Auto Insurance Claims: Hit and run, but with some info..., insurance card, leaving the scene of an accident

Question
Hi, Richard.
A little over two months ago I was hit in the drive-thru at a fast food place.  When the guy who hit me got out of his SUV, he seemed to be a bit "altered."  I asked for his information and he gave me his license, and said he didn't feel like waiting for the police to show up.  When asked for his insurance card, he couldn't produce it.  As I called the police, he jumped in his SUV and drove off.  I still had his DL, and also pictures of the damage and his license plate.  I've filed a police report, and the police attempted to contact him with no luck.  I now know that he had State Farm when he registered his vehicle.  I want to get my car repaired, but it would come out of my pocket as I only carry liabilty insurance.  Can I try to file a claim on his insurance, if he still has it?  Take him to court (in Georgia) or just eat the costs?  The police say that I can press charges, but that doesn't fix my car...

Thanks for your time,
Karin

Answer
Hi Karen,

If you still have the guys drivers license and the police now have that information, you should request that the police actually go to his house and write him a citation for leaving the scene of an accident. If the police can not find him because he has moved and not changed his address, you can swear out a warrant for his arrest.

In the mean time, you should go ahead and contact State Farm to file the claim. Tell them everything that happened. The will then be able to tell you if he actually had insurance with them at the time of the accident. There is not much you can do beyond that.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh