Hit-and-Run Accidents in Georgia | Uninsured Motorist Claims

Common Hit-and-Run Scenarios

When drivers flee the scene:

1. Parking Lot Hit-and-Runs

   • Most common type

   • Driver damages parked car and leaves

   • No note left

   • Often minor damage but still illegal

2. Side-Swipe and Flee

   • Driver side-swipes vehicle on highway

   • Keeps driving without stopping

   • High-speed scenarios

   • May not even realize they hit something (claim later)

3. Rear-End and Run

   • Driver rear-ends at stoplight

   • Flees when light changes

   • May have no insurance

   • Fear of DUI charges

4. Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs

   • Pedestrian struck and driver leaves

   • Especially serious (injury + no immediate help)

   • Felony in Georgia

   • Higher penalties

5. Property Damage and Flee

   • Driver hits mailbox, fence, building

   • Leaves without identifying themselves

   • Still illegal

Why Drivers Flee

Common reasons (doesn't make it legal):

• No Insurance: Can't provide proof (1 in 4 Georgia drivers uninsured)

• DUI/Impaired: Fear of arrest

• Suspended License: Driving illegally

• Outstanding Warrants: Avoiding police contact

• Stolen Vehicle: Unauthorized use

• Panic: Poor judgment in moment

• Prior Accidents: Insurance issues or points on license

Georgia Penalties for Hit-and-Run:

• Property damage only: Misdemeanor, up to 12 months jail

• Injury: Felony, 1-5 years prison

• Death: Felony, 3-15 years prison

Immediate Steps After Hit-and-Run

Act fast – evidence disappears quickly:

1. Call 911 Immediately

• Report hit-and-run to police

• Even if minor property damage

• Required by law

• Creates official record

2. Note Vehicle Description

• Make, model, color

• License plate (even partial)

• Direction of travel

• Number of occupants

• Any distinguishing features (damage, bumper stickers)

3. Look for Witnesses

• Other drivers who saw it

• Pedestrians

• Nearby residents or workers

• Get contact information immediately

4. Search for Cameras

• Nearby businesses with security cameras

• Traffic cameras at intersections

• Ring doorbells or home security systems

• ATM cameras

• Dashcams from other vehicles

• Act within 24-72 hours before footage deleted

5. Document Everything

• Photos of your vehicle damage

• Photos of scene (tire marks, debris)

• Your injuries

• Paint transfer from other vehicle

• Broken parts left at scene

6. Canvass the Area

• Check nearby streets for damaged vehicle

• Hit-and-run driver may live nearby

• Look in parking lots and driveways

• Take photos of any suspicious vehicles

How to Find Hit-and-Run Drivers

Investigation methods:

Police Investigation:

• File report immediately

• Provide all information you have

• Police may investigate (especially if injuries)

• BOLO (Be On Lookout) issued

• May check repair shops for matching damage

Private Investigation:

• Your attorney can hire investigator

• Canvass area for cameras

• Interview witnesses

• Check body shops for matching repairs

• Social media searches

• Neighborhood inquiries

Camera Footage:

• Traffic cameras (subpoena through attorney)

• Business security systems (request immediately)

• Home security cameras (Ring, Nest)

• Dashcam from your vehicle or others

• ATM cameras

Physical Evidence:

• Paint transfer on your vehicle (identifies color/type)

• Broken parts left at scene (VIN numbers, part numbers)

• Tire marks or skid patterns

• Debris analysis

Public Appeals:

• Local news coverage

• Social media posts

• Crime Stoppers rewards

• Community awareness

Success Rate:

• Police find driver in ~10-20% of cases

• Private investigation improves odds

• More likely if injuries involved

• Time is critical

Compensation Through UM Coverage

Your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you:

What UM Coverage Pays:

• All bodily injury damages

• Medical bills

• Lost wages

• Pain and suffering

• Future medical needs

• Disability

Requirements:

• Must have UM coverage on your policy (check now!)

• Must file police report documenting hit-and-run

• Must cooperate with your insurance investigation

• Must prove accident happened as claimed

Filing UM Claim:

Step 1: Report to Your Insurance

• Within 24-48 hours

• Provide police report number

• Describe what happened

• Submit photos and evidence

Step 2: Cooperate with Investigation

• Your insurance will investigate

• May require statement

• May inspect vehicle

• Looking for fraud (people sometimes damage own cars)

Step 3: Document Injuries

• Seek immediate medical attention

• Follow all treatment recommendations

• Keep all records and bills

• Don't minimize injuries

Step 4: Negotiate Settlement

• Once treatment complete

• Submit all medical records and bills

• Calculate total damages

• Negotiate like third-party claim

• May require attorney for fair settlement

Important: Your rates should not increase for using UM coverage – you weren't at fault.

What if you don't have UM coverage?

• Limited options

• Can only recover if driver is found

• Sue driver personally (if located)

• May have Crime Victim Compensation fund option (limited)

This is why UM coverage is essential in Georgia (25% uninsured driver rate).

Average Compensation

Hit-and-run settlements similar to other accident types:

Minor Injuries: $5,000 - $20,000

• Soft tissue injuries

• Brief treatment

• Full recovery

• UM claim with your insurance

Moderate Injuries: $20,000 - $75,000

• Injuries requiring extended treatment

• Some permanent impact

• Lost wages

• UM policy limits may apply

Serious Injuries: $75,000 - $250,000+

• Significant permanent injuries

• Surgery required

• Long-term impact

• May exhaust UM policy limits

Factors affecting settlement:

• Your UM policy limits (ceiling on recovery)

• Injury severity

• Whether driver is found (additional recovery possible)

• Strength of evidence (no dispute about fault if driver never identified)

If Driver is Found:

• Can pursue their insurance

• Plus your UM/UIM if their coverage insufficient

• May have criminal restitution option

• Driver faces criminal penalties

Special Considerations

Pedestrian Hit-and-Runs:

• Higher penalties for driver

• More likely police will investigate

• Your auto insurance UM may still cover (check policy)

• Health insurance pays medical bills initially

Bicycle Hit-and-Runs:

• Same as pedestrian

• UM coverage on auto policy may apply

• Homeowners/renters insurance sometimes covers

Property Damage Only:

• Your collision coverage pays for vehicle

• Deductible applies

• Insurance pursues driver if found (subrogation)

• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) if you have it

Parking Lot Accidents:

• Still illegal to leave without note

• File police report even for property damage

• Security cameras often available

• Collision coverage repairs vehicle