Protect Your Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident
Being injured in a hit-and-run accident in Alpharetta, GA, can be both traumatic and confusing. When the responsible driver leaves the scene without providing their information, it’s easy to feel lost and helpless. However, there are important steps that you can take to protect yourself and ensure that you still receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries and damages.
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we understand the stress and frustration you’re going through. As experienced personal injury attorneys, we’re here to guide you through the steps of the hit-and-run process and navigate the legal challenges that you may face. Let’s walk through what you should do immediately after one of these accidents.
What Is a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run occurs when a driver causes an accident and then leaves the scene without providing their contact or insurance information, or assisting with the investigation. Under Georgia law, hit-and-run accidents are treated as criminal offenses. Drivers who flee can face serious consequences, including charges and fines.
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run in Alpharetta, it’s important to remember that the law protects your right to seek compensation, even if the responsible driver is not immediately identified. Georgia’s laws provide avenues for you to recover damages through your own insurance or other legal resources.
Step 1: Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention
The first priority after any accident is your safety. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, move to a safe location if possible, especially if the accident occurred on a busy road or highway. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
Even if you don’t feel hurt, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries like whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions may not show symptoms immediately, but can be serious. Having a medical record of your injuries is also crucial when seeking compensation, because it serves as evidence to support your claim.
Step 2: Report the Hit-and-Run to Law Enforcement
After ensuring your own safety and seeking medical care, you should report the accident to the Alpharetta Police Department or other local law enforcement agency. They will launch an investigation and file a police report, which will also be necessary for your insurance claim and legal proceedings.
Provide as much detail as possible to law enforcement for your report, including:
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The location of the accident.
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A description of the vehicle that fled the scene (e.g., make, model, color).
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Any identifying features, such as a license plate number, part of the car’s damage, or unique decals.
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The time of the accident.
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Any other relevant observations.
Even if you don’t have (or can’t recall) all of the details, it’s important to file the report as soon as possible. Similar to the medical record you should have already established, a police report will provide additional evidence to back up your claim.
Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If Possible)
If you’re able, take the time to gather evidence at the scene. The more information that you can provide to law enforcement and your insurance company, the better your chances of recovering damages. Here are some steps we recommend.
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Take photos of the accident scene, including your vehicle, any nearby damage, and the surrounding area.
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Record details of the accident, including what you remember about the car that fled the scene. Even small details — like the type of car, or the direction that the driver was heading — can be helpful.
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Get witness information. If there are any witnesses who saw the accident or the fleeing driver, make sure to get their names and contact information. Eyewitness testimony can significantly help your case.
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Look for surveillance cameras. Check if there are any nearby surveillance cameras — like traffic cameras or security cameras from nearby businesses — that may have captured the accident or the driver’s vehicle.
The more evidence that you can gather, the better your chances of tracking down the responsible driver and building a strong case.
Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve reported the accident to law enforcement, you’ll need to notify your insurance company. In Georgia, if the at-fault driver is not found in a hit-and-run accident, your own insurance policy may cover your medical expenses and other damages through uninsured motorist coverage (UM) or underinsured motorist coverage (UIM).
Here’s what you should do when talking with your insurance.
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Provide as much detail about the accident as you can, including the police report and any evidence you’ve gathered.
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Request a copy of your policy to confirm whether you have UM/UIM coverage.
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Stay in regular communication with your insurer to track the progress of your claim. Make sure that you’re receiving the support that you need.
Having the right insurance coverage can be crucial in hit-and-run accidents. If the responsible driver isn’t found, your own insurance may still provide coverage for your medical bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
Step 5: Work with a Personal Injury Attorney
Navigating a hit-and-run accident claim can be incredibly stressful, but you don’t have to go it alone. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Alpharetta will protect your rights and help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Here are the primary ways that an experienced attorney can benefit your claim.
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Investigating the case: Your lawyer will investigate the incident, looking for evidence and potential leads that could help identify the at-fault driver.
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Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize your settlement, so having an attorney by your side can ensure fair compensation.
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Filing a claim: If the hit-and-run driver is identified, your attorney will assist with filing a claim and pursuing legal action if necessary.
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we’re dedicated to helping hit-and-run accident victims in Alpharetta. We understand the emotional and physical toll these accidents can take, and we’re here to provide the legal support and guidance that you need.
Step 6: Track Medical and Other Expenses
Throughout the recovery process, you’ll need to keep track of all your medical treatments, bills, and any other expenses related to your injuries.
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Keep a record of all doctors’ visits, treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
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If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, note your lost wages and potential future income loss.
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Document any other costs related to your injuries, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications.
These records will be crucial when negotiating your hit-and-run settlement and compensation to cover your expenses.
Step 7: Stay in Touch with Law Enforcement and Insurance
As your case progresses, follow up with law enforcement about the search for the other driver. Similarly, stay in contact with your insurance company and your attorney to confirm that everything is moving forward with your claim.
Let’s Talk About Your Hit-and-Run
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run in Alpharetta, following these crucial steps — seeking medical care, reporting the accident, gathering evidence, and working with your insurance company and a personal injury attorney — can protect your rights and maximize your chances for fair compensation.
At Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, we’re here to guide you through the claim process with expert legal support and compassion. Contact us today to learn more.
