In Georgia, any driver who is involved in a traffic collision has a duty to stop his or her vehicle and remain at the scene of the crash. The failure to do so without justification is a crime. However, unfortunately, hit and run collisions remain far too common. According to data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there are more than 600,000 hit and runs nationwide each year. This raises an important question: What happens after a hit and run? The short answer is that you should report the crash to the police and get started with your claim. Here, our Warner Robins car accident attorney explains the key things that you should do after a hit and run crash in Georgia.
What to Do in a Hit and Run Accident (Know the Steps to Take in Georgia)
The aftermath of a serious motor vehicle crash can be stressful, even overwhelming. That is especially true for hit and run crashes. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. Here are four important steps to take if you are involved in a hit and run crash in Georgia:
1. Stop Your Vehicle and Call the Police: Even if the other driver failed to do so, you should stop your vehicle and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. Georgia law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop immediately and report the incident. After a hit and run, pull over to a safe location and call 911 without delay. You should call the police. A police report creates an official record that confirms the crash occurred, documents the hit and run nature of the incident, and preserves critical details for an investigation.
2. Document Anything You Can: You should gather evidence as soon as it is safe to do so. Take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and the surrounding roadway. You should also note the time, location, traffic conditions, and direction the other vehicle fled. If you saw the vehicle, record any identifying details such as color, body type, damage, decals, or partial license plate numbers. It is possible that the hit and run driver can be tracked down.
3. Get the Contact Information for Any Witnesses: If there are any witnesses to the hit and run collision, make sure to get the contact information for each witness. You can also ask if they have a dash cam that might have recorded the collision.
4. Look for any Surveillance Cameras or Traffic Light Cameras: If there are any surveillance cameras, ring cameras, or traffic light cameras, you should ask for a copy of their video. If you cannot get these videos, you should hire an experienced personal injury lawyer to send spoliation letters and open record requests to preserve and obtain these needed videos.
5. Get Immediate Medical Care for Any Injuries: All car accident injuries should be treated by a doctor. Hit and run crashes often involve sudden impact that can cause delayed symptoms such as concussions, soft tissue injuries, or internal trauma. Not only is getting medical care important to protect your health and safety, but medical records are required to be able to bring a car accident injury claim in Georgia.
6. Notify Your Own Insurance Company: You should report the hit and run to your insurer as soon as possible. Georgia drivers often rely on uninsured motorist coverage when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. Timely notice is required under most policies and often must be in writing. You should provide accurate facts, but avoid speculation or fault admissions. You should stick to what you know and reference the police report. It is not a good idea to give any adjuster a recorded statement without being represented by an experienced injury lawyer. If you fail to provide the required notice of your potential uninsured motorist claim, your coverage may be lost under the terms of your auto policy.
Recovering Compensation for Hit and Run Accidents in Georgia
Hurt in a hit and run accident in Warner Robins or elsewhere in the broader region in Georgia? You have the right to seek compensation for the full scope of your damages, including for non-economic losses. However, in many hit and run cases, it can be difficult for victims to find a path to compensation. There are generally three broad options for recovery for hit and runs in Georgia:
1. Identify the At-Fault Driver: If law enforcement identifies the hit and run driver, you may pursue a standard fault-based injury claim under Georgia law. The at-fault driver becomes legally responsible for all damages caused by the crash, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future losses. Our Warner Robins hit and run accident attorney can also help you investigate the crash to track down the at-fault driver.
2. Bring a Claim Through Your Own Insurer (UM/UIM) Coverage: In many Georgia hit and run cases, uninsured motorist coverage provides the primary path to compensation. When the at-fault driver cannot be identified, Georgia law allows injured victims to pursue UM benefits through their own policy. A claim through a UM/UIM policy can be challenging. Our Warner Robins, GA hit and run accident attorney can help.
3. Hold a Negligent Third Party Liable: In some hit and run cases, a third party bears legal responsibility for creating or contributing to the crash. Along with other things, this may include a vehicle owner who negligently entrusted the car, an employer whose employee caused the collision, or a property owner who allowed dangerous conditions to exist. Georgia negligence law permits recovery when a third party breaches a legal duty, and that breach causes injury.
Punitive Damages for Hit and Run and for DUI Drivers:
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1) allows for punitive damages to be awarded when someone is hurt in an auto accident by someone who is guilty of egregious conduct that shows a reckless disregard for human life. If you are hurt by a negligent driver that is DUI or guilt of hit and run, punitive damages are often allowed. Punitive damages are damages to punish and deter the guilty party from engaging in the horrible conduct of drunk driving, hit and run, and any other actions that demonstrate there was no concern about the preservation of human life.
Punitive damages are in addition to the recovery for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The award winning personal injury attorneys at the Griffin Law Firm have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars for their clients when punitive damages are available.
How Our Georgia Hit and Run Accident Lawyer Can Help
Hit and run accident claims are complicated. If you or your loved one was hit by a hit and run driver, it is imperative that you have strong, experienced legal representation. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we have the experience that victims and families can trust. With a proven record of client testimonials and case results, you can count on our team when it matters most. We have a law office in the 31088 zip code of Warner Robins, and we are well-positioned to handle hit and run cases throughout the entire surrounding region in both Houston County and Peach County.
Contact Warner Robins, GA Hit and Run Accident Attorney Today
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Warner Robins hit and run accident lawyer is standing by, ready to protect your rights. Were you or your loved one hurt in a hit and run crash? We are here to help. Our firm will explore every option for maximizing your compensation. Contact us right away for a free, fully private case review. We represent hit and run accident victims in Warner Robins and throughout the region, including in the zip codes of 31088, 31093, 31095, and 31099.