Call for medical assistance and to report the crash
- Provide driver’s license and insurance information to law enforcement
Failure to do so in a crash involving serious injury or death may result in a felony charge and, if convicted, possible jail time and fines. It is important for Georgia motorists to understand their responsibilities in the event of a crash.
The Consequences for the Injured
No one should suffer long-term medical complications due to a delay in receiving assistance; however, fleeing the scene of an accident can cause this to happen. Consequences for the injured often include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
Hit-and-run crashes can result in life-threatening delays in medical treatment. Those struck while bicycling or walking—without the protection of a vehicle or airbags—tend to suffer more severe injuries. Unless victims are physically able to call for help, they must rely on the presence of a witness or passerby to render aid. If no passerby is present, victims may suffer serious complications due to the delay in treatment.
The Right Lawyer at the Right Time
David Brauns offers aggressive representation to clients in and around Gwinnett County, Georgia. What’s more, he strives to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
David Brauns believes customer service is the cornerstone of business. Transparency and trust are important, especially in client-attorney relationships. Choosing an attorney after a traumatic incident is an important decision; David Brauns understands that clients who suffer traumatic incidents need an attorney they can trust.
If you’ve been involved in an accident, consider contacting Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC. Our Gwinnett County personal injury lawyers provide free consultations and can analyze the facts around your case, discuss what to expect, and most importantly, create a plan for moving forward.
Enjoying the beauty of our state, whether by foot, bicycle, or vehicle, is a fundamental right of every Georgian. Neglectful drivers, careless drivers, or those with poor driving skills are, nevertheless, a constant risk. David Brauns firmly believes in holding hit-and-run drivers accountable for the injuries they cause to others. Under no circumstances should you face long-term suffering or financial losses due to a driver’s misconduct. This is why David Brauns is a proven ally for those injured on Georgia’s roadways.
Hiring the right attorney is the most important decision following an accident. At Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, you will be heard, educated, and led through the maze of the legal process. Let David Brauns show you why Gwinnett County residents trust him to get the job done.
Reach Out to a Gwinnett County Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Now
Medical bills don’t wait-neither should you. After seeking medical attention, reaching out to Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, is the first actionable step you can make in your case. Your attorney can best serve your case by conducting interviews with witnesses and reviewing evidence closer to the crash date. Contact Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC, today at 404-418-8244.
