In Georgia, leaving the scene of a car accident–especially if someone is hurt–is a crime. While the law is clear, that doesn’t mean a driver is always going to do the right–or legal–thing after causing an accident. That usually leaves you dealing with medical bills, car repairs, and the stress of not knowing who will pay for it all. You don’t have to handle that alone. Weaver Law Firm can help you explore your legal options and hold the responsible parties accountable–whether or not the driver can be found.
What Responsibilities Does a Driver Have After a Car Accident?
In Georgia, drivers have clear legal responsibilities after a car accident—no matter how minor the damage may seem. Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273, drivers are required to report an accident to the police if there is:
- Injury
- Death
- Property damage over $500
But that’s not all. Drivers in Georgia have other responsibilities that include:
- Stopping at the scene - Drivers have to pull over and remain at the scene of the accident. Leaving, even briefly, can result in hit-and-run charges.
- Checking for injuries and offering help - Drivers also have to call 911 if anyone is hurt. If it’s safe, they should give reasonable assistance until help arrives.
- Exchanging information - Drivers need to give their name, address, driver’s license, and vehicle registration to the other party or to responding officers.
- Staying on the scene until cleared - Working with law enforcement and not leaving until they’re legally allowed to do so.
Failing to follow these steps isn’t just irresponsible–it’s illegal. And if the accident involves injuries, walking away could lead to criminal charges.
Who Pays For My Damages in One of These Accidents?
Like any other car accident, the driver that acted negligently is going to be the main one responsible for paying for your damages. But if they leave the scene and you can’t get their insurance details, the source of financial support changes.
This raises a big question: how can you cover your injuries and losses if you can’t find the driver? Here are some possible options:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage - Check your car insurance policy for UM coverage. It’s often your best fallback in a hit-and-run. This type of insurance can step in to cover your medical bills, lost income, and even pain and suffering when the at-fault driver can’t be found.
- Health insurance - Your personal health coverage may help pay for ER visits, follow-ups, and any treatment you need for your injuries.
- Collision coverage - If you have this as part of your car insurance, it can help repair or replace your vehicle, even when the other driver is unknown.
Of course, the best outcome in this situation is finding the driver. Police reports, eyewitness accounts, security footage, or nearby cameras can all help track them down. But even if they aren’t found, Georgia law doesn’t leave you without options. More importantly, you don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’ve been hurt in a hit-and-run, we can walk you through your next steps and help you make the most of the coverage available to you. Reach out today to set up a free consultation.