Hit-and-Run & Uninsured Motorist FAQs

Absolutely. If the driver who caused your crash is uninsured or underinsured, your own UM/UIM coverage can provide compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys always identify every available coverage source early in the case to maximize your recovery.

Hit-and-run accidents involving commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, or company-owned cars present different legal issues. Commercial operators are subject to federal FMCSA regulations and often carry much higher insurance limits. If you were struck by what appeared to be a commercial vehicle, preserving that information — fleet markings, trailer numbers, company logos — is critical.

Generally, under Georgia law, an insurer cannot raise your premiums solely because you filed a UM claim for an accident that was not your fault. However, insurance policies vary, and it is worth reviewing your policy or consulting with an attorney before you file.

This happens more than you might expect. Physical evidence — paint transfer, matching damage, GPS data, traffic cameras, and accident reconstruction — can establish that a specific vehicle was involved even if the driver denies it. Haug Barron Law Group works with qualified accident reconstructionists and investigators to build the strongest possible evidence record.

No. You cannot name or serve a lawsuit on an unknown defendant. However, many Georgia courts allow plaintiffs to name a “John Doe” defendant in a UM complaint, preserving the claim while law enforcement investigates. Your attorney can advise whether this procedural step is appropriate in your case.

If you did not purchase UM coverage and the at-fault driver is never found, your options are significantly limited. You may have a claim under your medical payments (MedPay) coverage if your policy includes it, but MedPay limits are typically low. This is precisely why attorneys consistently advise Georgia drivers to carry robust UM coverage — it is the single most important financial protection you can have.