Analysis of Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Georgia After Pedestrian Hit in Marietta

Cobb County police are looking for the driver of a car who has been accused of striking Kevin Scholfield last night on Pete Shaw Road. Scholfield was taken to Kennestone with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the vehicle left the scene, and unfortunately, Scholfield was unable to provide any information regarding the vehicle. 

As a Georgia DUI Attorney, I will outline the offense of leaving the scene of an accident in Georgia in today's post. 

Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Georgia

There are certain legal requirements of all drivers if they are involved in an accident involving a vehicle.  In order to understand the criminal offense of leaving the scene of an accident in Georgia (otherwise known as hit and run in Georgia), it's necessary that we look at the requirements as outlined by the Georgia Code.

If you are in a vehicle accident (regardless of the cause), you must:

• Exchange personal information with other involved parties (name, address, vehicle registration information)
• Display a valid driver's license upon request
• Provide reasonable assistance to anyone who was injured in the accident and/or transport him or her to the closest medical facility for treatment, if necessary, and
• Contact emergency medical services and police. O.C.G.A. §40-6-270.

Every driver that is involved in an accident is legally required to remain at the scene until all of the above mentioned responsibilities have been fulfilled. 

Leaving the scene of an accident can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. 

If the offense involves personal injury or occupied vehicles or any type of property damage, then it will most likely be considered a felony offense. The penalty can include one to five years of prison time, fines, probation, and license suspension.

However, iff the offense does not involve any personal injury or occupied vehicles, then it might be charged as a misdemeanor. The penalty can include up to twelve months of jail time and up to $1,000 in fines.

Practice Note

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, it's important for me to point out that if you are charged with a DUI in Georgia as well as a hit and run, then your consequences can be seriously severe. If convicted of both offenses, the Georgia DUI Penalties are significantly increased.

If you or a loved one is facing a serious traffic violation, contact us today.