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Hit-and-run accidents are one of the most frustrating and harmful types of collisions on Georgia’s roads. Unlike typical crashes, where insurance information is exchanged and the at-fault driver can be held responsible, these incidents leave victims without an immediate path to recovery. In my years as a Georgia personal injury attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how devastating these situations can be — from clients with mounting medical bills to families grieving the sudden loss of a loved one.
Data from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety confirm what many of us have felt anecdotally: these incidents are becoming more frequent. This post explains the numbers, the law, the challenges victims face, and what steps can be taken — all with the goal of empowering you to protect your rights.
Georgia’s crash reporting shows an upward trend in dangerous driving behaviors since 2019, including excessive speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving — all of which contribute to more hit-and-runs. According to GDOT’s statewide crash database:
Georgia traffic fatalities increased notably between 2019 and 2022.
Many counties report rising numbers of crashes where the at-fault driver left the scene.
Urban areas like Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah see a high concentration of these cases, often in nighttime collisions.
The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety also reports that serious injury and fatal crashes remain well above pre-2019 levels. This is significant because higher-severity crashes tend to have a greater risk of drivers fleeing — often due to impairment, lack of insurance, or fear of legal consequences.
Georgia’s hit-and-run statute is O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270. In plain terms, the law requires that:
The driver must stop immediately at or near the scene.
The driver must provide identifying information, including name, address, and vehicle registration.
The driver must render aid to injured persons — this can mean calling 911 or even transporting someone to medical care if necessary.
The consequences for leaving the scene depend on the harm caused:
Property damage only: Misdemeanor offense, possible fines and license suspension.
Injury or death: Felony charges, with possible imprisonment of 1 to 5 years.
This statute is designed to protect victims by ensuring immediate aid and identification of the at-fault driver. But in reality, many violators escape before they can be identified — making civil recovery more complex.
From my experience at Kevin Patrick Law, common reasons include:
Driving under the influence (DUI) and fear of arrest
No valid driver’s license or prior license suspension
Lack of insurance coverage
Possession of illegal substances or outstanding warrants
Panic and poor judgment in the moment
While these reasons never justify fleeing the scene, understanding them can help victims and their attorneys anticipate investigative strategies.
When the driver flees, victims encounter multiple roadblocks:
No at-fault insurance to pursue immediately — meaning the only immediate coverage may be your own.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage complexity — Georgia law allows UM claims for hit-and-runs, but proof requirements are strict.
Potential delays in medical care — without clear liability, some victims delay treatment, which can harm both their health and their claim.
Investigation hurdles — unless law enforcement has strong leads (such as a license plate number or clear surveillance footage), identifying the driver can be difficult.
Here’s what I recommend to anyone involved in a hit-and-run:
Call 911 immediately — both for safety and to ensure an official police report is generated.
Document the scene thoroughly — take photos of all vehicles, debris, skid marks, traffic lights, and signs.
Look for nearby cameras — many businesses and homes now have surveillance systems.
Get medical attention immediately — even if you “feel fine.” Injuries like concussions or internal bleeding may not show symptoms right away.
Notify your insurance carrier — and specifically ask about your UM coverage.
Consult a Georgia hit-and-run attorney — preferably before speaking further with insurers, to avoid unintentional mistakes that could limit your recovery.
At Kevin Patrick Law, we take a proactive approach:
Fast evidence collection — canvassing the area for cameras, witnesses, and physical evidence within hours or days of the crash.
Close coordination with law enforcement — ensuring critical evidence is preserved and shared.
Insurance claim management — handling UM claims, negotiating medical bills, and protecting you from insurer tactics.
Litigation readiness — if the at-fault driver is found, we’re prepared to file suit and pursue full compensation.
Many victims think their case ends if the driver remains unidentified — but that’s not true. With the right insurance coverage and documentation, you may still recover through:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) benefits
Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage
Health insurance coverage, with possible reimbursement later through a settlement
Preventing hit-and-runs requires:
Public awareness campaigns reminding drivers of their legal duties
Better lighting and cameras in high-risk intersections
Prompt community reporting — calling in suspicious vehicles or behavior to 911
Hit-and-run accidents are a growing problem in Georgia. The legal, financial, and emotional toll is heavy — but with immediate action and skilled legal help, victims can still secure the recovery they deserve. At Kevin Patrick Law, we fight for hit-and-run victims from day one, ensuring no opportunity for justice is missed.
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