Being involved in a car accident is already a stressful experience, but when the other driver flees the scene, it can be even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are common in Georgia, and knowing what steps to take is crucial if you find yourself in this situation. The expression “hit-and-run” refers to when someone causes damage to a person or their vehicle and proceeds to flee the accident scene without reporting it to the authorities.
According to Bankrate, Georgia has some of the highest rates of hit-and-run accidents in the United States. The state has seen an increase in hit-and-run accidents in recent years, with more than 25,000 incidents reported in 2019 alone. This is a concerning trend, as hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injuries or even death.
Hit-and-run accidents happen for many reasons.
Some drivers flee the scene because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs and are afraid of getting arrested. In some cases, they can escape because they are uninsured or don’t have a valid driver’s license and are worried about being financially responsible for the damages to the other person’s vehicle and their own.
In some cases, drivers can be panicked, and their first instinct is to get out of there, or they may be disoriented due to the crash. If the accident isn’t too serious, drivers could flee the scene to avoid dealing with the hassle of a car accident, or they don’t want to miss work or an important appointment.
Regardless of the reason, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal and can bring criminal charges, making a bad situation even worse. It’s the driver’s responsibility to stay at the location of the accident and call law enforcement.
Georgia law requires any driver involved in an accident to stop and find injured individuals or the owner of any damaged property and either exchange contact information or report the accident to law enforcement.
If the other driver is absent, the driver must leave a note describing what happened and their contact information and report the accident to the authorities.
How hit-and-run cases are prosecuted in the state of Georgia
In the state of Georgia, hit-and-run accidents can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies.
- Misdemeanors: Hit and runs are prosecuted as misdemeanors for minor accidents without physical injuries. The penalties range from penalties and restitution to jail time.
- Felonies: Hit and runs are prosecuted as felonies when accidents involve physical injuries or death; the penalties in these types of cases usually include prison time.
Here are some steps to follow when you have been a victim of a hit-and-run:
- Move to safety: Take a deep breath, and look around; if the other driver is still at the scene, try to gather all their information. If they are in the process of leaving the scene, try to get their license plate information, car details, and description of the driver. All this information will be helpful when you report the accident to the authorities. If you can drive, move your car to a safe area to prevent another accident and get out of traffic. Don’t chase after the other driver and avoid leaving the scene.
- Call Law Enforcement: Call law enforcement and give the dispatcher all the details you can about the accident; this moment is vital as everything is fresh in your mind. When the officer arrives, get their details and give a detailed account of the accident, walk the officer through how everything happened, and stick to the facts. Before they leave, ask for a copy of the report, this will be helpful when creating a claim with the insurance company.
- Gather all the information about the accident: Take notes and document everything you can about how it happened, the location, weather, and traffic conditions. Take pictures of the scene and all the damage done to your vehicle; gathering all this information will be helpful in the process. Note if you see any traffic cameras or cameras on surrounding businesses, the footage could be requested and help you as evidence in your case. Take the information of any witnesses that saw the accident, and ask if they are comfortable giving their account of the accident; they could be contacted by law enforcement or your attorneys for their testimony.
- Seek medical attention: If you were injured in any way, make sure you seek medical attention, you might only realize the extent of your injuries later, and having a record will be helpful if you seek compensation for them. Keep a record of any symptoms you experience in the days following the accident; adrenaline could mask some internal injuries and trauma.
- Call your lawyer: Contact an experienced car accident attorney after the accident; they will help you navigate the process of filing a lawsuit and a claim with your insurance company. Make sure you call a lawyer with extensive experience in this case. Also, call your insurance company and file a claim.
- File a lawsuit: Your lawyer will walk you through the process, and their experience will allow them to get the best compensation possible for you to cover your losses.
If you’ve been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Georgia, the experienced attorneys at the Nick Schnyder Law Firm are here to help. Our team has years of experience representing clients in personal injury cases, and we can work to ensure that you receive your maximum compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options. Please don’t wait, reach out to us now and let us help you get back on the road to recovery.
