Steps to Take After Hit and Run Accidents in Georgia

The phrase “hit and run” refers to when someone causes damage to another person or that person’s vehicle and proceeds to leave the accident scene without reporting the incident to the authorities.

Hit-and-run accidents can happen for a number of reasons.

Hit-and-run accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Some people may flee the scene of an accident because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and are afraid of being arrested. Others may leave the scene because they do not have a valid driver’s license or insurance or because they are worried about being held financially responsible for the damages.

In some cases, people may leave the scene of an accident because they are panicked or disoriented and do not know what to do. They may be unfamiliar with the area and believe they can find their way home more quickly if they leave the accident scene.

Other people may leave the scene of an accident because they are simply trying to avoid the hassle and inconvenience of dealing with the aftermath of the collision. They may be worried about being late for work or an important engagement, or they may be concerned about the cost of repairs to their vehicle.

Regardless of the reason, hit-and-run accidents are illegal and can result in serious criminal charges for the person responsible. If you are involved in a hit-and-run accident, it is important to stay at the scene and call the police. Fleeing the scene of an accident can make a bad situation much worse and can result in severe consequences.

George Law Concerning Hit And Run Accidents

Georgia state law requires that the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident stop and find any injured individuals or owner of any damaged property and either exchange contact information or report the occurrence of the accident to law enforcement.

In situations where the owner of the damaged property is not present, it is expected that the motor vehicle driver leaves a note describing the accident and also reports the accident to authorities.

How Hit And Run Accidents Are Prosecuted

In the state of Georgia, hit-and-run accidents can be prosecuted as either misdemeanors or felonies.

• Misdemeanors. Hit and runs are prosecuted as misdemeanors when minor traffic accidents occur without physical injuries. Penalties for misdemeanor hit-and-runs range from fines and restitution to jail time.
• Felonies. Hit and runs are prosecuted as felonies, however, when the accident involves bodily injury or death. The penalties that arise from felony hit-and-runs most often include prison sentences.

Every person driving on Georgia roads has five responsibilities they must adhere to when involved in a car accident involving death, injury, or damage to someone else’s vehicle.

The responsibilities must be met in order to avoid being charged with hit and run.

Responsibilities Of Drivers After An Accident

In Atlanta and elsewhere in the state of Georgia, motorists must understand that five distinct responsibilities arise after a motor vehicle accident.

These responsibilities include the following:

• Call 911 Or Law Enforcement. If anyone involved in the accident is seriously injured, including unconscious or deceased, drivers must make every reasonable effort to contact either law enforcement or medical services.
• Contact Information. Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents must provide contact information, including name, address, and vehicle registration number, to the other driver.
• Driver’s License. When accidents occur, drivers must present the other driver with a valid driver’s license.
• Reasonable Assistance. Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents must provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured in the accident.
• Remain At The Scene Of The Accident. Drivers involved in motor vehicle accidents must remain at the scene of the accident until all of these requirements are fulfilled.

Steps That Individuals Should Take After Hit And Run Accidents

In order to find an individual responsible for a hit-and-run accident in the Atlanta area, there are specific recommended steps that the individual should take, which include the following:

• Contact Law Enforcement. Call the police to the scene of the accident. After law enforcement has been provided with all available information about the accident, law enforcement might be able to apprehend the driver who committed the hit and run.
• Document Information About the Scene of the Accident. Be sure to make a note of the weather and traffic conditions at the time the hit-and-run accident occurred. Write down any information about individuals who witnessed the accident. If possible, use your smartphone to take photographs of the accident scene.
• Make Any Potential Notes About The Driver Who Performs The Hit And Run. If the driver who performed the hit-and-run is seen or spoken to, make any potential notes about the driver’s physical appearance. Also, make a note of the make, model, and color of the vehicle that belongs to the driver who performs the hit-and-runs. Individuals also try to record the license plate state, and as much of the plate number as possible of the motorist who flees the accident. These pieces of information can eventually prove critical in holding the driver who committed the hit-and-run liable.
• Seek Compensation From Your Own Automobile Insurance Company. Individuals involved in a hit-and-run accident should consider recovering compensation through uninsured motorist coverage that might exist on the individual’s car insurance policy. George state law, however, does not require that individuals obtain uninsured motorist coverage. Just because individuals have uninsured motorist coverage does not always mean that an insurance company will award damages. Individuals must remember that insurance companies can be complex when compensation is involved. As a result, individuals must make every effort to find the party responsible for committing the hit-and-run accident.

How Atlanta Attorneys Can Help Victims of Hit And Run Accidents

Legal counsel can help individuals in numerous ways when hit-and-run accidents occur.

First, lawyers can help navigate claims with insurance companies.

Lawyers can also help navigate a large amount of paperwork concerning the event.

Also, if necessary, talented motorcycle accident attorneys can help clients construct the most robust possible case in order to seek compensation for the hit-and-run accident.

Compensation for hit-and-run accident victims can include lost income, medical expenses due to injuries incurred from the accident, and pain and suffering from the event.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a hit-and-run, contact the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at The Angell Law Firm, LLC, who will fight to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Call our firm today at (770) 217-4954 to obtain a free case consultation.

Our firm makes every effort to accommodate clients and even offers house and hospital calls to Georgia hit-and-run accident victims.

At The Angell Law Firm, we have a history of helping clients who were involved in a hit and run accidents and have aided these clients in recovering from the difficulties presented by a hit and run accidents.