After a hit and run accident in Atlanta, you should report the crash, get medical care, document what happened, and speak with our Atlanta car accident lawyers as soon as possible. A driver who leaves the scene can complicate the claims process, especially if the police have not identified that person.
Taking action early can protect your health, preserve evidence that supports your claim for damages, and help identify the insurance coverage that may be available. We will review the accident and explain your legal options.
Steps to Take After a Hit and Run Crash
The first few decisions after a hit and run accident can affect how the crash is investigated and how an insurance claim develops. The steps below create a record of what happened, preserve evidence, and give police and your insurance company more information to work with.
Call 911 and Report the Crash
Contact law enforcement right away after the accident. The responding officer will carefully investigate what happened, prepare an accident report, and collect information that may help identify the driver who left the scene.
The report also creates an official record that your insurance company may request later. If you remember anything about the vehicle, tell the police officer right away. This includes the vehicle’s color, make or model, or part of its license plate number.
You can also share whether the vehicle was damaged or if it had a company logo or bumper sticker. If you remember the direction the driver traveled in, that can be helpful. Do not chase the fleeing driver. It is usually safer to stay at the scene.
Get Medical Care Even if You Feel Fine
Some injuries do not cause symptoms right after a crash. Adrenaline can hide pain for several hours or even longer. Getting medical help soon after the crash ensures you know what your health status is and creates medical records that connect your injuries to the accident.
Common injuries after hit and run crashes include:
- Whiplash
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries, including concussions
- Back injuries
- Internal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Burns
- Limb loss (amputation)
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and go to all your follow-up appointments.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
If it is safe to do so, collect as much information as possible before leaving. Evidence that may be useful to your case may include photos and videos of vehicle damage, pictures of the roadway, skid marks, debris, traffic signs or signals, weather conditions, and visible injuries.
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask for their name and contact information. Witnesses sometimes notice details that injured drivers never see.
Tell Your Insurance Company About the Accident
Many insurance policies require prompt notice after a crash. Give your insurance company the basic facts about what took place. If you are unsure how to answer questions about fault or your injuries, our Atlanta personal injury lawyer will communicate with the insurer on your behalf.
What Happens if the Driver Is Never Found?
A hit and run case does not always end because the driver cannot be identified. Many people have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.
Depending on the policy and the facts of the crash, this coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. Reviewing your available coverage early can prevent delays later in the claim.
What if the Police Find the Driver?
When police identify the driver, more legal options may become available. A claim may be filed against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. If the driver faces criminal charges for leaving the scene, those charges are separate from an injury claim.
A criminal conviction does not automatically decide a civil injury case. Your claim still depends on the available evidence, your injuries, and the damages you suffered.
What Losses Can a Hit and Run Claim Cover?
After a hit and run accident in Atlanta, people suffer financial and personal losses that extend beyond repairing their vehicle. Depending on the accident and the insurance available, they may be able to file a claim for various damages, such as their medical care, lost income, and future care.
Some people also seek damages for physical pain, permanent injuries, or visible scarring. How much they can request depends on the auto insurance policy that applies and whether the missing driver is found and identified.
Before accepting a settlement, it helps to understand the full cost of the accident rather than focusing only on the first bills that arrive. This can help avoid settling the claim before the full extent of your losses is known.
Do You Need a Lawyer if Your Insurer Is Handling the Claim?
Insurance companies review claims to determine what their policy covers and how much they believe should be paid.
A car accident attorney represents your interests, reviews available insurance coverage, values your losses, and handles negotiations with the insurer throughout the process. If we cannot settle your claim, we will fight for your recovery at trial.
Talk With Van Sant Law About a Hit and Run Accident in Atlanta
If you have been hit by someone who fled the scene, getting reliable legal guidance on what to do early can make a difference. Georgia law limits the time you have to file most personal injury lawsuits, so waiting too long could affect your right to seek damages.
Speaking with an attorney from Van Sant Law gives us more time to handle your claim and meet important deadlines. Our firm has served Georgia residents for more than 15 years and has recovered hundreds of millions for clients.
Our attorneys bring decades of combined legal experience to every case, including insight from founding attorney David M. Van Sant‘s experience as former defense counsel for a large insurance company. Make the Right Call. Contact us for a free consultation. We work on contingency, so we get paid only if we recover damages for you.
