Hit and Run Accidents

Being involved in any type of car accident is a frustrating experience, where you have to wait for the police to arrive and then deal with insurance issues afterward. These accidents become even more of a big deal if you suffer serious injuries. On top of that, sometimes the person responsible for the accident doesn’t stop and help or provide their insurance information. 

In these cases, the injured party may be left wondering what to do and how to pay for their expenses. Learning what to do and how you can get reimbursed for some of the costs you’re facing is essential. A car accident lawyer near you can help you with legal counsel after a hit and run accident in Georgia.  

Hit and Run Law in Georgia 

When someone is involved in a car accident in Georgia and there is an injury or property damage involved, the vehicles involved are required to stop at the scene and exchange information. This isn’t just a suggestion – it’s the law.

The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person or in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident or shall stop as close thereto as possible and forthwith return to the scene of the accident and shall:

1. Give his or her name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving;
2. Upon request and if it is available, exhibit his or her operator’s license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with;
3. Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such transporting is requested by the injured person

Failing to do this can lead to criminal penalties, including jail time in some cases.

How You Can Get Compensated if The Driver Doesn’t Stop

If you are hit and the driver doesn’t stop, it’s natural to feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Dealing with a hit-and-run accident is often confusing, but there are still ways you can get the help and compensation you need.

When You’re Able to Locate The Driver  

If you or law enforcement manage to track down the driver who hit you, you can file a claim with their insurance company. You should start by gathering all the evidence you can – including photographs of the scene, police reports, and any witness statements. Once you make your claim, their insurance should handle your medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and any additional damages that resulted from the crash. 

When the Driver Has No Insurance or Can’t Be Found 

Sometimes the at-fault driver cannot be found. Other times, you discover the driver has no auto insurance at all. In these cases, your own uninsured motorist (UM) policy can help. If you carry UM coverage, your insurance company will pay for the same types of costs you would recover from the at-fault driver, such as medical bills and lost wages.  

Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program 

Georgia residents can also seek support through the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program. This program provides compensation when the at-fault driver remains unidentified. It covers a wide range of injuries and losses, helping with:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral costs
• Counseling for psychological harm
• Replacement for lost income   

This program isn’t something most people are familiar with, but your Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer can help you determine your eligibility and figure out what steps you need to take to access this resource.

The aftermath of a hit-and-run is difficult to deal with, but help is available. Your best option is always to speak with a personal injury lawyer so they can help you identify the driver and recover compensation.