Car accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, leaving you shaken and disoriented. But when another driver flees the scene without stopping to exchange information or render aid, it can be especially traumatic and confusing. Hit-and-run accidents are unfortunately all too common on Georgia roads, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer alone.
In this article, we’ll explain what steps you should take immediately after a hit-and-run accident, including how an experienced Alpharetta car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and secure compensation for your damages.
Why Would Someone Flee an Accident Scene in Georgia?
There are many reasons why someone might flee the scene of an accident in Georgia. Some drivers may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and they fear getting caught by law enforcement.
Others may not have a valid driver’s license or insurance, and they’re afraid to face legal repercussions for their actions. In some cases, a hit-and-run driver may simply panic and react impulsively without considering the consequences.
Regardless of why they chose to leave the scene, it’s important for you to remain calm and focused on your own safety. Do not attempt to chase after the other driver or confront them if you do manage to catch up with them – this can only escalate tensions and put you in danger.
Remember that fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal in Georgia.
Do Not Attempt to Chase the Hit and Run Driver
After being involved in a hit-and-run accident, your initial reaction might be to go after the driver who fled the scene. However, it’s important to remember that chasing them down is not only dangerous but also illegal.
Chasing after a hit-and-run driver puts you at risk of getting into another accident or getting hurt. Additionally, if you do catch up to them and take matters into your own hands, it could result in criminal charges against you.
Instead of chasing the driver, try to remember as much information about their vehicle as possible. Take note of the make and model of their car, as well as any distinguishing features like bumper stickers or scratches on their paint job.
If there were any witnesses around when the accident occurred, ask if they saw anything that could help identify the fleeing driver or their car. This information can be extremely helpful when reporting the incident to authorities.
Try to Take a Photo of the Car Focusing on the License Plate
After a hit-and-run accident, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and disoriented. However, if you can keep your presence of mind and take certain steps immediately after the collision, it can help you in the long run. One such step is taking a clear photo of the fleeing car’s license plate.
When trying to capture an image of the vehicle that caused the accident, make sure to focus on its license plate as it’s one of the most critical pieces of information for tracking down a hit-and-run driver. If possible, try to zoom in from different angles until you get a clear shot.
If necessary, ask witnesses or bystanders around for assistance with taking pictures or getting additional details about what they saw during the incident. Every bit of information counts when reporting an accident like this.
Remember that getting photographic evidence alone may not be enough but could provide crucial clues for investigators working on identifying and locating drivers who fled after causing accidents.
Call the Police Immediately to Report the Accident
If you find yourself in a hit-and-run accident, it’s important to call the police immediately. Even if you don’t have the other driver’s license plate number or any identifying information, reporting the incident can help build your case later on.
When you contact law enforcement, make sure to give them as much detail as possible about what happened. Tell them where the accident occurred, what direction the other car was headed in when they left the scene, and any physical description of their vehicle that you may recall.
Once officers arrive on the scene, they will gather evidence and take statements from witnesses who saw what happened. They may also be able to track down surveillance footage or use technology like license plate readers to identify the vehicle that fled.
The police report generated after an accident is often one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case. It provides detailed information about what happened at the time of impact, which can be used by your Alpharetta car accident lawyer to negotiate with insurance companies or present a strong argument in court.
Remember: never hesitate to call 911 if you’re involved in a hit-and-run! The sooner law enforcement arrives on the scene, the better chance there is of finding and holding accountable whoever caused this harm against you.
Document the Accident Scene Carefully
After a hit-and-run, it’s important to document the scene of the accident as thoroughly as possible. This documentation can be critical evidence for your case. Start by taking photos of the damage done to your vehicle from multiple angles.
Also, take pictures of any road signs or landmarks that can help identify where the accident occurred. Don’t forget to photograph any debris left at the scene, such as broken glass or car parts.
Additionally, make sure to get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Their testimony could prove invaluable in helping you build a strong case.
Take notes about everything that happened leading up to and after the accident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Write down details like weather conditions, time of day, traffic patterns, and anything else relevant.
All these steps will help create a clear picture of what happened during the hit and run crash. The more detailed documentation you have on hand, the stronger your claim will be with an Alpharetta car accident lawyer when seeking compensation for damages incurred in this unfortunate event.
Contact an Experienced Alpharetta Car Accident Lawyer!
Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a traumatic experience. However, if you follow the steps outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of catching the perpetrator and receiving compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
Remember to stay calm, avoid chasing the other driver, document everything carefully, and report the incident to the police as soon as possible. Additionally, it’s crucial to contact an experienced Alpharetta car accident lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
We understand how stressful it can be to deal with a hit-and-run accident. Our team of experienced Georgia car accident lawyers is dedicated to helping you receive fair compensation for your damages. Call us to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible after your accident!
