A hit and run accident can turn an ordinary drive into a traumatic experience in seconds. When another driver crashes into you and flees the scene, it leaves you with questions about your health, your finances, and your future. Unlike standard car accidents where insurance information can be exchanged, a hit and run often leaves victims unsure of what to do next. Knowing how to respond after such an accident in Georgia can make a major difference in protecting your safety, preserving your rights, and securing compensation for your losses.
Seeking Safety and Medical Care 
The first step is always to protect yourself and others. If your vehicle can be moved, pull over to a safe area away from traffic. Call 911 immediately and request both medical assistance and law enforcement. Even if you believe your injuries are minor, it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional. Many injuries, such as concussions or internal damage, may not show symptoms right away but can cause lasting problems if untreated. Having medical records from the start also strengthens any legal or insurance claim that follows.
The Importance of Contacting Police
Georgia law requires drivers to report accidents that involve injuries, fatalities, or property damage. This makes calling the police essential. Officers will create an official report, document the scene, and start an investigation into the fleeing driver. Provide as much detail as you can recall about the other vehicle. The color, make, model, direction of travel, and even partial license plate numbers may help investigators track down the driver. If there were witnesses, encourage them to share what they saw with officers. These details can be powerful pieces of evidence later.
Gathering Evidence at the Scene
In addition to working with police, collect your own evidence if you are physically able. Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding roadway, and any visible injuries you sustained. Look for skid marks, broken parts, or debris that could confirm another vehicle was involved. If nearby homes or businesses have security cameras, note their location and ask officers to check whether they captured footage of the incident. The more evidence you preserve, the stronger your case will be when dealing with insurers or legal claims.
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Understanding Insurance Coverage After a Hit and Run
One of the greatest concerns after a hit and run is how expenses will be covered. When the at fault driver is unknown, your own insurance policy often becomes the primary source of recovery. In Georgia, uninsured motorist coverage is designed for exactly this situation. It can help cover medical bills, lost income, and repair costs when the responsible driver cannot be identified. Collision coverage may also apply to vehicle repairs regardless of fault.
While this coverage is valuable, insurance companies often scrutinize hit and run claims more closely. They may argue that damages do not match the report or question whether another driver was truly involved. Prompt reporting to the police and your insurer, along with detailed evidence, reduces the likelihood of disputes. Having a lawyer assist with the claim can also help ensure the insurer treats you fairly.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities in Georgia
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a crime in Georgia. For victims, this means you have the right to pursue both criminal accountability and civil compensation. Even if the driver is never identified, you may still have legal avenues through your own insurance or potentially through other responsible parties. For example, if the driver was overserved at a bar before the crash, drama shop liability may apply.
Georgia law also sets a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, typically two years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation, even if your injuries are severe. Understanding these timelines and responsibilities is important to protect your rights.
Verdicts & Settlements
Why Working With an Attorney Can Help
Hit and run accidents involve unique challenges compared to other collisions. Without the other driver identified, you may feel powerless about recovery. An experienced attorney can help investigate, handle insurance disputes, and ensure deadlines are met. Legal guidance also allows you to explore every possible source of compensation, from your uninsured motorist coverage to third party liability.
The Keenan Law Firm has represented injured Georgians for decades, focusing on serious accident cases. Our team understands the complexities of hit and run claims and works to guide clients through every step of the process. From the initial police report to final negotiations, having skilled legal support ensures you do not have to face the situation alone.
Steps to Take Following a Hit and Run Accident
After a hit and run accident, the actions you take in the minutes, hours, and days that follow matter greatly. First, call 911 and request medical care and police assistance. Second, provide every possible detail about the fleeing driver and encourage witnesses to share what they saw. Third, take photographs and document the scene to preserve evidence. Fourth, notify your insurance company quickly and provide them with the police report. Fifth, consider speaking with an attorney before giving recorded statements or signing documents.
By following these steps, you not only protect your health but also give yourself the best chance of obtaining fair compensation. Recovery from a hit and run involves more than paying medical bills. It may also include lost wages from missed work, therapy for ongoing injuries, and damages for pain and emotional distress. An attorney can evaluate these aspects and help present a complete picture of your losses.
The Emotional Impact of Hit and Run Accidents
Beyond the physical injuries and financial stress, a hit and run can leave victims with a sense of betrayal. Knowing that another driver caused harm and chose to flee often adds emotional weight to the experience. Many victims experience anxiety, fear of driving, or difficulty trusting other motorists after such an event. Seeking counseling or mental health support is just as important as medical treatment for physical injuries. An attorney can also ensure that compensation claims account for the emotional toll of the accident.
Moving Forward After a Hit and Run
While no one can prepare for the shock of a hit and run accident, taking informed steps can ease the burden. By prioritizing safety, working with police, collecting evidence, and securing legal support, you protect your future. Every accident is unique, but victims in Georgia share the same right to pursue recovery and accountability.
The Keenan Law Firm has stood with families across Georgia through difficult cases like these. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a hit and run, our attorneys are ready to listen and guide you. Call The Keenan Law Firm at (404) 223-5437 to discuss your situation and learn about your options.