A hit-and-run crash can leave you dealing with injuries, car repairs and insurance problems at the same time. During this stressful period, it is important to understand the legal deadlines that may affect your right to seek compensation. In Georgia, different time limits apply depending on whether you want to recover money for injuries or property damage.
Because missing a deadline could limit your options, it often helps to act sooner rather than later.
Understanding deadlines for personal injury claims
If you suffer injuries in a hit-and-run crash, Georgia law generally gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. In many situations, this deadline still applies even if police have not found the other driver.
Hit-and-run cases can also involve insurance deadlines. Many insurance companies require quick notice before uninsured motorist coverage may apply. Reporting the accident soon after it happens may help protect your coverage options.
You may also want to gather important records early, including:
- Medical records
- Witness contact information
- Photos from the accident scene
- Police reports
These records may help support your claim later.
Reviewing deadlines for property damage claims
Georgia law usually gives you four years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit for damage to your vehicle or other personal property. However, your insurance policy may require you to report the damage much sooner.
Because of this, contacting your insurance company early may help the claims process move more smoothly. Depending on your policy, you may have collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage coverage available.
Understanding how criminal investigations affect deadlines
Sometimes, a criminal case against the hit-and-run driver may affect the deadline for a civil lawsuit. If prosecutors file criminal charges, Georgia law may pause the normal deadline while the criminal case continues.
This pause may last until the criminal case ends, although Georgia law usually limits the extension to six years. Even so, reviewing your situation early may help you better understand how these timelines apply to your case.
Why timing may affect your options
After a hit-and-run crash, waiting too long could make it harder to collect evidence, find witnesses and protect your right to seek compensation. Because every hit-and-run case involves different facts and deadlines, understanding your timeline early may help you avoid problems later.