Driver Accused of Fleeing the Scene of Multi-Vehicle Accident on Georgia I-20

According to reports, a multi-car accident on I-20 in Dekalb County was started by one car hitting another near the median. Police are currently on the lookout for the individual driving the first car. As of right now, a description of the car has not been released, and the accident is very much under investigation. 

After the first car hit the second, the second car struck the median on I-20 East near the Panola Road exit. This continued on, and police were forced to temporarily shut down I-20 early this morning.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I will outline the probable charge faced by the driver of the alleged first car in today's post.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Georgia

An individual is usually charged with leaving the scene of an accident in Georgia when he or she fails to follow through with accident responsibilities listed out by Georgia Law. These accident responsibilities apply to any driver who is involved in an accident in Georgia. 

The responsibilities are listed out in O.C.G.A. §40-6-270 and include:

(1) Give his or her name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving;

(2) Upon request and if it is available, exhibit his or her operator's license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with;

(3) Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of such person to a physician, surgeon, or hospital for medical or surgical treatment if it is apparent that such treatment is necessary or if such transporting is requested by the injured person; and

(4) Where a person injured in such accident is unconscious, appears deceased, or is otherwise unable to communicate, make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency medical services and local law enforcement are contacted for the purpose of reporting the accident and making a request for assistance. The driver shall in every event remain at the scene of the accident until fulfilling the requirements of this subsection. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

The law then goes on to further state that if such an accident results in and is determined to be the proximate cause of death or serious injury, then the offense will result in a felony. The penalty can include up to five years of imprisonment. 

Practice Note

In this case, if the car that allegedly left the scene is deemed to be the proximate cause of the chain reaction of accidents on I-20, then the driver may be looking at some serious charges. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with a serious traffic violation, such as leaving the scene of an accident or DUI in Georgia, contact our offices today. A Georgia DUI Attorney can help you with your case today.