Recent Report of Georgia Hit and Run Provides Example of Law Behind Leaving the Scene of an Accident

A vehicle crashed into the carport of a DeKalb County home earlier this morning. The residents of the home were woken up by the sounds of the crash and made it outside in time to see a man running from the scene.

The vehicle allegedly crashed into both of the residents' cars as well as caused the carport to completely collapse. Police made it to the home in order to conduct an investigation, and according to reports, the abandoned vehicle had been reported stolen.

As a Georgia DUI Lawyer, I handle a lot of Georgia traffic offenses that are related to Georgia DUI. A common related offense is hit and run in Georgia or leaving the scene of an accident in Georgia. As of right now, the report from this morning fits the description of this offense, so in today's post, I will outline the law behind the offense of hit and run in Georgia.

Hit and Run – Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Georgia

A hit and run means that you have been involved in a car accident, and you've left the scene of the accident before fulfilling your obligations as prescribed by law.

Georgia law outlines drivers' obligations if they are involved in an accident. The obligations are listed out in the Georgia Code as:

• 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

The statute requires drivers who are involved in an accident to remain at the scene until all of the above-mentioned responsibilities are fulfilled. These obligations exist regardless of what the primary cause of the accident is.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Georgia

A conviction for a hit and run accident in Georgia involving either personal injury or property damage to an occupied vehicle is considered a felony offense. Penalties for a felony hit and run conviction can include 1 to 5 years in prison, criminal fines, probation, and suspension of the driver's license.

However, if the hit and run accident does not involve personal injury or occupied vehicles, then there is a possibility that it could be charged as a misdemeanor. But the penalties can be heightened if police determine that you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 

Practice Note

If you or a loved one has been charged with a DUI in Georgia or with committing a Georgia hit and run, contact a Georgia DUI Attorney today. Our attorneys can investigate your specific case and determine which Georgia DUI Defenses may apply.

Contact us today.