Everything You Need to Know About Georgia Hit-and-Run Accidents
Getting injured in a car accident is always stressful, but victims of hit-and-run accidents face even further challenges.
This article will cover everything you need to know if the other driver fled the scene.
The Basics of Hit-and-Run Accidents in Georgia
When you are hit by a car, you may assume that the driver responsible for the accident will pull over and help you get the necessary medical attention, compensation, and coverage that you deserve.
However, in certain instances, drivers mercilessly drive away, leaving you behind at the scene of the accident with no sort of help whatsoever. So, it is essential to familiarize yourself with everything concerning hit-and-run cases and how you can handle such situations.
Georgia Hit-and-Run Accidents: What Are the Hit-and-Run Laws in Georgia?
If the at-fault driver fled the scene of an accident resulting in injury to you or a loved one, it’s essential to understand the laws that may apply to your case. The following is an overview of Georgia’s relevant hit-and-run laws.
Laws Governing Hit-and-Run Accidents Georgia
Georgia law states that any driver who gets involved in an accident, especially one that leads to the injury or death of a pedestrian or other motorist, must immediately stop at the scene or as close as possible and return to the scene of the accident. Once at the scene of the accident and without obstructing traffic, the driver will be required to remain at the scene and;
- Offer reasonable assistance to any person who may have gotten injured. This assistance includes offering transport or making arrangements to receive medical or surgical treatment if need be. They will also provide transportation if the injured person has requested it.
- Offer reasonable effort when the injured is unconscious, appears deceased, or otherwise cannot communicate. This is done by making sure to contact the emergency medical services and local law enforcement. This is also to report the incident and request help.
- Give their name, vehicle registration number, car insurance information, and address, and upon request, exhibit their driving license to the person struck or to the person with whom the driver collided.
- The driver will have to remain at the accident scene until all these requirements are met and fulfilled.
When a driver of any vehicle has collided with another vehicle, they will be required to stop, locate and inform the vehicle owner. Alternatively, in cases of an unattended vehicle, the at-fault driver will have to leave a written notice giving their name and address and will be required to place it in a conspicuous area on the vehicle involved in the accident.
If you get injured, and none of this is adhered to by a driver, you are likely in a hit-and-run situation. Although the situation might feel hopeless, you may still be able to recover compensation.
How to Get Compensation for Hit-and-Run Crashes in Georgia
Trying to recover compensation for a hit-and-run accident can be challenging, especially when it is evident that the driver was at fault but fled the scene and is nowhere to be found. If, by chance, you had captured the vehicle’s registration number or any other helpful information about the driver or car, you can quickly pursue compensation.
For you to get compensation in circumstances where the driver fled, and you have no evidence to prove this, you can wait for your local police department to apprehend the driver. Georgia takes hit-and-run cases very seriously, so the police do not let such cases slide. They do so by gathering evidence from witnesses or reviewing traffic surveillance. In this way, they’re able to find the culprit, and in return, you can identify the individual from whom you’ll claim compensation.
Alternatively, you can opt for a hit-and-run lawyer in Georgia who will review your case, help you locate the driver, or develop alternative ways of helping you get compensation. The Orlando Firm is an excellent example of a law firm that is experienced with such cases.
OBTAINING
FULL COMPENSATION
We go beyond calculating damages to ensure you receive all rightful compensation, including for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Many are unaware of their full rights, and we help maximize your claims.
(404) 373-1800
What Does a Police Officer Do in a Hit-and-Run Situation in the State of Georgia?
Apart from giving first aid and calling medical personnel, your local police department will conduct investigations by interviewing other drivers in the area where the accident occurred. They also interview other pedestrians and any other witnesses who may be able to give information.
More so, they do a thorough search of the area and its surroundings where the accident occurred, trying to come up with clues of what happened as they also trace the whereabouts of the fleed driver and the vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.
Hiring The Orlando Firm can provide several benefits:
ACCURATELY ACCOUNTING
FOR DAMAGES
We ensure all damages, including bodily injuries, current and future medical expenses, and property damage, are thoroughly accounted for, preventing unnecessary additional costs due to someone else’s negligence.
STANDING FOR
YOU IN COURT
Representing yourself in court can be risky. We recommend professional legal representation for car accident cases to secure the best outcomes.
OBTAINING FULL
COMPENSATION
We go beyond calculating damages to ensure you receive all rightful compensation, including for intangible losses like pain and suffering. Many are unaware of their full rights, and we help maximize your claims.
PROVIDING COMPETENT
LEGAL ADVICE
Our professional legal advice helps avoid costly mistakes such as missing filing deadlines, ensuring you receive potential compensation.
What Are the Various Penalties for Georgia Hit-and-Run Accident Cases?
If you do find yourself in a hit-and-run accident and you were able to capture the operator’s license plate, or the local police department was able to get leads, they’ll help you get justice by filing hit-and-run charges against the at-fault driver. Some of the penalties are as follows:
- If the hit-and-run led to the loss of an individual’s life or serious injuries, the driver who knowingly failed to stop would be charged with a felony. In such a felony, the penalty would be imprisonment between one and five years. If the driver is convicted, they will also face a four-month driver’s license suspension.
- Suppose the accident in the hit-and-run resulted in a less severe injury or minor property damage to the vehicle. In that case, the driver will be convicted of a misdemeanor and will be penalized as follows:
- The first conviction is fined between $300 and $1000 or a jail term of up to one year or both.
- A second hit-and-run conviction within five years will be fined between $600 and $1000 or jail time of up to a year or both.
- A third or subsequent conviction will be fined a $1000 fine or up to one year jail time or both.
Call Us Today if the At-Fault Driver Fled the Scene of the Accident
Do not lose hope if you are a victim of a hit-and-run case and do not know what to do next. Even if there is little hope for justice, we at the Orlando Firm strive to ensure such victims get the compensation and closure they need to move forward.
Our auto accident lawyers work tirelessly to ensure they get enough evidence that helps them get leads for the driver at fault. Call us now at our phone number below and schedule a free consultation appointment with our Georgia hit-and-run lawyers!
Our Proven Process for Winning Car Accident Cases
Step 1
Initial Consultation
& Case Review
We begin by reviewing your case and gathering key information. This includes collecting records related to property damage, medical expenses, and insurance coverage. This allows us to fully assess the extent of your injuries and understand the impact on your life.
Step 2
Evidence Collection
& Investigation
Next, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. We gather critical evidence, including dash-cam footage, security videos, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports, to build a strong case. This process helps us prove fault, whether it involves distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or other traffic violations.
Step 3
Dealing with
Insurance Companies
We handle all communications with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to protect you from adjusters who may attempt to undervalue your claim. Our experienced team knows their tactics and ensures they don’t compel you into accepting a low settlement offer that doesn’t cover your losses.
Step 4
Settlement
Negotiations
Once the evidence is gathered and reviewed, we engage in aggressive settlement negotiations. Our goal is to secure compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We fight to ensure you receive fair compensation, not just what the insurance company wants to pay.
Step 5
Trial-Ready
Advocacy
Next, we conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. We gather critical evidence, including dash-cam footage, security videos, eyewitness testimonies, and police reports, to build a strong case. This process helps us prove fault, whether it involves distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, or other traffic violations.
Step 6
Continuous
Client Support
Throughout the entire process, we provide ongoing support and communication, keeping you informed at every stage. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on recovery.
Atlanta Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Your Atlanta car accident attorney will try to prove the opposing party’s negligent behavior. Throughout this process, your lawyer may investigate if the helmet was maintained properly and review the company’s logbooks to make sure federal and Georgia state helmet laws were followed.
Your legal representative may also review the drivers’ credentials.
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Please call us for a free consultation at 404-373-1800 or toll-free at 1-866-373-1800. While we cannot guarantee the outcome of your car accident case, we promise to provide you with legal representation aimed at helping you through a difficult and painful time of your life. We will do our best to make sure that you make the recovery to which you are entitled. Keep in mind that there may be time limits on filing your claim, so it is important to seek legal counsel as soon as you are able.
Always remember, if we don’t win your case, you pay us nothing. Contact The ORLANDO Firm today to determine if you have a viable case.
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