How to Seek Compensation After a Hit-and-Run Accident in Georgia

By bwhlawoffices | Updated on December 3, 2025

A hit-and-run car accident can be one of the most stressful and confusing types of incidents on the road. When the at-fault driver flees the scene, the injured victim may be left to deal with medical bills, missed work, and vehicle repairs all on their own without ever knowing who caused the crash.

If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run in Macon or anywhere in the Middle Georgia area, you still have options for recovering compensation. Below, our Macon hit-and-run injury lawyers explain what steps you can take, which insurance coverages may apply, and how an attorney can help protect your rights.

What Is a Hit-and-Run Accident?

A hit-and-run occurs when a driver involved in a crash leaves the scene without stopping to provide their name, insurance information, or reasonable assistance.

When a car accident occurs, Georgia law requires drivers to:

Stop immediately
Render aid to anyone who is injured
Exchange insurance and identifying information
Contact law enforcement

Failing to do any of these steps is a criminal offense. However, some will flee the scene to avoid accountability or responsibility. And it’s an unfortunate reality that not all hit-and-run drivers are caught.

How Prevalent Are Hit-and-Runs?

Total Accidents

According to a 2018 study by the AAA for Traffic Safety, roughly 682,000 people experienced hit-and-run accidents each year between 2006 and 2016.

Fatalities

According to a 2022 report by the National Safety Council, there were more than 2,932 people killed in hit-and-run accidents across the US, which is a slight increase from the 2,917 fatalities reported in 2021.

What Are Your Options for Seeking Compensation After a Hit-and-Run?

Even if the at-fault driver is never located, you may be able to recover significant compensation through your insurance carrier, depending on your policy. Total compensation will depend on the facts of your case and the types of coverage available to you.

1. File a Claim Through Your Own Auto Insurance

Many Georgia hit-and-run victims are compensated through their own insurance policies. Even though the fleeing driver is at fault, these coverages may apply:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

In Georgia, hit-and-run drivers are legally treated as uninsured drivers. If you carry UM coverage, it can cover:

Medical bills
Lost wages
Vehicle repairs
Wrongful death expenses

UM coverage is one of the most important protections for victims of a hit-and-run.

Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage

If you have purchased MedPay through your carrier, it can help cover medical expenses regardless of fault.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle after a hit-and-run crash.

A car accident attorney can review your policy and help you file the strongest claim possible.

2. Identify the At-Fault Driver and File a Claim Against Them

In some cases, law enforcement may be able to locate the driver who fled.

Methods for locating the hit-and-run driver can include using:

Witness statements
Surveillance or traffic camera footage
License plate information
Vehicle damage traces
Additional investigation tactics

If the driver is identified, you may be able to:

File a third-party insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance
File a civil lawsuit against the driver

A prompt investigation following the accident helps increase the chances of identifying the hit-and-run driver.

3. Explore Additional Sources of Liability

Even if the driver is never found, other parties may be responsible for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend to:

An employer (if the hit-and-run driver was driving for their company at the time)
A vehicle owner who negligently allowed someone else to drive
A bar, restaurant, or establishment that overserved an intoxicated driver (dram shop claim)
A road maintenance agency if a roadway defect contributed to the crash

A skilled personal injury lawyer can investigate your case and identify every possible source of compensation.

Why Working With a Hit-and-Run Attorney Matters

Hit-and-run cases are more complex than standard car accident claims. Insurance companies often dispute or minimize UM claims, and victims may struggle to gather evidence on their own. A hit-and-run lawyer can:

Conduct a detailed investigation
Coordinate with law enforcement
Review your insurance policies
File all available claims
Negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf
Pursue a lawsuit if needed

At Buzzell, Welsh & Hill, our attorneys have helped many Macon residents recover compensation after hit-and-run accidents. We know the tactics insurers use, and we know how to fight back.

Contact the Macon Hit-and-Run Lawyers at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill Today: 478-221-9034

A hit-and-run crash can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. But you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. Our experienced Macon hit-and-run attorneys are here to answer your questions, evaluate your options, and provide peace of mind as we guide you through the claims process.

Call Buzzell, Welsh & Hill today for a free consultation. We’ll help you pursue the compensation you deserve and protect your rights every step of the way: 478-221-9034

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