Atlanta Police Searching for a Vehicle That Allegedly Fatally Hit a Woman Off Of Moreland Avenue

Atlanta Police Officers responded to calls reporting that a pedestrian had been hit by a car off of Moreland Avenue. When officers arrived to the scene, they found her body. Unfortunately, there was no description of the vehicle that was allegedly involved, and no other details have been released at this point. 

If a driver caused the death of this woman, he or she will be looking at a charge of vehicular homicide in Georgia. On top of that, because of their failure to stop after the accident, they will also be facing a charge of hit and run in Georgia.

Hit and Run in Georgia

In order to properly understand the offense of hit and run in Georgia, you need to understand the law when you are involved in an accident in Georgia. The Georgia Code outlines the legal requirements of all drivers should they be involved in an accident. The legal obligations include the following:

• 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. As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, it is important for me to note that these obligations exist even if you were the primary cause of the accident. 

A hit and run charge (otherwise known as leaving the scene of an accident in Georgia) can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. 

If the hit and run accident 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.

If the hit and run accident 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

If you have been charged with DUI in Georgia and your case involves hit and run - or even if you have been charged with hit and run without a DUI - you are looking at some serious penalties. 

If you are facing both a DUI and a hit and run, the Georgia DUI Penalties will be greatly heightened if you are found guilty of both charges. Contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today so that we can help you with your case.