Hit and Run Laws in Georgia
Car accidents can happen to anyone at any time, but a hit and run can leave victims feeling helpless and alone. Georgia has strict laws regarding hit and runs, which aim to hold drivers accountable for their actions and ensure victims receive proper care.
In this article, we will discuss the penalties for leaving the scene of an accident, the obligation to aid injured individuals, leaving the scene of a parking lot accident, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death.
Penalty for Leaving the Scene of an Accident
Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in Georgia, and the severity of the penalty depends on the extent of the damage caused. Drivers who cause an accident resulting in property damage must stop immediately and exchange contact and insurance information.
Failure to do so can result in a misdemeanor charge, which carries a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail. If the accident involves an unattended vehicle or property, the at-fault driver must make reasonable efforts to locate the owner and leave a note with their contact information.
Failure to do so can also result in a misdemeanor charge and similar penalties. Leaving the scene of an accident resulting in injury or death is a felony charge, which carries much more severe penalties.
The at-fault driver must provide reasonable assistance to injured individuals and call for medical help if necessary. If the driver fails to do so and leaves the scene, they can face imprisonment for up to five years and have their driver’s license revoked.
Obligation to Aid Injured Individuals and Remain at the Scene
Georgia law requires all drivers involved in an accident to stay at the scene until law enforcement arrives. In addition, the at-fault driver is obligated to provide reasonable assistance and care to anyone injured in the accident.
This may include calling for medical help, transporting the injured to a care facility, or providing other necessary services. Drivers who fail to fulfill their obligation to aid injured individuals can face legal action and penalties.
If you witness an accident and see someone who needs help, it is important to call for emergency services as soon as possible and to stay with the individual until help arrives.
Leaving the Scene of an Accident in a Parking Lot
Many people mistakenly believe that accidents that occur in parking lots do not qualify as hit and runs. However, Georgia law requires drivers involved in any accident to stop and exchange contact and insurance information.
If the accident involves an unattended vehicle or property, the at-fault driver must make reasonable efforts to locate the owner and leave a note with their contact information. Leaving the scene of an accident in a parking lot can result in a misdemeanor charge and penalties similar to other hit and run cases.
If you hit a parked car or other property and cannot locate the owner, call the police and wait until they arrive to make a report.
What to Do If Someone Hits Your Car and Drives Off in Georgia
Being the victim of a hit and run can be a stressful and traumatic experience. If someone hits your car and drives off, the first priority is to call the police and make a report.
This will help to ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable and that you have the necessary evidence to make an insurance claim. It is important not to admit fault or take any responsibility for the accident, as this can hurt your chances of receiving compensation later.
Instead, focus on gathering as much evidence and information as possible, including taking pictures of the damage, writing down any witness contact information, and seeking medical attention if necessary. Before contacting your insurance adjuster, it is advisable to speak to an attorney for legal advice.
They can help you navigate the claims process and avoid incriminating yourself or hurting your chances of receiving compensation. In conclusion, hit and run laws in Georgia are designed to protect victims and hold drivers accountable for their actions.
Whether you are a driver involved in an accident or a witness to one, it is important to understand these laws and do your part to ensure that everyone involved receives the care and compensation they deserve. Hit and runs are not only a crime but also cause emotional distress and financial damage to the victims.
Georgia takes this serious offense very seriously and imposes harsh penalties on anyone involved in a hit and run. In this continuation of our article, we will cover the consequences of a hit and run, including mandatory license suspension, felony charges, statute of limitations, and defenses.
Mandatory License Suspension
A hit and run is not only a serious criminal offense but also puts other people’s lives in danger. As a result, Georgia imposes mandatory license suspension on drivers who commit a hit and run.
The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the offense. If a person is convicted of a hit and run felony, including felony hit and run or eluding the police, their driver’s license will be revoked.
They will need to go through a hearing conducted by a judge to have their license reinstated.
The notice of suspension will beforwarded from the court to the department responsible for license suspensions.
The department will then notify the driver of their suspension and inform them of the steps they need to take to reinstate their license. Any delay to comply will extend the period of license suspension.
Juvenile Charges in Adult Court
Georgia has a law that allows juveniles who commit certain offenses to be tried as adults. This means that a juvenile who is involved in a hit and run can be charged as an adult and face adult punishment.
The juvenile’s case will be transferred to the superior court for further proceedings. The state must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the juvenile committed the hit and run before filing charges in an adult court.
Any charges of the juvenile must be made within a specific time limit determined by law.
Consequences of a Hit and Run
A hit and run can have severe consequences, ranging from criminal charges to financial obligations, and even imprisonment. A hit and run that results in injuries or fatalities is regarded seriously in Georgia.
The driver who causes the accident can face criminal charges such as vehicular manslaughter, eluding the police, or even homicide. At the same time, a hit and run that results in property damage can have financial consequences for the driver.
The victim has the right to request compensation for the damage. If the driver is found guilty of a hit and run, the judge may order them to pay restitution to the victim.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims
If you are a victim of a hit and run, one important thing to know is that you only have a limited time to file a lawsuit to claim your damages. This period is called the statute of limitations and depends on the state laws.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim arising from a hit and run is two years. The victim should have enough evidence that their injury resulted from the hit and run, including medical records.
For a property damage claim, the statute of limitations is also two years.
Defenses for a Hit and Run in Georgia
If you are involved in a hit and run, you may have defenses under the law. These defenses can either reduce or eliminate your charges, depending on the circumstances of your case.
One defense for a hit and run in Georgia is if you left the scene to seek medical assistance for a person who was injured in the accident. You would need to provide sufficient evidence, including police records, to support your claim.
Another possible defense is if you left the scene of the accident to avoid harm to yourself or others. If you can provide sufficient evidence that you left the scene to protect yourself or others, you can use this to defend your case.
In conclusion, a hit and run is a serious criminal offense in Georgia, and anyone involved in one is subject to harsh penalties, including mandatory license suspension, felony charges, and restitution. If you are involved in an accident, always stay at the scene, provide reasonable assistance to anyone injured, and notify the police as soon as possible.
In summary, Georgia has strict hit and run laws aimed at protecting victims and holding drivers accountable for their actions. Penalties for hit and runs range from misdemeanor charges to felony convictions resulting in mandatory license suspension, fines, and even imprisonment.
Additionally, victims have a limited time to file a claim for damages, and drivers can defend themselves by providing sufficient evidence to support their claims. The consequences of hit and runs can be severe and traumatizing for victims, and it is crucial to understand the laws and obligations involved to ensure proper compensation and care.
Always remain at the scene of an accident, provide reasonable assistance to those in need, and seek legal advice if necessary to protect yourself from the legal ramifications of a hit and run.