What to Do if the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene in Georgia

What to Do if the At-Fault Driver Leaves the Scene in Georgia

A car accident can leave you shaken, but when the at-fault driver flees the scene, your stress doubles. Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal in Georgia. Despite this, many drivers speed off after colliding with another vehicle. If you’re left at the scene of a car accident while the other driver leaves, you must act quickly to stay safe, protect your rights, and begin the claims process.

Prioritize Your Safety

You should take the following steps to protect yourself while at the accident scene, including:

• Do Not Chase the Driver – Avoid pursuing the driver on your own, as doing this can put you in danger and complicate your rights. Let law enforcement handle the investigation.
• Call 911 – Call emergency services immediately, even if you think you’re fine and the damage appears minor. Police will need to document the incident and begin searching for a fleeing driver right away.
• Receive Medical Care – Get medical help on-site from emergency services right away, even if you think you’re fine or the damage appears minor and insignificant. Some injuries don’t immediately appear or present visible trauma.

Document and Collect Critical Information

Gathering all the information and details you’ll need for a claim or future legal action is critical, especially if the at-fault driver fled. You’ll want to:

• Collect Critical Information – Write down the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, color, direction, visible damage, and any part of the license plate you remember. These details help police potentially identify the driver.
• Speak with Witnesses – Ask witnesses for their contact information and encourage them to stay for the police or give a written statement. Their account can support your version of events.
• File a Police Report – Call the police immediately and give a full, honest report of the accident. Request a copy of the report for your insurance and legal records.
• Document the Scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, debris, and road conditions, and write down everything you remember. Include witness contact information and details about the other car.
• Notify Your Insurer – Report the hit-and-run to your insurance company and provide the police report and any evidence. Ask about your uninsured motorist coverage and next steps.

Protect and Preserve Your Claim

You’ll want to maintain and organize every accident-related appointment, cost, and insurer communication to create a paper trail for the hit-and-run accident. You should also:

• Continue Medical Care – Follow up with your doctor and attend all recommended appointments, even if you start feeling better. Consistent treatment shows the seriousness of your injuries and helps support your insurance claim.
• Document Every Expense – Keep track of all accident-related costs, including medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and travel to appointments. Save receipts, invoices, and records in one place to make reimbursement easier.
• Notify Your Insurance Company – Report the hit-and-run to your insurer as soon as possible. Provide the police report number and any details you gathered, especially if you plan to file under your uninsured motorist coverage.
• Call a Car Accident Attorney – An experienced attorney can help you handle the insurance process and fight for full compensation. They can also investigate further if the at-fault driver remains unidentified.

Contact a Hit-and-Run Car Accident Attorney Serving Georgia

Hit-and-run accidents can leave you scrambling and feeling unsettled about your future. The experienced car accident lawyers at Kaufman Injury Law can help, taking over your claim and your worries. We’ll investigate every angle to potentially identify the driver and seek the compensation you need. Call our office today for your free consultation, and let us start building your case.