Skip to content

Legal Rights After a Hit-and-Run Accident: What Victims Need to Know

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, you may feel overwhelmed, unsure of your next steps, and wondering how you’ll recover physically, emotionally, and financially. At Meeks Impact Law, we understand how devastating these incidents can be, and we’re here to guide you through this challenging time.

What is Georgia’s Hit-and-Run Law?

Hit-and-run offenses in Georgia are taken very seriously, especially when injuries or fatalities occur. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, drivers involved in an accident must stop immediately, provide their name, address, and insurance details, and offer reasonable assistance to anyone injured. Failing to do so is considered a hit-and-run, and the penalties depend on the severity of the accident:

  • Misdemeanor: If the accident only causes property damage or minor injuries, leaving the scene is typically classified as a misdemeanor.
  • Felony: If the accident results in serious injury or death, fleeing the scene is a felony, punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison.

These laws are in place to ensure that drivers take responsibility for their actions and prioritize the well-being of anyone involved.

Unfortunately, many hit-and-run drivers leave the scene out of fear or to avoid legal consequences, often because they’re already engaging in illegal activity, such as driving without insurance, a valid license, or even in a stolen vehicle.

While it’s natural to feel angry or hopeless after being involved in a hit-and-run, remember that there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your future.

If a Hit-and-Run Accident Happens

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Cumming or anywhere else in Georgia, try to remain calm and follow these steps to safeguard your health and rights:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety should be your top priority. Even if your injuries seem minor, a medical professional can assess you for hidden injuries.
  2. Document as much as possible. If you’re able, write down or photograph the fleeing vehicle’s license plate, make, model, and color. Take photos of the accident scene, your vehicle, and your injuries.
  3. Gather witness information. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact details. Their statements could be invaluable to your case. Relevant dashcam footage from you or another vehicle can be similarly invaluable.
  4. File a police report. Reporting the accident is crucial, as it creates an official record and initiates the search for the hit-and-run driver.
  5. Consult a lawyer promptly. A knowledgeable hit-and-run injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options, pursue compensation, and handle communications with insurance companies. Your job should be focusing on healing – let the experts handle everything else.
  • Impact Law Attorneys Ready to Fight For You
  • Legal Nurse COnsultant, Attorney, Paralegals, and Community Engagement Specialist
  • Meeks Impact Law Sponsors Georgia Roadway
  • Attorneys and Paralegals ready to advocate for Georgians

About our team

At Meeks Impact Law, our team shares one purpose: helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. We take pride in the small firm difference, where every client matters, every case receives personal attention, and our team works closely together to make sure no one feels lost in the process.

How Can You Be Compensated After a Hit-and-Run Accident?

After several days or weeks, a hit-and-run driver may be identified and located, allowing you the opportunity to hold them accountable. If this happens, your lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim against their insurance. Compensation may cover:

  • Medical expenses (current and future)
  • Lost income and reduced earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damage

If the driver is not found, you may still have options. Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can provide financial relief if you’re injured in a hit-and-run. While Georgia doesn’t require drivers to carry UM coverage insurance, having this protection can make a significant difference after an accident – particularly in the case of a hit-and-run. Check with your motor vehicle insurance provider to see if you are covered and learn more about the importance of added-on UM coverage and how it works for Georgians here.

How Can a Cumming Personal Injury Lawyer Help You?

If a hit-and-run driver injures you in Georgia, have a comprehensive medical exam at once, and then schedule a consultation with an experienced hit-and-run injury lawyer. Your lawyer will discuss all of your options and rights, help you locate potential compensation sources, and negotiate on your behalf with the relevant insurance provider(s).

Any time you are injured by another individual’s negligence, it’s smart to have an injury lawyer’s advice, but the complications in a hit-and-run case mean that having a dedicated and experienced attorney’s advice is imperative from the beginning.

What Else Should You Know About Hit-and-Run in Georgia?

In Georgia, you have a two-year time limit (statute of limitations) for taking legal action after you’ve been injured in a traffic accident. Whether you are filing a claim against the other driver’s auto insurance provider or your own insurance company, don’t wait two years.

Your hit-and-run injury attorney needs to examine the evidence and speak to the witnesses as quickly as possible. Evidence deteriorates or disappears over time, and witnesses forget details. The sooner you act, the more likely it is that your injury claim will prevail.

Also, don’t let financial worries stop you from seeking justice, especially if you’re injured and unable to work. At our firm, we handle hit-and-run cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our attorney fees are paid from the settlement we secure for you—not out of your pocket

Also, don’t let financial anxieties keep you from seeking justice, especially if you’re injured and unable to work. Our diligent team handles hit-and-run cases on a contingent fee basis, meaning that our attorney fees will be paid out from the settlement they help you secure- not from your pocket.

Who Should Handle Your Hit-and-Run Injury Claim?

At Meeks Impact Law, we understand the fear and frustration that follow a hit-and-run accident. Led by attorney Zach Meeks, our team has extensive experience helping victims of negligence secure the justice they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a hit-and-run accident, we’re here to provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance every step of the way. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery, with no obligation.

FAQs

First, make sure everyone is safe and call 911 to report the crash. Get medical attention, even if you feel fine, since some injuries take time to appear. If possible, gather photos, witness names, and insurance details. Then, contact a Georgia personal injury lawyer before speaking with the insurance company. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and preserve valuable evidence.

The time limit to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia, known as the statute of limitations, can vary depending on the type of accident and injury. For example, car wrecks, wrongful death cases, and injuries on unsafe property may all have different filing deadlines.

Because important evidence can disappear quickly, it is always best to contact our office as soon as possible after an accident. From the start, we work to preserve key evidence, ensure you are receiving the comprehensive medical care you need, and handle communication with insurance companies so you can focus on recovery while we focus on protecting your case.

In many Georgia personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident, but certain circumstances can shorten or extend that timeline. Talk to our team to determine the statute of limitations related to your circumstances and how we can step in to help, today.

Every case is different. Some settle within a few months, while others take longer depending on the extent of your injuries, medical treatment, and negotiations with the insurance company. Our goal is always to move your case forward efficiently while protecting the full value of your claim.

The timeline can also be affected by external factors such as court scheduling, insurance companies delaying responses, or bad actors trying to avoid accountability. Even when the process takes time, our team stays proactive so you can focus on healing while we handle the rest.

Throughout the process, we make communication simple and consistent. You’ll receive regular updates on your case and have easy access to our team through a secure app right on your phone. It includes texting-style messaging and case updates at the touch of a button, so you’re never left wondering where things stand. Of course, we’re always happy to talk with you directly by phone whenever you prefer.

It’s common for insurance companies, or even the at-fault party, to offer quick compensation after an accident. These early offers are often made before the full extent of your injuries, medical costs, or long-term needs are known. Accepting too soon can prevent you from recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.

Even if someone offers you money at the scene of the accident, that does not necessarily mean you don’t have a case. In many situations, those offers are an attempt to limit future liability. Our team can review the facts, explain your options, and help you understand what your claim may truly be worth before you make any decisions.

All of our personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to get started. We only collect a fee if we secure an offer off recovery for you. This approach keeps our interests aligned with yours and ensures that we only succeed when you do. Every fee agreement is explained in writing before representation begins so you can make an informed decision with confidence.

Getting started is simple. Reach out for a free consultation so our team can review your situation and help you understand your options. We will guide you through each step with clarity and care, answer your questions, and explain how we can begin building your case right away.

You can call (678)-341-5212, email Intake@meeksimpactlaw.com, or submit a message through our contact form to get started today.