Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia
I was involved in a hit and run on October 10th, 2009. I was able to get the other vehicles license plate and a general description of the car. I also have witnesses as well. I immediately called the police and filed a report. I contacted my insurance and since I do not have collision, they will not pay for the cost of the car. I filed a claim with my insurance and they are waiting on the police to locate the owner of the vehicle in order to go through their insurance. 10 days later the police department mailed me a victim survey asking for a detailed report. I immediately faxed them the survey. I called the invesigating officer and he asked to email pictures of my car in order to assess the damage. He told me they have an address to go with the license plate I gave them but he has not gotten around to that case yet. Since then, I have repeatedly called and left messages asking about the progress of the case. All my calls have gone unanswered. On November 11, 2009 I called the police department and asked to speak with the head of the accident division. She returned my phone call and told me she would email my information on to the next in command. I still have not heard anything back from the department. My questions are these: Is there a time frame that the police must meet in order for the case to have any relevence? Can I sue the police department for damages to my vehicle because they are not doing their job? Is there a way to find the owner of the other vehicle and get their insurance without the police department?
2 Answers from Attorneys
I run into this all the time on my cases. There is no way to force them to get on the stick. Because of the economy, all the cops I deal with are claiming they have to deal with budget cuts, lack of manpower, etc. It's just a case of the squeaky wheel getting the grease. You just have to bug them to death until they want you to go away and will get the info to you. There is no time frame. No, you can't sue the police. You can find the owner on your own, but you may have to pay a PI out of your pocket.
Polie are not obligated to work on any case, and they will likely prioritize violent crime over yours. You can't sue the police. You may get some help going up the ladder.
Mainly, you have learned a good reason to carry full coverage.
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