Alabama Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a hit-and-run accident in Northern Alabama, you may be feeling scared, frustrated, and unsure where to turn. At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we see the pain and confusion our clients go through, and we want you to know you don’t have to face this alone.
I was involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle in September of 2023, which was deemed to be caused by the CDL driver almost immediately. The accident caused $13k of property damage to my car and came very close to totaling it due to the cost of repairs! Thankfully, no one was injured! The third-party company that handled the claim for the trucking and insurance company was very shady and unprofessional! I could go on all day about how stressful the situation was!
After several months, I spoke with the third party handling the claim about the possibility of a diminished value claim. I was advised I would need to purchase a damage estimate and submit it to them. I got the estimate; I attempted to submit the lost value claim to the third-party insurance representative with the trucking company, and I was advised I was owed nothing. It is well known that the value decreases when a car requires significant repairs after a collision, so I knew this was wrong! I knew I had to find an attorney.
I called at least four local attorneys in the Huntsville-Decatur area before I called Hunter's office. The first three said it basically wasn't worth their time, that with a 33% attorney fee, it was too small to take. I called a man in Birmingham who told me to call Garnett Patterson. Hunter without hesitation agreed to help me! He barely made anything taking this case; the monetary value was small. Hunter accepted my case because it was the right thing to do! I’ve also seen the things Hunter is doing for the Hispanic community, which without saying are a great act of selflessness! Hunter took it upon himself to help a fundraiser I had undertaken to pay for a memorial of a co-worker as well! I’ve even seen him help ppl add coolant to their cars outside the front of his office! He’s really one of a kind and a very genuine and down to earth guy!! If we had more people like Hunter, whose actions are driven by a genuine desire to help without expectation of a reward, this world would be a much better place!
Mr. Garnett took a personal interest in the case due to the situation and worked diligently to achieve the best possible outcome. Mr. Garnett and his staff kept me, and my husband informed during the entire process and addressed any concerns promptly, even when he was on vacation! Any time we had a concern regarding the case and the interaction between our insurance company, Mr. Garnett and his team reassured us, and did an amazing job! I am incredibly grateful for their dedication and would not hesitate to highly recommend them to anyone seeking legal counsel for injury claims/vehicle accidents.
When the case was completed Mr. Garnett asked my husband to come to his office. My husband was blown away by Mr. Garnett’s down to earth, personable and honest persona, and I can say without a doubt that anyone who hires Mr. Garnett will be dealing with a person of very good moral character, integrity, and dedication!!
Throughout the process, the team maintained clear and consistent communication, ensuring I was informed and comfortable at every stage. Their attention to detail, dedication to my case, and genuine care for my well-being exceeded my expectations. I felt fully supported and confident that my best interests were always their top priority.
For anyone in need of seasoned legal professionals who deliver results with integrity and skill, I highly recommend this team. They have my deepest appreciation for their tireless efforts and exceptional service.
The Real Struggles After a Hit and Run Accident
Physically. Emotionally. Financially. You didn’t deserve this, but we’re here to help you through it and fight to hold them accountable.
Why Hit and Run Cases Require an Experienced Lawyer
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Fleeing drivers may deny involvement or remain unidentified.
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Insurance companies often minimize payouts or shift blame.
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Critical evidence such as witnesses, video, and police reports must be preserved and presented properly.
Your Legal Options After a Hit and Run Accident
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File a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy if the driver isn’t found.
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File a civil lawsuit if the driver is identified, in addition to any criminal charges.
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Seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and property damage.
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In some cases, pursue punitive damages for egregious behavior.
What to Do Right After a Hit and Run Accident
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Call the Police, Get a Report
(Don’t let it go undocumented.) -
Get Medical Attention Immediately
(Even if you feel okay, have it recorded.) -
Document the Scene
(Photos of damage, injuries, debris, and the fleeing vehicle if possible.) -
Speak to an Attorney Before Insurance
(They may push you to settle too soon.)
How We Build a Strong Hit and Run Case for You
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Collect and analyze police reports, witness accounts, and video evidence.
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Work with investigators to help identify the fleeing driver.
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Consult medical and financial experts to calculate full damages, including future care.
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Prepare your case for trial early to maximize leverage and results.
How Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Support You in Northern Alabama
We know how unfair it feels when someone else’s recklessness leaves you injured and they drive away. It’s not just a legal case; it’s your life, your peace of mind, and your future at stake. Our Northern Alabama hit-and-run accident attorneys work tirelessly to help you feel heard, protected, and hopeful again. We can:
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Collaborate with police and investigators to locate the driver, using witness accounts, camera footage, and other evidence.
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Carefully review your insurance policy to see if uninsured motorist benefits can cover your losses.
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Take over all communication and negotiation with insurance companies, allowing you to focus fully on your healing.
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Prepare your case for trial if necessary, to ensure your voice is heard and your needs are met.
You’ve already endured so much. Let us carry the legal burden for you with compassion and determination.
Call us now for a free consultation. We’ll fight to protect your rights, preserve crucial evidence, and start building your case right away.
Alabama Hit and Run Accident Attorneys Who Are Here for You
From understanding your rights to knowing what evidence you need, we’re here to guide you every step of the way and to fight for the justice you deserve.
What Our Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyers Can Help You Recover
No two cases are alike. We take time to truly understand how this accident has affected your life. Our hit-and-run accident lawyers in Northern Alabama can help you seek a fair and meaningful settlement for:
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Medical expenses: From emergency care to follow-up visits, medications, and therapy.
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Lost wages: If your injuries keep you out of work now or even long-term.
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Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional toll of the accident matter.
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Ongoing care needs: If you’re facing permanent injuries or require long-term assistance.
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Support for your family: If you lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, we can help pursue a wrongful death claim to honor their memory and support your family.
We’re here to help you reclaim the resources and peace of mind you deserve.
What should I do immediately after a hit and run accident?
Call 911 and report the accident to the police right away, even if the damage seems minor. Seek medical attention, document the scene, collect any witness information, and contact an attorney before speaking with insurers.
Can I still get compensation if the driver is never found?
Yes. If the at-fault driver cannot be identified, you may still recover damages through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if you carry it on your policy.
Is a hit and run considered a crime in Alabama?
Yes. Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping and exchanging information is a criminal offense in Alabama. Depending on the severity of injuries or damage, it can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
How long do I have to file a claim or lawsuit after a hit and run in Alabama?
In Alabama, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims including hit and run is two years from the date of the accident. It’s best to act as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
Will my insurance rates go up if I file a hit and run claim?
If the accident was not your fault, your rates should not increase simply because you filed a claim under UM/UIM coverage but this depends on your insurer and policy. An attorney can help you navigate this conversation.
Do I really need a lawyer for a hit and run accident?
Yes. These cases can be complex, especially if the driver is unidentified or insurers dispute your claim. A lawyer can help preserve evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Get In Touch!
At Garnett Patterson Injury Lawyers, we understand the seriousness of these situations. When someone’s negligence causes a traumatic brain injury, we work relentlessly to hold them accountable — and to protect your right to recover physically, financially, and emotionally.