Being the victim of a hit-and-run accident is both traumatic and overwhelming. One moment you’re driving or walking through Atlanta, and the next, you’re left injured, shaken, and wondering what to do after the at-fault driver has fled.
While the situation can feel hopeless, the steps you take immediately after the crash can make a huge difference in protecting your legal rights and your ability to pursue compensation.
At Prieto, Marigliano & Prieto, LLC, our experienced Atlanta hit-and-run lawyers have guided many victims through this process. Follow these steps to protect yourself after a hit-and-run crash in Atlanta.
Step 1: Get to Safety and Call Atlanta Police Immediately
Your priority after any crash is safety. Move your vehicle to a secure location away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Then, call 911 to report the accident. In Atlanta, police officers from the Atlanta Police Department (APD) will arrive to document the incident.
A police report is critical in a hit-and-run case. It provides an official crash record and may contain details that help identify the fleeing driver. Always request a copy of the report for your records.
Step 2: Seek Prompt Medical Care to Document Injuries
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical care immediately. Many injuries, such as concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until hours or days later. Seeing a doctor creates a medical record that links your injuries to the accident, which is essential for any future insurance claim or lawsuit.
Step 3: Collect Evidence and Details at the Scene
Because the at-fault driver fled, the evidence you gather may be crucial to your case. Every detail matters. Here’s what to focus on while the scene is fresh:
- Photograph the Scene: Don’t just snap a single picture of your car. Be sure to also include debris, skid marks, and any visible injuries in your photos.
- Write Down Details: Note the time, location, and anything you recall about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, model, direction, or license plate numbers).
- Gather Witnesses: Ask anyone nearby what they saw. A bystander may have caught a crucial detail you missed, like the vehicle’s license plate.
- Look for Surveillance. Businesses and homes often have cameras that record the road. The sooner you ask, the better your chance of preserving the footage.
Quick action gives you the best chance of securing valuable proof.
Step 4: Preserve Critical Hit-and-Run Evidence
Physical evidence can make the difference between a dead end and a strong claim in a hit-and-run case. After calling the police and securing medical care, examine the crash scene closely for any items the fleeing driver may have left behind.
This might include broken mirrors, bumper fragments, or other vehicle parts. Also check for damaged signs, scraped pavement, or knocked-down barriers that show where the impact occurred. Photograph or video these details immediately, since road crews and weather can quickly erase them.
Finally, share any evidence you collect with investigating officers and your attorney so it’s properly documented and preserved for your claim.
Step 5: Explore Your Compensation Options in Georgia
Even if the hit-and-run driver is never caught, you may still have avenues for financial recovery under Georgia law:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Georgia law doesn’t require UM insurance, but insurance companies must offer it when you buy a policy. Unless you reject it in writing, it’s automatically included. UM coverage can pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. With respect to underinsured motorists, this optional policy may provide additional compensation if the driver is found but does not have enough insurance to cover your losses.
- Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Program: This state program may help pay for medical expenses and counseling for victims of hit-and-run crashes who meet eligibility requirements.
If you’re unsure about your coverage or recovery options, our Atlanta hit-and-run lawyers can review your case and explain your next steps.
Challenges in Hit-and-Run Cases
Hit-and-run accidents are uniquely challenging. Fleeing drivers can be difficult to track, and valuable evidence often disappears quickly. That’s why acting fast and following the right steps is so important.
This is where skilled legal help makes a real difference. A lawyer doesn’t just file paperwork; they coordinate with investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and insurers to strengthen your case, even if the driver is never found.
Statistics from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety reveal a widespread problem: 8% of all fatal and serious injury crashes in Georgia’s urban counties, including Atlanta, are hit-and-run incidents, compared to just 3% in rural counties.
That gap highlights how frequently drivers flee in busy metropolitan areas, where identifying the culprit can be challenging. While not every driver is caught, attorneys typically uncover critical leads, such as surveillance footage or witness accounts, that police may not have the resources to pursue on their own.
How Atlanta Hit-and-Run Lawyers Can Help
At Prieto, Marigliano & Prieto, LLC, we understand how overwhelming a hit-and-run crash can be.
Our team helps victims by:
- Investigating the accident and locating additional evidence.
- Communicating with the Atlanta Police Department about updates in the case.
- Reviewing your insurance policies for UM/UIM coverage.
- Negotiating with insurers or filing a lawsuit to secure fair compensation.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of a hit-and-run alone.
Take Action Today, Contact Prieto, Marigliano & Prieto, LLC
The shock of a hit-and-run crash in Atlanta can leave you feeling powerless, but you do have options. By calling the police, seeking medical care, preserving evidence, and exploring your recovery options, you can protect your legal rights and bolster your claim.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run, reach out to the experienced Atlanta hit-and-run lawyers at Prieto, Marigliano & Prieto, LLC. Our priority is your recovery, and we ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.