If the other driver fled the scene, you still have options. Start by calling 911, moving to safety, and writing down everything you can remember about the vehicle, driver, and direction of travel. Photograph the scene, your vehicle, any paint transfer, and debris. Ask nearby people what they saw and get their contact information. In Augusta, video is everywhere along corridors like I-20, I-520, Washington Road, and Deans Bridge Road. Stores, apartments, and homes often keep footage for a short time, sometimes only days. Quick action preserves evidence and gives law enforcement and your legal team the best chance to identify the driver.
They made everything easy for me! Even when I lost faith in the car accident where a drunk driver hit me, they helped me through every process. They were quick as they could be and made everything easier for me while being in the process of my move to Japan for the Navy, full time student, and planning my own wedding. I appreciated the help. Thank you!”
- Julissa Evans
I had the pleasure of allowing Mr. Leland Malchow to represent my case and I would recommend 10star rating if possible. Not only was Mr. Leland very professional and knowledgeable, he also took the time to listen to my frustrations about my situation. He offered a listening ear, as well as some kind motivational advice. Our relationship has been through business only but I would extend a hand to him and the law firm from here on out. Thank you all and God Bless."
- Chris Rowland
Chris Johnson is an exceptional attorney for car wreck cases. His expertise, clear communication, thorough preparation, and effective negotiation skills led to a favorable outcome. With compassion and support, he guided me through the process, making him highly recommended for anyone in need of a skilled legal advocate."
- Jayko Robinett
Key steps at a glance:
– Call 911 and request an officer. Tell the dispatcher you believe it was a hit and run.
– Note plate details if possible, even partial characters, plus color, make, model, damage, and any bumper stickers or unique features.
– Photograph skid marks, glass, plastic, and paint transfer. These can help narrow the make and model.
– Ask witnesses for names, phone numbers, and where they were standing.
– Start a video sweep right away at nearby businesses and homes before footage is overwritten.
– Tell your insurer that you were hit by a driver who fled. Ask how to open a claim and how to preserve evidence.
– Call an attorney experienced in hit and run cases. The sooner the investigation starts, the better the odds of finding the driver.
How to capture details in the first 15 minutes
– Safety first. Move vehicles out of traffic if you can do so safely and turn on hazard lights.
– Call 911. Tell the dispatcher about injuries and request EMS if needed. Share the direction the other vehicle took.
– Write or record a quick voice note before memories fade. Include the color, body style, any letters or numbers from the plate, visible damage on the fleeing car, and whether it had roof racks, tinted windows, or a loud exhaust.
– Photograph everything. Take wide shots of the scene and close-ups of your damage, paint transfer, broken lights, and any debris from the other car.
– Look around for cameras. Scan storefronts, gas stations, apartments, and doorbell cameras that face the road.
Leland Malchow
Attorney - Partner
Chris Johnson
Attorney - Partner
Dane Anderson
Associate Attorney
Bailey Marshall
Associate Attorney
Where to look for video in Augusta and nearby areas
– Gas stations and convenience stores along high-traffic roads capture vehicles entering and leaving.
– Big-box stores and strip centers often have several angles. Ask for a manager and request that they preserve footage from fifteen minutes before to fifteen minutes after the crash.
– Apartments and gated communities frequently keep roadway views at entrances and exits.
– Doorbell and porch cameras on residential streets can show the fleeing vehicle as it passes.
Tip: Ask for footage fast. Many systems overwrite in 24 to 72 hours.
Information that moves cases forward
– Witness statements that confirm the direction of travel or a partial plate.
– Photos of debris and paint transfer that point to a make or model.
– Time-stamped video that shows the vehicle within minutes of the crash.
– A complete police report number so businesses can release footage when asked.
How an attorney helps identify a hit and run driver
– Coordinating with law enforcement to align the civil investigation with the criminal case.
– Sending preservation letters to businesses and property managers before video is erased.
– Canvassing logical routes from the crash location to likely exits or neighborhood streets.
– Matching debris and paint codes to probable models and years.
– Pulling together witness accounts, photos, and videos into a timeline that isolates the right vehicle.
– When the driver is identified, pursuing compensation through that driver’s insurer. If the driver is not found, guiding you through uninsured motorist coverage and any Medical Payments benefits you carry.
Georgia rules that matter after a hit and run
– Drivers must stop and remain at the scene when a crash causes injury, death, or vehicle damage. Fleeing can lead to criminal charges and it complicates your injury claim.
– Liability cases are typically subject to a two-year statute of limitations in Georgia. Certain facts can pause the clock, like when the at-fault driver cannot be identified right away or leaves the state.
– Report the crash promptly and keep your claim moving. Quick reporting supports both the investigation and your insurance options.
What to do if you do not know the plate
– Use your photos. Zoom in on damage patterns and paint transfer on your vehicle.
– Map the most likely path. Consider where the other car could have turned and which cameras are along that route.
– Revisit at the same time of day. Lighting can help you or a witness notice details you missed.
– Ask nearby drivers or homeowners if they saw the vehicle parked later with fresh damage.
Insurance options if the driver is not found
– Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage can pay medical bills, lost wages, and other losses if the at-fault driver is unidentified or uninsured.
– Medical Payments (MedPay) can help cover initial medical costs regardless of fault.
– Collision coverage can help with vehicle repairs while the investigation continues.
Tell your insurer you were hit by a driver who fled. Share the police report number, your photos, and any witness details. Do not guess about fault or give a recorded statement before you understand your coverage.
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Common mistakes to avoid
– Waiting to request video from stores and apartments.
– Posting accident details on social media.
– Throwing out damaged parts or cleaning off paint transfer before they are documented.
– Ignoring follow-up medical care. Gaps in treatment can hurt your claim.
Local resources and helpful internal reading
– For a step-by-step checklist, see Five Things To Do If You’re the Victim of a Hit-and-Run
– For cyclists and drivers alike, see Hit-and-Run Accidents Involving Cars and Bicycles in Augusta, GA
– We also help across the river in Aiken, SC. See our related resource
– Learn how UM coverage can protect you if the driver is not found here.
Callout
Fast action wins footage. Ask nearby businesses to save video the same day.
Have questions after a hit and run in Augusta or anywhere in the CSRA? Call 706-705-7511 for a free consultation or send us a message. Malchow Johnson Injury Lawyers serves clients in Augusta, Martinez, Evans, Grovetown, North Augusta, Aiken, and nearby areas.
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