​At Buddoo & Associates, we have been dedicated to assisting personal injury victims in Atlanta since 2003. Over the years, we have successfully represented thousands of individuals, recovering millions of dollars in compensation. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, dog attack, slip-and-fall incident, or other personal injury situations, our experienced team is here to help.
A hit and run accident can leave you with serious injuries, unexpected expenses, and no clear path forward. When a driver causes a crash and leaves the scene, it creates both legal and financial challenges for the injured person, especially when pursuing a hit and run accident claim. In Georgia, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but many hit and run drivers still try to avoid responsibility. If you were involved in a hit and run in Tucker or anywhere in the Atlanta area, you may still be able to seek compensation through your own insurance or a personal injury lawsuit.
In this blog, we cover the key steps to take after a hit and run accident, how to file a hit and run accident claim in Georgia, with guidance on how working with an experienced Tucker hit and run attorney at Buddoo & Associates can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Legal Overview: Georgia’s Hit and Run Laws
Georgia law sets clear rules for what drivers must do after a hit and run accident. This section explains the legal duties of drivers, the penalties for leaving the scene, and how these laws affect your hit and run accident claim.
Duty to Stop After an Accident
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270), a driver involved in an accident must stop at the scene. This applies whether the crash caused property damage, bodily injury, or death. The driver must give their name, address, and insurance information to the other party and provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
Failing to stop violates the law and can damage your ability to recover damages in hit and run accident claims. This duty applies to all drivers, regardless of fault.
Criminal Penalties for Hit and Run Drivers
Leaving the scene of a hit and run accident is a crime in Georgia. If the accident caused minor property damage, the driver may face a misdemeanor charge. If someone suffers a serious injury or dies, the offense becomes a felony, with penalties including prison time, fines, and a suspended license.
These legal consequences are separate from any civil claims the injured person may file. The driver fled, but the law holds them accountable if found.
Impact on Your Hit and Run Accident Claim
The fact that a driver leaves the scene can support your right to seek compensation through your own insurance company. Most uninsured motorist coverage in Georgia includes protection for hit and run incidents.
If the at fault driver is found, you can file a personal injury lawsuit to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. If not, your insurance claim may still proceed using your collision coverage and UM benefits.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Hit and Run in Tucker
Taking the right steps after a hit and run accident helps protect your health, your legal rights, and your hit and run accident claim.
Check for Injuries and Call 911
First, check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 right away, even if injuries seem minor. Medical attention should be your top priority. A police report will also be created, which is essential for insurance claims and legal action.
Stay at the Scene and Document Everything
Do not leave the scene. Stay in a safe place near your vehicle. Take photos of the damage, the road, any skid marks, and the surrounding area. If you saw the other vehicle, write down the make, model, color, or any part of the license plate number.
Look for Witnesses and Surveillance Cameras
Speak to any witnesses nearby. Ask for their contact information in case they need to provide a statement later. Check for traffic cameras or security cameras at nearby homes or businesses. Video footage can help identify the driver who fled the scene.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible. Explain the hit and run incident in detail. Be clear about what happened and provide all supporting information. This step is important when filing a hit and run claim under your uninsured motorist or collision coverage.
Cooperate With Law Enforcement
Give a full statement to the police. Share all details about the hit and run driver and the accident. Ask for a copy of the police report. This report is key evidence for your hit and run accident claim and may support your case in court or during insurance negotiations.
Filing a Hit and Run Accident Claim in Georgia
Filing a hit and run accident claim in Georgia involves specific steps that help you recover damages when the at fault driver cannot be found.
Start With Your Insurance Policy
Review your insurance policy to see if you have uninsured motorist coverage or collision insurance. In many Georgia hit and run cases, this is the main source of financial recovery when the other driver cannot be identified. Notify your insurer right away and give them all available details.
Provide Evidence to Support Your Claim
Your claim will be stronger with clear evidence. Submit the police report, photos of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and any medical records. If there are witnesses, include their statements. Insurance companies need proof that a hit and run occurred and that the other party was responsible.
Understand What Damages You Can Claim
A hit and run claim can include several types of damages. These often include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. If your injuries are serious, you may also qualify for long-term care costs and reduced earning capacity.
Dealing With Your Insurance Company
Insurance companies may delay or offer less than your claim is worth. Be clear, organized, and firm in your communication. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, they are still required to act in good faith. Keep records of all conversations and submitted documents.
When the Other Driver is Identified
If the hit and run driver is later found, you may pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. You can also file a claim with their insurance company. The fact that the driver fled can help prove negligence and may increase your chance of recovering full compensation.
Why You Need an Experienced Hit and Run Lawyer
An experienced lawyer helps protect your rights, build a strong hit and run accident claim, and deal with insurance companies who may try to reduce your compensation.
Legal Knowledge Matters
Hit and run accident cases involve both insurance law and Georgia law. An experienced lawyer understands how to use these laws to your advantage. They know how to prove the other driver was at fault, even if that driver fled the scene. This legal understanding is critical for serious injury cases and wrongful death claims.
Insurance Companies Are Not on Your Side
Your own insurance company may offer less than your claim is worth. They may question your injuries or deny parts of your claim. A lawyer speaks for you and ensures your hit and run accident claim is taken seriously. They handle negotiations and protect you from unfair settlement tactics.
Proving Fault in Hit and Run Cases
When the other driver is unknown, your lawyer helps collect evidence to support your claim. This may include reviewing police reports, medical records, surveillance footage, or witness statements. If the driver is identified later, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf.
Representation in Legal Proceedings
If your case requires legal action, a lawyer represents you in court. They help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, they can also seek punitive damages if the hit and run driver acted with reckless disregard for safety.
Why Choose Buddoo & Associates
Buddoo & Associates focuses on helping injury victims in Tucker and across the Atlanta area. Their team has handled many hit and run accident claims and knows how to fight for full compensation. They offer a free consultation, and you pay nothing unless they win your case. With their experience in car accident cases and knowledge of Georgia hit and run law, Buddoo & Associates is ready to stand up for your rights.
Consult With an Experienced Tucker Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney ASAP!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit and run accident, do not wait to protect your rights. Our team at Buddoo & Associates is here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We understand Georgia hit and run laws and know how to handle insurance companies that try to minimize your claim.
Contact us at 404-870-3557 for a free claim review today!
