What to do in a hit-and-run accident in Georgia

Do you know what to do if you get in a hit-and-run accident? The steps you need to take are similar to those for any other type of motor vehicle accident, so if you know those, then you are already mostly prepared. There are only a few differences you must be aware of to raise your chances of receiving the best financial outcome possible.

What is a hit-and-run?

First, you need to be able to identify a hit-and-run accident. This is when a driver causes you damage and/or injury and immediately leaves the scene or gives you false personal information. A hit-and-run usually happens when the driver wants to hide something, such as the fact that he or she was intoxicated or driving without a license. Hit-and-runs can include hitting another car, pedestrian, motorcyclist or bicyclist.

What to do after a hit-and-run

To increase the likelihood of a fair outcome from your insurance company, you should follow these steps after a hit-and-run:

1. Do not chase after the driver. Instead, try to notice as many identifying details as possible.

2. Check yourself and any passengers for injury and seek prompt medical attention if needed.

3. Call the police. Once they arrive, give them the information you gather in the next two steps.

4. Look over the damage and take photos.

5. Write down all the details of the accident, such as the time, location and circumstances. Talk to any witnesses as well for further evidence.

6. Notify your insurance provider of the incident.

What happens next?

If the police catch the driver who hit you, you have several options for suing because Georgia is an at fault state. If the police do not catch the driver, however, you can only recover damages from your own insurance policy. The unidentified driver will count as an uninsured motorist in this case. For this reason, it is beneficial to have a personal injury attorney helping you through the process of obtaining all the money you need to cover your expenses.