Pedestrian hit-and-run incidents are among the most devastating types of personal injury cases in Georgia. When a driver strikes a pedestrian and then flees the scene, the physical trauma is compounded by the emotional toll of uncertainty and injustice. Victims are often left with life-altering injuries, growing medical bills, and few answers. At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys understand these cases’ legal and investigative challenges. We’re here to help victims and their families find a path forward.
Why Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Cases Are So Legally Complex
These cases are complicated because the negligent party may not know immediately. Unlike other pedestrian injury claims where the responsible driver is identified, a hit-and-run leaves victims without a named defendant, at least initially. This delay in identification can cause immediate challenges when trying to preserve evidence, obtain witness statements, and secure compensation.
Legal hurdles may include:
- Identifying the driver through surveillance footage, eyewitness reports, or law enforcement investigations.
- Filing timely insurance claims when the at-fault party is unknown or uninsured.
- Proving fault when the injured pedestrian cannot account for the event due to severe injuries.
Despite these challenges, victims are not without options, and early legal involvement can make a critical difference in the case outcome.
How Insurance Factors Into Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Claims
Injured pedestrians may need to turn to their insurance policies when the at-fault driver cannot be located, particularly if they carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. UM coverage may extend to pedestrians in Georgia, but policy language can be complex, and insurers may attempt to minimize or deny claims.
Key issues often include:
- Whether the policyholder was eligible for UM coverage as a pedestrian.
- The extent and severity of injuries and long-term care needs.
- Insurer delays, denials, or settlement offers that don’t reflect the actual value of the harm.
Navigating the claim process without skilled representation often results in reduced compensation or missed opportunities for recovery.
The Role of a Skilled Attorney in Proving a Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Case
At Ashby Thelen Lowry, our attorneys bring extensive experience uncovering the truth in challenging cases. We work with investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and medical professionals to build a clear picture of what happened—even if the driver hasn’t yet been identified.
From the moment we take on a case, we focus on:
- Preserving surveillance footage and physical evidence.
- Interviewing witnesses quickly before memories fade.
- Working closely with law enforcement and private investigators.
- Exploring all available insurance avenues, including UM/UIM policies.
- Negotiating with insurance companies on the victim’s behalf.
- Preparing each case for trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered.
We approach every pedestrian injury case with the determination to uncover the facts, identify responsible parties, and pursue full justice for our clients.
Let Ashby Thelen Lowry Help You Reclaim Your Life
If you or someone you love has been injured in a hit-and-run while walking in Atlanta, you don’t have to face the legal challenges alone. Ashby Thelen Lowry is committed to supporting injured pedestrians and their families through every step of the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation—we may be able to help you find answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.