Hit-and-Run Accidents in Georgia: Legal Options for Atlanta Residents

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll focus on the specifics of hit-and-run accidents in Georgia and explore the legal remedies accessible to affected individuals with the help of an Atlanta car accident lawyer.

Hit-and-run accidents are traumatic experiences. Such an accident can leave the victim with physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burden, especially when the defendant flees, and you have no one to hold accountable. Therefore, it is vital to know the legal options available to Atlanta residents in the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident to seek justice.

Atlanta Hit-and-Run Accidents Legal Options- What You Need to Know

According to Georgia Code § 40-6-270, drivers must stop at the scene of the accident involving injury, death, or property damage. They must share details like their name, postal address, and auto registration number with the other parties involved. Failure to conform to the law results in criminal charges.

Penalties for Hit-and-Run Accidents

The penalties for hit-and-run accidents in Georgia are severe. They are variable depending on the circumstances of the incident:

Misdemeanor Charges: In cases where the hit-and-run accident results in property damage only, the offending driver may face misdemeanor charges. These charges can lead to fines, community service, and potentially short-term imprisonment.

Felony Charges: If the hit-and-run accident involves injury or death to another individual, the consequences escalate to felony charges. Felony hit-and-run convictions can result in substantial fines, lengthy prison sentences, and other legal sanctions.

Legal Ramifications

In addition to criminal penalties, hit-and-run accidents can have other legal ramifications for the responsible party:

Driver’s License Suspension: A hit-and-run conviction in Georgia may result in the driver’s license suspension or revocation. This administrative penalty further restricts the offender’s ability to drive legally.

Insurance Premium Increase: Hit-and-run accidents can also lead to an increase in the driver’s insurance premiums. Insurance companies may view hit-and-run offenses as high-risk indicators, prompting them to raise the driver’s rates or terminate their coverage.

However, to pursue a fair compensation & justice, you must take the following steps:

The first step for hit-and-run accident victims is promptly reporting the incident to the local law enforcement authorities. Detailed information about the accident, such as the time, location, and description of the fleeing vehicle, can aid the investigation process.

Seek medical aid immediately, even if you believe your injuries are minor. This is important because sometimes injuries don’t manifest symptoms immediately, and medical treatment documentation is crucial for establishing the extent of damages in a legal claim.

Contact an Atlanta car accident lawyer to navigate the case’s legal complexities. A skilled car accident lawyer can:

• Provide personalized legal guidance.
• Investigate the incident.
• Gather evidence.
• Advocate for the victim’s rights throughout the legal proceedings.

An Atlanta car accident lawyer can assist in filing the lawsuit and representing the victim’s interests in court. They can help the victim pursue a civil lawsuit against them to recover the damages they have incurred because of ongoing medical expenses, pain & suffering, wage loss, and other losses incurred due to the accident.

In addition to civil remedies, hit-and-run drivers may also face criminal charges for fleeing from the scene of an accident. Prosecuting the at-fault driver can provide a sense of justice for the victim and deter others from engaging in similar reckless behavior.

Contact Now Your Car Accident Lawyer

Hit-and-run accidents in Georgia pose significant challenges for victims seeking justice and compensation. Understanding the legal ramifications, penalties, and challenges associated with hit-and-run incidents is crucial for individuals navigating the aftermath of such accidents.

By consulting an Atlanta car accident lawyer at Bey & Associates, you can understand all available avenues for recourse and be confident that your case is in qualified hands. We work relentlessly to get victims the justice and compensation they deserve. Schedule a consultation now.