When a careless driver chooses to flee the scene after causing a crash, the harm is more than physical—it is a deliberate violation of Georgia law and a betrayal of basic human decency. Victims of a hit and run accident are left to face mounting medical bills, lasting injuries, and the anguish of knowing the driver responsible tried to escape accountability. At McArthur Law Firm, our attorneys have spent decades standing up for injury victims across Georgia. We understand the frustration and fear that come with these cases, and we know how to take immediate, forceful action to uncover the truth and pursue justice under Georgia law.
Georgia Hit and Run Accident Lawyer
A hit and run is not just another auto accident; it is a criminal act that adds insult to injury. Victims often feel abandoned twice: once by the driver who struck them and again by insurers eager to limit their recovery. We know from experience that these claims require more than routine handling; they demand a lawyer who has the resources, determination, and courtroom skill to build the case from the ground up. In this piece, McArthur Law Firm outlines what every victim and family should know about hit and run accidents in Georgia: how they happen, who may be at fault, the legal avenues for recovery, the compensation that may be pursued, and the role of a Georgia hit and run accident lawyer in fighting for justice on their behalf.
McArthur Law Firm serves the entire state of Georgia, including: Fulton County, Bibb County and Fulton County, as well as Clayton County, Cherokee County, Forsyth County, and surrounding communities. For more information about the McArthur Law Firm or to set up a free consultation to learn what we may be able to do to help you with your hit and run accident and/or injury case, give us a call at one of our offices in Georgia or fill out our online contact form.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
Overview of Georgia Hit and Run Accidents
- Major Types of Hit and Run Accidents
- Injuries From a Hit and Run Accident
- Where Hit and Run Accidents Happen in Georgia
- Who May Be Liable for a Hit and Run Accident
- Role of a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Georgia
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Resources
Major Types of Hit and Run Accidents
Hit and Run With a Pedestrian — When a driver strikes a person walking and then flees the scene, the consequences can be devastating. Georgia law O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 requires a driver to stop, remain at the scene, and provide help. Failing to do so can result in felony charges if serious injury or death occurs. Pedestrian hit and runs are common near crosswalks, intersections, and residential areas where visibility may be lower.
Hit and Run With a Bicyclist — Cyclists are particularly vulnerable because they lack the protection of a vehicle frame. Georgia drivers are legally obligated under O.C.G.A. §40-6-56 to maintain a safe distance of at least three feet when passing a bicycle. If a driver hits a cyclist and leaves, it is both a violation of the duty to share the road safely and a criminal offense under Georgia’s hit and run statute.
Hit and Run With Another Car in Traffic — When two vehicles collide on Georgia roadways, the law requires drivers to exchange names, addresses, and insurance details. O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 makes it illegal to leave the scene before doing so. These incidents often occur in heavy traffic, where a fleeing driver may try to escape responsibility for damages or injuries.
Hit and Run With Parked Cars — Even if no one is inside the vehicle, Georgia law still requires accountability. O.C.G.A. §40-6-271 requires any driver who strikes an unattended vehicle to stop and attempt to locate the owner or leave contact information. Fleeing in these cases can lead to criminal charges.
Hit and Run Involving Motorcycles — Motorcyclists face unique risks because even low-speed collisions can cause severe injuries. If a driver hits a motorcyclist and fails to stop, O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 applies just as it does with cars and pedestrians. Because motorcycles are harder to see, many of these crashes happen during lane changes or at intersections, and the driver may wrongly assume they can get away unnoticed.
Hit and Run Involving Commercial Trucks — Collisions with large trucks are particularly serious due to their size and weight. In Georgia, when a commercial driver flees an accident scene, it is a violation of O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 and can also involve federal trucking regulations.
Hit and Run Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death — The most tragic hit and run accidents are those where the victim does not survive. Georgia law under O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 requires a driver to render aid and call emergency services. Leaving the scene of a fatal accident is treated as a felony. Families of victims often seek justice not only through the criminal courts but also by pursuing civil claims for wrongful death.
Injuries From a Hit and Run Accident
Brain and Head Trauma — A sudden impact in a hit and run accident can cause concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries. Victims may experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, or permanent changes in personality and thinking.
Spinal Cord and Paralysis Injuries — Injuries to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, leaving victims unable to move parts of their body
Crush Injuries and Broken Bones — The force of a vehicle striking a person, bike, or another car can lead to multiple broken bones. In severe cases, victims are trapped and suffer crush injuries to arms, legs, or the chest, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery or even amputation.
Internal Organ Damage — A hit and run accident often causes hidden injuries, such as internal bleeding or damage to the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can be life-threatening and may not be immediately obvious.
Soft Tissue and Muscle Injuries — Strains, sprains, and torn ligaments are common in hit and run accidents. Whiplash, which affects the neck and shoulders, can cause long-term stiffness and pain.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma — The experience of being struck and abandoned can be as damaging emotionally as the physical injuries. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety in traffic, or depression.
Where Hit and Run Accidents Happen in Georgia
Busy Downtown Intersections in Macon — In Macon, hit and run accidents often happen at crowded intersections where cars, pedestrians, and cyclists all share space. Locations near Mercer University, downtown Cherry Street, and the busy intersections along Riverside Drive see frequent traffic congestion, which increases the risk of collisions and fleeing drivers.
High-Speed Corridors on I-75 and I-16 — Interstate highways are especially dangerous when a hit and run occurs because speeds are much higher. Drivers on I-75, which runs through Macon and Atlanta, may panic after a crash and flee the scene to avoid responsibility. I-16, connecting Macon to Savannah, also has a history of serious wrecks, including hit and runs.
Atlanta Highways and Connector Roads — In Atlanta, the Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) and I-285 are hotspots for hit and run crashes. Heavy traffic, stop-and-go driving, and reckless lane changes make it easier for a driver to hit another car or motorcycle and then disappear into traffic before police arrive.
Parking Lots and Residential Neighborhoods — Hit and run accidents frequently happen in store parking lots, apartment complexes, and residential neighborhoods. In Macon, shopping centers along Eisenhower Parkway and Presidential Parkway are common sites. In Atlanta, crowded mall parking areas like Lenox Square and residential streets in Buckhead and Midtown see regular hit and run incidents, especially when vehicles are parked and unattended.
Nighttime and Weekend Trouble Spots — Many hit and run accidents occur late at night, especially near bars, clubs, and entertainment districts. Downtown Macon’s nightlife areas and Atlanta’s Midtown and Edgewood Avenue are known for higher risks of impaired driving, which often leads to drivers fleeing after a crash.
Who May Be Liable for a Hit and Run Accident
The Fleeing Driver — Georgia law O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 requires a driver involved in an accident that causes injury, death, or vehicle damage to immediately stop, remain at the scene, provide information, and render reasonable assistance. A driver who flees violates this statute and may face both felony charges and civil liability for the injuries and damages caused.
Employers of Drivers in Company Vehicles — When a hit and run driver is operating within the scope of employment, liability may extend to the employer under Georgia’s respondeat superior doctrine. Generally, this falls under Georgia tort law (O.C.G.A. §51-2-2), which makes employers responsible for the negligence of employees acting in furtherance of business duties.
Bars and Restaurants Under Dram Shop Laws — Georgia’s Dram Shop Act, O.C.G.A. §51-1-40, holds alcohol vendors or social hosts liable if they knowingly furnish alcohol to a person under the legal drinking age or to someone who is noticeably intoxicated, knowing that person will soon be driving. If that impaired driver causes a hit and run accident, the establishment may share liability.
Car Manufacturers and Product Liability Cases — In some cases, mechanical failure may contribute to a crash. Georgia product liability law, found in O.C.G.A. §51-1-11, makes manufacturers responsible if a defective vehicle part, such as faulty brakes or steering, plays a role in an accident.
Insurance Companies Under Georgia Law — When the at-fault driver cannot be located, victims may turn to uninsured motorist coverage. Georgia law O.C.G.A. §33-7-11 requires insurance carriers to offer UM coverage, which can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages even if the fleeing driver is never identified.
Role of a Hit and Run Accident Lawyer in Georgia
Investigating and Finding the Driver — A skilled Georgia hit and run accident lawyer begins by gathering evidence that law enforcement may not have the resources to pursue fully. This includes reviewing traffic camera footage, locating witnesses, working with accident reconstruction experts, and following up on leads. The goal is to identify the fleeing driver and hold them accountable under Georgia’s hit and run laws, especially O.C.G.A. §40-6-270.
Handling Insurance Claims and Uninsured Motorist Coverage — Insurance companies often try to limit payouts, especially when the at-fault driver cannot be located. Under Georgia’s uninsured motorist statute, O.C.G.A. §33-7-11, a lawyer ensures that claims are filed correctly, deadlines are met, and the insurer does not undervalue or deny rightful compensation. Unlike standard car accident cases, hit and run claims require careful handling to secure recovery when the negligent driver remains unknown.
Filing Lawsuits and Fighting for Damages — When negotiation with insurance companies is not enough, a hit and run accident lawyer in Georgia will file a lawsuit to seek justice. Victims may be entitled to medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation expenses, and pain and suffering. In wrongful death hit and run cases, families may also pursue damages for funeral expenses and the full value of the lost life under O.C.G.A. §51-4-2. A lawyer’s role is to present the strongest case possible and ensure victims receive the full measure of justice Georgia law provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does someone report a hit and run accident in Georgia?
A person should call 911 right away to report a hit and run accident. Staying at the scene, describing the vehicle, providing any license plate details, and speaking with witnesses are essential steps that can help police track the driver.
What should someone do immediately after being in a hit and run accident?
Anyone involved in a hit and run accident should move to safety, call emergency services, and seek medical attention. Gathering photographs, writing down details, and getting contact information from witnesses helps preserve important evidence for both insurance claims and legal action.
How can police investigate a driver responsible for a hit and run accident?
Law enforcement officers investigating a hit and run accident may review traffic or security camera footage, canvass nearby businesses, interview witnesses, and check for vehicles with recent damage. Quick reporting by victims increases the chances of successfully identifying the responsible driver.
Does car insurance cover injuries caused by a hit and run accident?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage under Georgia law often provides compensation for injuries from a hit and run accident. This coverage may pay for medical treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver cannot be located.
How long does someone have to file a claim after a hit and run accident in Georgia?
Victims of a hit and run accident generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Georgia. However, insurance companies usually require prompt notification, making it important to contact a lawyer quickly to protect legal rights.
Can someone receive compensation if the driver in a hit and run accident is never found?
Yes, compensation is possible even if the driver responsible for a hit and run accident is not found. Victims can often use their uninsured motorist policy, and a lawyer can explore additional legal options depending on the accident circumstances.
What damages can a lawyer recover for victims of a hit and run accident?
A lawyer representing a victim of a hit and run accident may recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and emotional suffering. In wrongful death cases, damages may also include funeral costs and the full value of life.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a hit and run accident?
Hiring a lawyer for a hit and run accident usually costs nothing upfront because most work on a contingency fee basis. The lawyer is only paid if they successfully obtain compensation for the victim through settlement or litigation.
How long does it take to settle a hit and run accident case in Georgia?
The time it takes to resolve a hit and run accident varies. Cases could settle with insurance companies in months, while others involving lawsuits can take years. A lawyer helps move the process forward efficiently and effectively.
Resources
Georgia Department of Driver Services – Safety Responsibility Law — This section explains Georgia’s Safety Responsibility Law and what happens when drivers are involved in crashes, particularly those who fail to satisfy damage claims. It outlines steps to avoid license suspension, mandatory revocations for repeat offenses like hit and run, and eligibility for limited driving permits.
Georgia Department of Transportation – Crash Safety Manual: Hit and Run/Unknown Person — This manual defines and categorizes hit-and-run crashes, including those involving unknown drivers, vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists. It explains how such crashes are documented by law enforcement, what information is recorded in crash reports, and how supplemented reports are handled when new information becomes available.
Georgia Legislature – Section 40-6-270: Hit and Run; Duty of Driver to Stop — This Georgia Code section explains the legal duty of a driver involved in an accident to stop, provide identification, and render aid. It details penalties for failure to stop, distinguishing between felony charges for crashes causing death or serious injury and misdemeanor charges for less severe accidents.
ATL311 – How to Report a Hit and Run Accident — This resource provides step-by-step instructions on how to report a hit-and-run accident within Atlanta. It explains what to do if injuries are involved, how to contact emergency or non-emergency services, and how to obtain accident reports.
WSAV – GSP Investigates Deadly Hit and Run Monday Morning — This news report describes a hit-and-run accident investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. A pedestrian was struck on State Route 25, and the driver left the scene without being identified. The report notes that the victim later died from injuries and that the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety – Hit-and-Run Crashes: Prevalence, Contributing Factors and Countermeasures — This research brief provides data on the prevalence of hit-and-run crashes in the United States, contributing factors such as time of day and driver history, and common victim characteristics. It reviews studies on why drivers flee, discusses theories of driver motivation, and outlines possible countermeasures. It also evaluates the effectiveness of state laws and identifies areas for further research.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for Hit and Run Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia
McArthur Law Firm serves the cities of Atlanta in Fulton County, Macon in Bibb County, Kathleen in Houston County, Peachtree Corners and Lawrenceville in Gwinnett County, Marietta and Smyrna in Cobb County, Stonecrest, Brookhaven and Dunwoody in Dekalb County, Albany in Dougherty County, Columbus in Muscogee County and throughout the surrounding areas of the state of Georgia.
Contact one of our offices at the following numbers or fill out an online contact form to start building your case.
- Atlanta Office: 404-565-1621
- Macon Office: 478-238-6600
- Warner Robins: 478-551-9901
