How Georgia Law Defines a Hit and Run Accident
The law states that drivers have a duty to stop or return to the scene of the collision. If the crash results in injury or death, the driver must immediately stop at or near the scene of the accident. A failure to do so would constitute as a hit-and run.
Besides stopping at the scene of an accident, drivers must provide certain types of information:
- name;
- address; and
- registration number of the vehicle driven.
And if requested by the driver or an occupant of the vehicle involved in the collision, drivers must provide their driver’s license number.
Drivers must render aid to anyone injured in the crash. This generally includes call 9-1-1 and requesting emergency services to transport the injured individual to the hospital.
Penalties in a Georgia Hit and Run Accident
Drivers face a misdemeanor charge for a hit and run, as long as no one suffered serious or fatal injuries. Fines can range between $300 and $1,000. It’s also possible to face up to 12 months imprisonment. With regard to his/her license, it could also include a stay, suspension or probation.
Drivers who leave the scenes of accidents that result in serious or fatal injuries face felony charges. Imprisonment could be from one to five years.
Of course, if the driver is caught, the injured victim or the victim’s family could also pursue legal action against the hit and run driver. To protect a future claim, it’s important to know what to do after a hit and run accident in Atlanta.
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