A hit-and-run accident leaves you shocked, angry and unsure of what to do next. These incidents happen frequently across Atlanta and Georgia, leaving victims without the other driver’s insurance information.
You might think you have no way to recover compensation for your injuries and vehicle damage. The truth is that you still have legal options even when the at-fault driver flees the scene.
Take these steps at the scene
Your actions immediately after a hit-and-run can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation. Quick thinking and careful documentation help you build a strong case even without the other driver’s information.
- Call 911 right away: Police need to know about the hit-and-run as soon as possible. Georgia law requires you to report accidents, and an official police report strengthens your insurance claim and any potential legal case.
- Gather all available evidence: Take photos of your vehicle damage, the accident location, any skid marks and debris the other vehicle left behind. Write down everything you remember about the other car including its color, make, model and any part of the license plate you saw.
- Find witnesses: Ask people nearby if they saw what happened or noticed the license plate number. Get their names and phone numbers so investigators can contact them later.
- Look for nearby cameras: Businesses, traffic signals and home doorbell cameras might have recorded the incident. Note their locations so police can request the footage before it gets deleted.
- Get medical care: Visit a doctor even if you feel okay right now. Some injuries like whiplash or internal bleeding show symptoms hours or days after the accident.
These steps protect your health and help build your case for compensation.
Understand your insurance options
You can still recover money for your losses even if police never find the hit-and-run driver. Your own auto insurance policy likely includes uninsured motorist coverage, which applies to hit-and-run accidents in Georgia. This coverage pays for your medical bills, lost wages and property damage when you cannot identify the at-fault driver.
You might also have collision coverage that helps repair your vehicle. Contact your insurance company to start your claim, but consider speaking with a personal injury attorney before you give recorded statements or accept any settlement offers.
Don’t assume you have no options just because the other driver fled the scene. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you fight for the compensation you deserve under Georgia law.