Police officers may investigate hit-and-runs in Georgia by collecting information about the crash from eyewitnesses, looking for surveillance videos that show the collision, documenting the damage caused by the crash, and looking for physical evidence left at the scene of the collision.
The police may use this evidence to find the party that caused the hit-and-run accident in some cases. You may also rely on an Atlanta hit-and-run accident lawyer to investigate this kind of collision, gathering evidence to build a claim to bring you compensation if someone hit you and fled the scene of the crash.
How the Police Investigate Hit-and-Runs in Georgia
Law enforcement may use multiple strategies to investigate hit-and-run collisions. The steps they take in the investigative process often depend on the evidence left behind and whether or not the crash caused injuries or death.
Depending on your circumstances, the police may:
Gather Evidence from the Accident Scene
Police officers may take pictures of the damage caused by a hit-and-run driver or pick up physical evidence left behind by the impact, like a piece of a vehicle that fell off. This evidence may help the police identify the driver who struck you.
If the police find the liable driver, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against them.
Take Statements from Witnesses
Members of law enforcement may question any witnesses who saw your hit-and-run collision. They may want information about:
- The make, model, and color of the driver’s vehicle
- The driver’s physical appearance
- The license plate number of the vehicle
Police officers will also collect information about the causes of the crash to include in their official report. An attorney can help you get a copy of the police report after your accident in Georgia.
Use Surveillance Footage and Forensic Techniques
Finally, the police may take footage from surveillance cameras that captured your hit-and-run accident to identify the other driver’s vehicle. They may also examine tire tracks and paint transfer from one vehicle to another after a crash.
You can learn more about how police investigate hit-and-runs in Georgia from your attorney.
Do the Police Investigate All Georgia Hit-and-Runs?
The police may perform minimal investigations for hit-and-runs that only result in property damage. In this situation, your insurance company and a lawyer may put more time into collecting evidence about the at-fault party.
A Lawyer Can Also Investigate After a Hit-and-Run
Your attorney may also collect evidence after a hit-and-run accident to build a personal injury claim on your behalf. Attorneys often speak to eyewitnesses, get copies of the police report, and take other steps to establish another party’s liability.
You can help with the investigative process after a hit-and-run by:
- Taking pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle
- Writing down contact information for all eyewitnesses
- Making a record of what happened
You can share this information with your attorney to strengthen your claim.
What Happens if an Investigation Finds a Hit-and-Run Driver
If the police find the driver who hit you and fled the scene, you may have a chance to file a legal claim against the motorist. Depending on your situation, a lawyer may help with an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
In either situation, the liable motorist may need to pay for your:
- Current and future healthcare costs
- Pain, emotional suffering, and mental anguish
- Property repairs
- Lost pay and reduced earning potential
Your attorney will track all of your losses and handle your legal claim. Keep in mind that you have limited time to file a claim after the police find the hit-and-run driver. Georgia has a statute of limitations that will eventually run out.
Therefore, it’s essential to move quickly once the police identify the person responsible for your collision. Once you begin the legal process, it may take a few months to settle your claim. A lawsuit may take longer.
What Happens if an Investigation Doesn’t Find a Hit-and-Run Driver?
The police may prove unable to find a hit-and-run driver after an accident. In this situation, your attorney may help you get compensation for some of your losses if you have an underinsured/uninsured motorist policy through your insurance.
However, Georgia does not require motorists to cover this type of coverage in many cases, so you may not have this kind of policy.
You can review your options to secure compensation whether or not the police find the liable driver by contacting a personal injury law firm.
Talk to Us About Investigating Your Hit-and-Run in Georgia
How do the police investigate hit-and-runs in Georgia? They may collect information from witnesses, look for physical evidence, and gather videos from nearby surveillance cameras.
Our attorneys can provide you with more information about the investigative process. They may help you get fair compensation after a hit-and-run, especially if the police find the at-fault driver. You can learn more when you call or complete our online contact form.
