How to Report a Hit-and-Run Accident in Georgia: Everything You Need to Know

Being involved in a car accident is already distressing, but it becomes even more traumatic when the at-fault driver flees the scene—a situation that impacts hundreds of Georgians each year. To report a hit-and-run in Atlanta, the appropriate steps depend on the urgency of the incident. If anyone is injured or if it’s an emergency, dial 911 immediately. This not only ensures medical assistance arrives promptly, but also guarantees that the incident is documented per Georgia law.

For non-emergency situations where no injuries are evident, you have alternative reporting methods. Within Atlanta city limits, you can call 311 and select option 2, or, if you’re unable to speak, send a text message to 911. Additionally, the Atlanta Police Department provides an online reporting system for minor, non-urgent hit-and-run cases.

Taking swift action safeguards your legal rights, bolsters potential injury claims, and positions you more strongly when pursuing justice. At The Stoddard Firm, our team leverages thorough documentation from the outset to build a powerful and persuasive case on your behalf in Atlanta hit-and-run matters.

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What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident and Why It Matters in Georgia

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver involved in a collision leaves the scene without stopping to provide identification, offer assistance, or report the incident. In Georgia, this behavior is not only unethical—it is a serious criminal offense. Victims are often left in vulnerable situations, facing both physical injuries and financial strain without immediate recourse.

Under Ga. Code §40-6-27, drivers must stop, render aid, and exchange information after an accident involving injury, death, or property damage.

Steps to Take Right After a Hit-and-Run Accident

Your immediate actions can make a major difference in your case and safety. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, understanding how to report a hit-and-run correctly can be critical.

Take these steps to protect yourself and your claim:

• Call 911: Dial 911 if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage.
• Move your vehicle: If possible and safe, steer your car out of traffic to avoid additional accidents.
• Gather details: Write down what you remember about the other vehicle—make, model, color, license plate number, and any visible characteristics of the driver.
• Take photos: Document your car’s damage, debris, the surrounding environment, and skid marks.
• Exchange info: If there are witnesses or other drivers involved, obtain their contact and insurance details.
• Notify the police: Even if you already called 911, ensure a formal report is filed.
• Contact your insurance provider: Begin the claims process by providing them with all relevant documentation and evidence.

Every detail you capture in those moments can play a vital role in both the police investigation and your legal case.

How to File a Police Report After a Hit-and-Run

Filing a police report after a hit-and-run in Atlanta is both a legal obligation and an essential step in building your case. There are several methods to report the incident:

• Call 911: For emergencies or if there are injuries.
• Call 311 (Option 2): For non-emergency reports within Atlanta.
• Text to 911: For those with hearing or speech impairments.
• Online Reporting: The Atlanta Police Department offers online reporting for specific, non-emergency situations.
• In-Person Reporting: Visit the local precinct to file the report.

Georgia law requires reporting any accident with injury, death, or property damage over $500. While there’s no set deadline, filing within 10 days helps avoid insurance and legal claims delays. Online reports are limited to non-emergencies; serious cases must be reported in person or via 911.

Contact Your Insurance Company the Same Day

After the police, you’ll need to inform your insurance company that you’ve been a victim of hit-and-run. Most insurance policies require policyholders to report accidents within a set timeframe. Failing to do so can affect your coverage, so it’s best to make to reach out to your insurer as soon as possible after speaking with the police.

The best way to reach out to your insurer is in writing – that way there is a record that you reached out.  Regardless of whether you alert the insurer in writing or on the phone, don’t go into detail.  Instead, be brief and factual.  For example, I was a wreck on x date at y time and z location.  The police responded and wrote a report.  The other driver is at fault.  There is property damage to my car and injuries.  That’s it.

It’s important to remember that, while you have a duty to cooperate with your insurance company, and while that insurer can sometimes act as a vital source of assistance after an accident, that insurer exists to make money for its shareholders and its interests are not your interests. The more information you volunteer, and the more questions you answer, the easier it is for the insurance company to strategize on how to end up paying out as little as possible.

Keep any call quick and to the point. Don’t make any guesses about the details you don’t know, and don’t feel guilty about your report being less than complete. Your lawyer can help you fill in the gaps later, after the police, your doctor, and your mechanic have had time to do their work.

How to Preserve Evidence After a Hit-and-Run

Preserving evidence strengthens your case and increases the chances of identifying the at-fault driver. Take the following actions:

• Photograph everything: Take wide and close-up shots of damage, license plates, road conditions, and any injuries.
• Collect witness accounts: Record their names, phone numbers, and a brief summary of what they saw.
• Secure surveillance footage: Nearby businesses or residences might have security cameras; act quickly before footage is overwritten.
• Keep medical records: Document all medical visits, diagnoses, and bills resulting from the accident.
• Save receipts: Keep track of repair costs, towing expenses, and any out-of-pocket payments.

The better your documentation, the stronger your claim will be, especially if legal action is necessary.

Legal Outcomes After a Hit-and-Run

Legal consequences in Georgia vary based on whether the offending driver is identified. Penalties may involve both criminal charges and civil liability.

What Happens If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Caught?

The driver can face criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and points against their license. According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, charges may include leaving the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident involving an unattended vehicle, or failing to report striking a fixed object.

Consequences range from fines and potential jail time to license suspension or revocation, along with increased civil liability for pain, suffering, and punitive damages.

What If the Hit-and-Run Driver Is Never Found?

You may still have legal options even if the driver is not identified. Georgia allows for compensation through your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage. This can help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle repairs
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

If you have UM coverage, work closely with your attorney and insurance provider to submit a comprehensive claim that accounts for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and emotional distress from the crash.

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You Don’t Have to Face This Alone—Talk to a Hit-and-Run Lawyer Today

If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one to a hit-and-run accident, you’ll need a lawyer’s help to collect the full compensation you deserve.

Having someone specifically in your corner can help you maximize your chances of finding the hit-and-run driver, beyond what help the police may be available to offer. Once the driver has been found, your lawyer can then help you establish the facts of how the accident happened and how it affected you, and hold the hit-and-run driver’s insurance company to its responsibilities.

If all efforts to find the hit-and-run driver fail, your lawyer’s task shifts toward seeking other sources of compensation, such as:

• Your own auto insurance company, if you have uninsured driver coverage.
• The owner of the property where the accident took place, especially if it’s a business that can encourage bad driving, like a bar.
• The city where the accident took place, if the infrastructure is particularly accident-prone.

These are not first-choice options for accident compensation, which makes proving their liability more challenging, but not impossible.

The Stoddard Firm has experts in traffic law, personal injury, and wrongful death, and we’re passionate about making sure our clients get the resources they need to rebuild after an accident.

To get started discussing your case, reach out any time by phone or chat for a free consultation.