Hit & Run Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Georgia & South Carolina
Being involved in a motorcycle accident is traumatic enough — but when the driver who caused the crash flees the scene, victims face an additional layer of fear, frustration, and uncertainty. Hit-and-run crashes are a serious and growing problem, and motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable because these crashes often leave them injured and unable to pursue the fleeing vehicle. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that hit-and-run crashes kill more than 2,000 people annually and injure hundreds of thousands more.
At Roden Law, our motorcycle accident lawyers help hit-and-run victims identify every possible source of compensation — even when the at-fault driver is never found. We pursue insurance claims, assist with police investigations, and explore all legal options available under Georgia and South Carolina law.
Hit-and-Run Laws in Georgia and South Carolina
Both states impose serious criminal penalties on drivers who flee the scene of an accident involving injuries:
- Georgia: Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines. Drivers must stop, provide identification, and render reasonable assistance.
- South Carolina: Under S.C. Code § 56-5-1210, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a felony carrying up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Fatality hit-and-runs carry up to 25 years.
Recovering Compensation After a Hit-and-Run
Even when the at-fault driver cannot be identified, hit-and-run motorcycle victims have several potential sources of compensation:
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage: This is the most important coverage for hit-and-run victims. Georgia requires insurers to offer UM coverage, and South Carolina requires it to be included in all auto policies unless rejected in writing. UM coverage steps in when the at-fault driver is unidentified or uninsured.
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage: If the driver is later found but has minimal insurance, UIM coverage makes up the difference
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage: Available under your own auto policy regardless of fault, covering medical expenses up to policy limits
- Health insurance: Your personal health insurance can cover medical bills, subject to subrogation rights
- Crime victim compensation: Both Georgia and South Carolina have crime victim compensation programs that may help with certain expenses
Finding the At-Fault Driver
Our attorneys work alongside law enforcement to identify hit-and-run drivers through traffic camera and surveillance footage, nearby business security cameras, vehicle debris and paint transfer analysis, witness canvassing, and social media and community tips. When the driver is found, we pursue direct claims against their liability insurance in addition to any UM/UIM claims already filed.