HIT AND RUN Accident Lawyer.
Georgia Hit and Run Accident Attorney.
Hit and run accidents come in many forms, but they all share one devastating truth: victims are left overwhelmed, injured, and desperate for answers. One second, you’re injured and in shock at the impact, and the next, the driver has vanished without a trace. You’re left abandoned at the scene, unsure who to turn to, with no insurance information, mounting medical bills, and a long road to recovery ahead.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit and run, you deserve answers, support, and strong legal advocacy from a hit and run accident lawyer. Our experienced Georgia hit and run accident attorneys are here to help you pursue justice and the compensation you deserve — even when the at-fault driver can’t be immediately identified.
Types of Hit and Run Accident Cases We Handle.
In Georgia, the problem is alarmingly common, especially when involving a pedestrian. According to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, 1 in 4 pedestrian crashes in 2022 involved a hit and run. These numbers aren’t just statistics — they represent real people left behind in some of their most vulnerable moments.
At Valentine Injury Law, our hit and run accident lawyers fight relentlessly in Athens, Watkinsville, Oconee County, Clarke County, and all across the State of Georgia. Whether you’re walking on a sidewalk, driving home from work, or simply parked on the street, being struck by a driver who flees the scene can be devastating.
Our hit and run accident attorney fights aggressively to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need. Here are the most common types of hit and run accidents we represent:
Pedestrian and bicycle hit and runs
Pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable victims in a hit and run crash. These accidents often result in severe or even life-threatening injuries due to the size and speed difference between a vehicle and a pedestrian or a bicycle. At Valentine Injury Law, we work to uncover the truth, identify the at-fault party, and help victims recover medical costs, lost wages, damages for pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Parked car collisions
It’s an unfortunate, common scenario: you park your car before you run a quick errand. Suddenly, another car plows into you, causing injury. Whether it happened in a residential neighborhood, parking lot, or city street, a hit and run involving a parked car can be frustrating and costly. Our team helps clients navigate insurance claims and locate responsible parties using surveillance footage, witness accounts, and more.
Commercial truck hit and runs
When a commercial vehicle causes a hit and run, the situation becomes more complex. Big rigs, delivery vans, and other fleet vehicles are often covered by corporate insurance policies, and drivers may flee the scene out of fear of losing their jobs. We investigate aggressively to identify the company and driver involved and hold them accountable under Georgia law.
Drunk drivers
Impaired drivers often flee the scene to avoid arrest or criminal charges. These cases are especially serious, as the combination of intoxication and fleeing behavior can lead to enhanced damages or punitive awards. We work closely with law enforcement and other appropriate experts to build strong cases that pursue full justice for our clients.
Full Compensation for Hit and Run Victims: Types of Damages We Fight For.
After a hit and run accident, victims are left to deal with not only physical injuries but also financial strain and emotional trauma.
When the at-fault driver cannot be found, your own insurance policy may provide relief through Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Unfortunately, Georgia law has strict requirements that have to be met before you can make a valid claim under your UM/UIM policy. Insurance companies often try to minimize or deny these claims, or they try to use these legal requirements against you. We step in to negotiate or litigate against your insurer to ensure your policy works for you, not against you. At Valentine Injury Law, our hit and run accident lawyers fight to secure full and fair compensation — not just to cover immediate costs, but to support your long-term recovery. A hit and run car accident lawyer helps you pursue a wide range of damages, including:
Special damages
We work closely with medical experts, financial analysts, and vocational specialists to document every dollar you’re owed. Special damages, often called economic damages, are the tangible financial losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. They may include:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages from time off work
- Property damage (vehicle repairs, replacements)
General damages
Hit and run crashes leave more than just physical scars. Victims often experience significant emotional and psychological distress. These damages may not come with receipts, but they’re just as real and just as important. We fight for compensation for:
- Pain, & suffering
- Emotional trauma and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or permanent disability
Punitive damages
In some hit and run cases (especially those involving drunk or reckless drivers), Georgia law allows for punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate, but to punish the offender and send a message to deter others from such behavior. If we can identify the driver, then we’ll fight to pursue these additional damages on your behalf for both your property damage and bodily injury claims.
What to Do After a Hit and Run in Georgia?
Being the victim of a hit and run can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. While it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, taking the right steps immediately after the incident can make a huge difference in protecting your health, your legal rights, and your ability to recover compensation.
Prioritize your safety and call 911
Move to a safe location if possible, and call 911 immediately. Report the accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured, and make sure to request a police report, since it will be essential evidence for your case.
Do not chase the fleeing driver
While it may be very tempting to follow the person who hit you, this can be dangerous and could result in more injuries. Instead, if it would be unsafe to locate the fleeing driver, then focus on gathering information and waiting for the authorities.
Document the scene
Even small details can help identify the driver or support your insurance claim. If you’re able, then take photos or videos.
Write down everything you remember
As soon as you can, jot down everything you recall about the fleeing vehicle.
Talk to witnesses
Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash. Their statements may support your version of events or help identify the at-fault driver.
Contact a Georgia hit and run attorney
Hit and run cases are legally complex. A knowledgeable local hit and run car accident lawyer can help you investigate the incident, deal with uncooperative insurers, and fight for the full compensation you deserve — especially if the driver remains unidentified.
What Does a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Do?
Hiring a hit and run accident lawyer can make a critical difference in your ability to recover compensation — especially when the driver is unknown or the insurance company pushes back. These cases are often more complex than standard car accidents, and a skilled hit and run accident attorney knows how to navigate the unique challenges they present
A hit and run accident lawyer maximizes your recovery by:
Investigating the accident thoroughly
Your attorney will collect evidence to help identify the at-fault driver, including: Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cams, and vehicle debris and damage analysis.
Handling communication with insurance companies
Dealing with insurance adjusters can be frustrating and risky. A lawyer manages all communication on your behalf to: Prevent you from saying anything that could hurt your claim, ensure your UM coverage is fully explored, and push back against lowball settlement offers.
Building a strong legal strategy
Every case is different. A hit and run attorney will tailor a legal approach based on: Whether the driver is identified or remains unknown, available insurance coverage, the severity of your injuries, and applicable Georgia laws and time limits.
Taking your case to court, if necessary
While many claims settle out of court, your attorney will be prepared to take your case to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay what you deserve. A strong litigation posture often leads to better settlement offers.
When Do I Hire a Hit and Run Lawyer?
The best time to hire a hit and run accident lawyer is immediately after the accident, or as soon as you’re medically stable. A lawyer can step in early to preserve crucial evidence, locate potential witnesses, request surveillance footage before it’s erased, and begin building a strong case on your behalf.
You should also contact a hit and run attorney if you’re:
- Injured and facing mounting medical bills
- Unable to work due to your injuries
- Getting pushback from your insurance company (especially with UM/UIM claims)
- Confused about your legal options or next steps
- Worried the driver won’t be found, and unsure if you’re still eligible for compensation
Abandoned After a Hit and Run? Call Our Athens Attorney Now!
You shouldn’t have to face this alone. A hit and run accident lawyer becomes your advocate, your investigator, and your negotiator — all while you focus on healing. When you choose Valentine Injury Law, you’re partnering with a firm that truly understands the unique challenges faced by hit and run victims in Athens, Oconee County, and the surrounding communities.
We know the local roads, traffic patterns, and legal landscape — and we’re deeply committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us today at (706) 425-4444 for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.
Our Practice Areas.
Valentine Injury Law proudly represents clients across a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including but not limited to:
Rideshare collisions
Uber and Lyft accidents are becoming more common. We know how to pursue compensation and put money back in your pocket.
Tractor trailer collisions
Tractor-trailer accidents can come with complex liability issues. We navigate the nuances for you.
Bicycle accidents
Cyclists face unique and often life-threatening dangers on Georgia roads.
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Pedestrian accidents
Hire an expert who knows how to navigate these special laws. We’ve won significant recoveries for injured pedestrians.
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Commercial vehicle collisions
You shouldn’t have to pay for harm that wasn’t your fault. We hold negligent companies responsible.
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Catastrophic injuries
We help you pursue the financial foundation you need to rebuild your life.
DUI accidents
Drunk and impaired drivers can wreck lives. We hold them accountable for their actions.
Learn MoreOther Areas of Expertise
Discover How We Can HelpIf you or a loved one has experienced an injury due to any of the above cases, then you need to contact Valentine Injury Law immediately. Getting the ball rolling early on your legal case is essential to achieving the maximum result that you deserve. Call us today.
We’re ready to fight for you.
If you’ve been injured, you’re not alone. Contact us for a free case evaluation. You only pay if we secure a settlement for you.
