What to do if someone hits your car and drives off?

Imagine you’re walking back to your car after shopping, and you see a big dent that wasn’t there before. Or maybe you’re driving, and suddenly another car hits you and speeds away. These situations are called “hit and run” accidents, and they can be really scary and confusing.

An Atlanta car accident attorney will help you pursue a hit and run case, gather necessary evidence, work with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Is it legal to leave the scene of the accident?

First, let’s be clear – leaving the scene of an accident is not acceptable. In fact, it’s against the law in Georgia and every other state.

What does the law say?

• If you’re in an accident, you have to stop.
• Check if anyone is hurt. If so, help them or call for help.
• Give the other driver your name, address, and insurance information, and also get their information.
• Call the police if someone is hurt or there’s a lot of damage.

Leaving the scene of an accident can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, or jail time, especially if someone was injured.

People may flee out of fear, lack of insurance, or intoxication, but it’s always illegal.

What can I do if someone hits me and drives off?

If you’re the victim of a hit and run, it can feel really unfair. But there are things you can do to protect yourself and maybe even catch the other driver.

Here are the steps you should take:

• Stay calm and stay safe. If you’re on the road, pull over to a safe spot. Turn on your hazard lights so other cars can see you.
• Call the police right away. Even if no one is hurt, you should call the police. They’ll come to the scene and make a report. This report is really important for your insurance claim.
• Write down everything you remember. Try to remember as much as you can about the other car. What color was it? What kind of car was it? Did you see any of the license plate numbers? Even small details can help
• Look for witnesses. Did anyone else see what happened? If so, ask for their names and phone numbers. They might be able to help later.
• Take pictures. Use your phone to take pictures of the damage to your car. Also take pictures of the whole accident scene.
• Don’t chase the other driver. It might be tempting to try to catch the person who hit you, but this can be dangerous. Let the police handle it.
• Look for cameras. Were there any security cameras nearby that might have caught the accident? Tell the police about them.
• Call your insurance company. Let them know what happened as soon as you can. They’ll tell you what to do next.
• Get medical help if you need it. Sometimes you might not feel hurt right away, but injuries can show up later. If you feel any pain, see a doctor.
• Keep a record. Save all papers related to the accident such as the police report, medical bills, and any repair estimates for your car.

Will my insurance cover me?

After a hit and run, you might be worried about how you’ll pay for the damage to your car or your medical bills. The good news is that your own insurance might help, even if you can’t find the other driver.

Some auto insurance policies that can help include:

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage can help if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance. In a hit and run, the other driver is treated as if they don’t have insurance.

This coverage can pay for:

• Damage to your car
• Your medical bills
• Lost wages if you can’t work because of your injuries
• Collision Coverage, which pays for damage to your car, no matter who caused the accident. You’ll probably have to pay a deductible (a set amount of money) before your insurance kicks in.
• Medical Payments Coverage, which helps pay for medical bills for you and your passengers.

It’s important to know that not everyone has all these types of insurance. Check your policy or call your insurance company to find out what coverage you have.

Also, remember that using your insurance might make your rates go up, even if the accident wasn’t your fault. But it’s usually better than paying for everything yourself.

Should I contact a car accident lawyer?

After a hit and run, talking to a lawyer is always beneficial.

Here’s why:

• Car accident laws can be complicated, and a lawyer can explain your rights and options.
• They can help with your insurance claim. Insurance companies sometimes try to pay less than they should. A lawyer can fight to make sure you get a fair amount.
• Lawyers have ways to find information that you might not know about. They might be able to track down the driver who hit you.
• There’s often a lot of paperwork after an accident. A lawyer can take care of this for you.
• If your case goes to court, a lawyer can speak for you and argue your case.
• A lawyer can help figure out how much money you should ask for, which includes things like future medical bills or lost wages that you might not think of.
• Most car accident lawyers don’t charge you unless they win money for you. This means you don’t have to worry about paying them upfront.
• Dealing with a hit and run can be really stressful. Having a lawyer handle things can help you focus on getting better.

Consult Our Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you’ve been the victim of a hit and run in Atlanta, Spaulding Injury Law Atlanta Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyer will help. Contact us at (770) 744-0890 or online.

We have extensive experience with Georgia law, having helped many Atlanta hit and run victims. We fight for your rights against insurance companies, gather crucial evidence such as security footage and witness statements, and work to get you the maximum compensation.

If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial. We treat you with respect, keep you informed, and offer free consultations without any cost or obligation.

Remember, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Georgia. Don’t wait—call us today to secure your rights and compensation.

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