Georgia law is strict on people convicted of hit-and-run accidents. The severity of the penalty depends on the specific circumstances of an incident and can include fines and jail time.

Despite these strict laws, hit-and-runs still occur. Here is what you should know if you are the victim of one.

Stay at the scene

If you or your car suffered damages caused by someone who fled the scene, stay put and call the police. Document your injuries and the destruction to your vehicle with photographs, witness statements and your memory of the car and person who hit you.

Contact the relevant insurance companies

In some cases, people flee accidents in a moment of panic and later turn themselves in. In these cases, get the person’s contact and insurance information. The party that caused the crash should cover your medical bills and related expenses through their insurance policy. If the other driver is not found, you work through your own insurance company for relevant costs.

In severe wrecks where the insurance policies are insufficient to cover the damages you incurred, you may be eligible for pain and suffering and other damages. If you incurred serious injuries as a result of a hit and run accident, an attorney can help you determine whether you may be a candidate for filing a lawsuit.

Hit-and-run accidents can cause grave vehicular and bodily injury. Work through your insurance company and that of the other party, when possible, to have your losses paid for. If those policies are inadequate to cover your costs, consider seeking further restitution.