What to do after a Hit And Run Accident in Georgia?
- February 16, 2018
Automobile accidents are a scary experience for all parties involved.
It’s important to follow the right steps including what information to gather after the crash to make sure you’re injuries and damages are going to be fully covered, especially if it was not your fault.
But wait! What if the other car involved left the scene?
This makes it a hit and run. Usually, if someone flees the scene of an accident it is to cover up the fact they are involved in something illegal such as driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license, they already have charges against them or something along those lines.
This may seem silly to you because a hit and run is a criminal offense and an individual can be charged for it.
Don’t let them get away with it, hiring a defense attorney to represent your case to bring the careless person to justice is your right.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the steps you need to take when you are the victim of a hit and run accident.
I met with Harry Brown personally and he sat with me for 20 minutes at our initial consultation to explain everything. He even called after my surgery to see how I was doing. I met with him several more times after that and was kept informed about my case throughout. I highly recommend Harry Brown as an attorney.
Steps to take when you are a victim of a hit and run in Georgia:
1. Stay Calm: Nothing good comes from panic. Take a deep breath and begin to assess your situation. Do not chase after them. Right now you are the victim and if you go into rage state then it is like the old saying two wrongs don’t make a right.
2. Write Information Down: If you are okay, quickly write down the condition of the roads, the time and place of the accident, the make and model of the are that hit you, and the license plate number. If you do not know the make and model write a description and as for the license plate as much as you can get off it will at least help start the investigation process.
3. Call 911: Report the incident and if you’re hurt, make sure to say that first so they can get an ambulance to you as soon as possible. They will also send police to get a report on the accident for insurance reasons. If you provide the police with information on the vehicle that hit yours and the direction they went in then the police can send out an alert to try and capture the person while they are still on the run.
4. Medical Treatment: Always get medical treatment. Taking care of yourself is most important. Also having documents of your injuries will help you if you need to file a case to get compensation.
5. Gather Evidence: If you’re not injured, get out of the car and take pictures. Photograph the damage of the vehicle, the location, and the weather conditions in your photos. Look for anyone who witnessed the accident. Get their information so they can be contacted for further details on what happened.
Related Post: 5 Steps to Take if You Were Hit by a Drunk Driver.
What if I wasn’t in my car when someone hit it?
This is a common situation. In fact, 69 percent of hit and runs in the U.S. involve parked cars and 64 percent are in a parking lot, according to Allstate Insurance 2010 study.
If you are a victim of this type of hit and run then check your windshield for a note. Ask local businesses if they have a security camera that may have captured the accident and file a police report.
So now that you know what to do if you were the victim of a hit and run accident, let us flip the coin over to take a look at what you should do if you caused the accident.
If you are the person who hit the unattended car and don’t know what to do, follow the tips below to protect yourself.
Every state says if you flee from the scene of the crash, then it is considered a hit and run that can result in criminal penalties and jail time.
Helpful tips on what to do if you hit an unattended car:
- Leave a note on their windshield with your information
- Walk into the local businesses and ask if the car belong to anyone in there
- Wait for them to return to their car if you can
- Call your insurance company
- Get a witness
- Take photos
Ready to Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Your Back?
Victims of Hit and Run Accidents Can Get Help Now
If you were a victim of a hit and run don’t let the other person win by not doing anything about it.
Call us to have one of our experienced Georgia Auto Accident Attorneys look at your case so we can bring peace and justice back in your life.
Original Article Published Here
Our Recent Personal Injury Articles
Migraines After Car Crash? Here’s What They Mean and What to Do
Headaches after a car accident may deserve compensation but convincing the insurance companies is difficult. Here’s how to secure the money you deserve.
How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out?
You’re eager to get your settlement money and move on with your life. However, a few things must happen before it’s in your hands. Learn how we can help.
Man with Permanent Disfigurement Wins His Case: Kelly’s Story
Kelly had a broken bone, daily pain, and visible scaring because of an accident he didn’t cause. Learn how The Brown Firm helped him get the money he deserved.
How to Prove You Have Whiplash—and How a Lawyer Can Help
Whiplash is common, but not usually very easy to prove. This article digs into what whiplash is, why it’s a challenge to prove, and how an attorney can help.
Does Workers Comp Cover Car Accidents, or do I Need a Third-Party Claim?
Employers offer workers’ compensation to pay for injuries and lost income after an employee’s car accident. But is that the only option workers have?
Can I Be Compensated for Neck and Back Pain After Car Accident Injuries?
Neck and back injuries are common after a car accident, although some don’t show up right away. Learn how to seek compensation and how an attorney can help.
What to Do When It’s Word Against Word in a Car Accident?
How do you prove who’s at fault when there are no witnesses to support your claim? Learn how fault works under the law and how an attorney can help.
The Brown Firm Wins Multiple Claims After Client’s Double Accident
Keely was rear-ended on the interstate, and then hit again by someone who was trying to help. Find out how The Brown Firm helped her get compensation.
Turning a Case Around After an Inaccurate Police Report
Shirley was wrongfully faulted for an accident she didn’t cause, and other lawyers wouldn’t help. Learn how The Brown Firm dug deeper to turn her case around.
Do Insurance Companies Hire Private Investigators?
Injured people may be surprised when they’re followed by a private investigator, but it does happen. Learn how to protect your case, and how a lawyer can help.
Contact The Brown Firm
Get the Answers and Compensation You Deserve
You’ll notice the difference when you contact The Brown Firm! Our local dedicated attorneys want to help you recover and rebuild. We serve all of Georgia and South Carolina from four conveniently located offices in Savannah, Atlanta, Athens, and Okatie.
Schedule your free consultation by calling (912) 324-2498 or completing our simple online form.