When a hit-and-run driver leaves the scene of an accident, you may be left without a responsible party’s insurance to cover your damages. This is where uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can become an important financial resource. If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Augusta, Georgia, understanding how to file an uninsured motorist claim can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation that may be available under your policy. Chris Hudson Law Group assists Augusta residents with these claims and works to pursue fair settlements.
Why Choose Chris Hudson Law Group for Your Hit-and-Run Claim
When you’re dealing with an insurance company after a hit-and-run accident, having an attorney who understands how insurers evaluate claims can make a difference. Chris Hudson, the founder of Chris Hudson Law Group, spent years as an insurance defense attorney before switching to represent injured people. This background may provide a useful perspective when negotiating with insurance companies and evaluating their tactics.
The firm has recovered compensation for hit-and-run victims. In one case, Chris Hudson Law Group recovered the full $125,000 policy limits for a client who required surgery on the right thumb and treatment for a right leg injury after a hit-and-run accident. With over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, a contingency fee arrangement (meaning you pay nothing unless there is a recovery), and 24/7 availability, the firm is available to assist with your claim. View our case results and client testimonials to see how we’ve helped other accident victims.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
How UM Coverage Works in Hit-and-Run Cases
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you when you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or, in the case of a hit-and-run, when the at-fault driver cannot be identified. In Georgia, hit-and-run drivers are generally treated as uninsured motorists. This means your own UM coverage may apply to cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, depending on your policy.
UM coverage comes in two types. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) coverage pays for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering from injuries. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) coverage pays for damage to your vehicle. While Georgia law does not require drivers to carry UM coverage, insurers must offer UM coverage with every auto liability policy unless the policyholder rejects it in writing. When a hit-and-run driver cannot be identified, your UM coverage may provide protection under the terms of your policy.
According to the Georgia Department of Driver Services, all drivers must maintain minimum liability insurance coverage. Understanding your uninsured motorist coverage options is essential for protecting yourself on Georgia roads.
Steps to File Your Uninsured Motorist Claim
Report the Hit-and-Run Accident
The first step after a hit-and-run accident is to file a police report. This report is important for your UM claim because it documents the accident and helps establish what occurred. At the scene, take photos of your vehicle damage, the accident location, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Once the police arrive, obtain the police report number—you’ll need this when you contact your insurance company.
For guidance on what to do immediately after an accident, review our guide on how to respond after a hit-and-run.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. For uninsured motorist claims, many Georgia insurance policies require written notice of a hit-and-run accident within 30 days of the accident. For other accident claims, policies typically require prompt notice, often within 24–48 hours. Provide the accident details, the police report number, and any witness information you gathered. Be thorough and accurate in your description of what happened. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster to investigate your claim. Submit all relevant documentation promptly, including medical records, repair estimates, and receipts for any expenses related to the accident.
Understanding how to report a car accident to insurance properly can significantly impact your claim outcome.
Gather Evidence and Documentation
Strong documentation can support your UM claim. Collect medical records and treatment bills from hospitals, doctors, and therapists. Keep receipts for vehicle repairs and obtain a detailed repair estimate from a trusted mechanic. Document any lost wages by gathering pay stubs or a letter from your employer confirming time missed from work. Maintain photos of your vehicle damage and the accident scene. If you have witness statements, get them in writing with contact information. The more evidence you provide, the stronger your position may be when negotiating with your insurance company.
Learn more about what documents you need for your personal injury case.
Understanding UM Coverage Limits and Deductibles
Your UM coverage has policy limits—the maximum amount your insurance company may pay for your claim. These limits vary depending on your policy. For example, your policy might have $25,000 in UMBI coverage or $100,000, depending on what you selected when you purchased your insurance. Understanding your limits helps you evaluate the potential recovery available.
For uninsured motorist bodily injury claims, Georgia law permits deductibles of $250, $500, or $1,000, depending on your policy. Some insurance policies may offer UMBI coverage without a deductible as a policy feature, but this is not required by law and varies by insurer. Check your policy declarations page to determine if your UMBI coverage includes a deductible. For UMPD (property damage) claims, deductible treatment may differ. If you have multiple vehicles with UM coverage, you may be able to stack the policies to increase your total recovery. Georgia law permits policy stacking in certain situations, which can increase the compensation potentially available to you.
Common Challenges in Hit-and-Run UM Claims
Insurance companies sometimes dispute hit-and-run UM claims, even when the facts appear clear. They may question whether the accident involved an uninsured driver or dispute the severity of your injuries. Some insurers argue that injuries were pre-existing conditions aggravated by the accident rather than new injuries. Others may offer settlements that are lower than what is being sought.
These disputes are one reason legal representation may be helpful. An attorney can work to address these arguments with medical evidence, expert input, and applicable law. Insurance companies may take claims more seriously when an attorney is involved, which can affect how negotiations proceed. Learn about understanding insurance bad faith in car accident claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a hit-and-run UM claim?
Georgia law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit if your UM claim is denied or disputed. However, your insurance policy may have shorter deadlines—often around 30 days to report the accident and begin the claims process. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence and support your claim. For more information, see how long I have to file a personal injury claim.
Will my insurance rates increase if I file a UM claim?
In many cases, UM claims are not treated the same as at-fault claims, and some insurers may not raise rates solely due to a UM claim. However, rate decisions vary by insurer and policy, so it is best to confirm with your agent.
What if the hit-and-run driver is later identified?
If the at-fault driver is identified after you’ve filed a UM claim, you may be able to pursue their insurance in addition to or instead of relying on your UM coverage. An attorney can coordinate between your UM coverage and the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to seek the maximum recovery available under the circumstances.
How Chris Hudson Law Group Can Help
Handling an uninsured driver claim dispute involves knowledge of insurance law, negotiation, and, when necessary, litigation. Chris Hudson Law Group assists with various aspects of a claim, including gathering evidence, communicating with your insurance company, negotiating settlements, and filing a lawsuit if appropriate. Chris Hudson and his team draw on prior insurance defense experience to inform their approach.
Working with Chris Hudson Law Group costs you nothing upfront. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning attorney fees are only collected if there is a recovery. You can also contact us 24/7.
Contact Chris Hudson Law Group Today
If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident in Augusta, you do not have to handle the insurance claim process alone. Chris Hudson Law Group offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options. Call (706) 863-6600 to speak with an attorney about your situation. With no upfront costs and 24/7 availability, the firm is available to assist you in pursuing compensation that may be available.