You’ve been hit by another car while driving on I-85 or Highway 78. You pull over, ready to exchange information and straighten things out, when you notice the other driver peeling away. You look at the damage to your car, feel the beginnings of whiplash, and wonder, “Who is going to pay for all this?”
The short answer? Usually, you. Unfortunately, if the other driver flees and the police can’t track them down, you’ll usually have to pay out of pocket for your medical care and bodywork on your car. However, this may not be the end. You may have a few other options if you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident. Our local Tucker car accident lawyer can help you explore them.
Filing a claim with your insurance company after a hit-and-run
Most auto insurance policies have options for uninsured or under-insured motorist coverage. Some full-coverage policies may have it as part of the policy, while other insurers may have it as an add-on. Check your policy carefully or call your insurer to determine what kind of coverage you have and the policy limit.
Filing a police report
It’s always better to call the police after an accident, even if it looks minor. Georgia law requires you to report any accident that results in more than $500 in damage, caused injury or death or is a hit-and-run. When you call the police from the scene, you’ll benefit from immediate medical attention from EMS, which can help diagnose common “hidden injuries” from the wreck. You’ll also have law enforcement on the scene to manage the situation.
The responding officer creates an official police report of the accident, documenting the entire scene. In DeKalb County, the police accident report also has a blank space for the officer’s narrative. This is where the responding officer can write their determination of how the accident happened and who caused it, plus other details that don’t fit in the blanks on the rest of the report.
Why calling the police right after a hit-and-run is so critical
The documentation by the police officer of the hit-and-run could be used to press criminal charges against the hit-and-run driver. Your lawyer might also be able to use the police report to establish how your injuries were caused in a civil claim.
In Georgia, leaving the scene of an accident is a crime. Be sure to tell the 911 operator that the other driver fled the scene. The police may be able to find them. When the responding officer arrives, tell them what you remember from the accident and as much descriptive information about the other driver and vehicle as you can recall.
What if the police find the other driver?
If the police find the other driver, great! You and your car accident lawyer can file a lawsuit for damages against them, and their insurance company will pay for your losses. The other driver will also face criminal charges for leaving the scene. This may bolster your damages claim, especially if your case goes to trial.
Working with a lawyer after a hit-and-run
Your attorney can explain who pays in a hit-and-run accident according to the specific details of your situation. They can help you file a claim with your insurance company, improving your chances of having uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage cover your damages. They can also prepare a case against the at-fault driver if the police find them and handle your suit for damages. The attorneys at Fox Injury Law are ready to help you if you’ve been a hit-and-run victim. Contact us today at (404) 777-7778 for a free consultation.
