Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a very stressful and overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are not uncommon in Georgia. In fact, according to the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were over 11,000 hit-and-run crashes in the state in 2019 alone. If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to know what steps to take. Here’s a guide on how to handle a hit-and-run accident in Georgia.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The first thing you should do is stay calm and check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if no one appears to be injured, it’s still a good idea to call the police to report the accident.
Try to Get Information from Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their contact information. They may have seen the other driver’s license plate number or can provide other details that could help identify the driver who fled the scene.
Take Photos and Document the Scene
Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and any other vehicles or property that was involved in the accident. If possible, take photos of the location of the accident and any skid marks or debris on the road. This documentation may be helpful when filing an insurance claim or if the police need to investigate the accident.
Call the Police
Even if you don’t have much information about the other driver, it’s important to report the hit-and-run to the police. Give them as much information as you have, including the time and location of the accident, the direction the other driver was headed, and any details about the other vehicle.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. They will need the police report number and any other information you have about the accident. Your insurance company may be able to help you recover damages even if the other driver is not identified.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
If you were injured in the accident, it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney. They can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a claim against the other driver or your own insurance company.
Follow Up with the Police and Insurance Company
Make sure to follow up with the police and your insurance company to ensure that your case is being investigated and that you are receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
Understand Georgia’s Hit-and-Run Laws
It’s important to understand the laws surrounding hit-and-run accidents in Georgia. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense, regardless of whether or not anyone was injured. The penalties for a hit-and-run conviction can include fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the accident.
Cooperate with the Investigation
If the police are able to identify the other driver involved in the hit-and-run, it’s important to cooperate with their investigation. This may include giving a statement, providing additional information or evidence, and appearing in court if necessary.
Take Steps to Prevent Future Accidents
Finally, take steps to prevent future accidents. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition, follow traffic laws and be aware of your surroundings while driving. Remember, even if you are a careful and responsible driver, you can still be involved in a hit-and-run accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness.
A hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience, but it’s important to stay calm and take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek compensation for any damages or injuries sustained. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of identifying the other driver and holding them accountable for their actions.
Keenan Law Firm is a personal injury law firm with extensive experience in handling hit-and-run accident cases in Georgia. If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident, we can provide a variety of services to help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
Here are some ways in which we can help with hit-and-run accident cases in Georgia:
Legal Advice and Guidance
We can provide legal advice and guidance to help you understand your rights and legal options after a hit-and-run accident. We can help you navigate the complex legal process, including dealing with insurance companies and filing claims.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
In hit-and-run accident cases, it can be difficult to identify the other driver involved. We have the resources and experience to conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence to help identify the other driver and build a strong case.
Negotiation and Settlement
We can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf to seek a fair settlement for any damages or injuries sustained. We will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to under Georgia law.
Litigation and Trial
If necessary, we can take your case to court and represent you in litigation or trial. We have a track record of success in litigating hit-and-run accident cases in Georgia and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and seek justice on your behalf.
If you have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Georgia, we at Keenan Law Firm can provide a range of services to help you handle your case. From legal advice and guidance to investigation, negotiation, and litigation, we have the experience and resources to help you seek compensation for any damages or injuries sustained. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case.