Hit and runs can have devastating effects on victims as the drivers flee the scene, leaving behind the injured who may need to be hospitalized. Even those who get the treatment may suffer the consequences of accidents made worse by a lack of immediate medical attention.
Unfortunately, it can be hard to know who was behind the wheel of a hit and run accident when there is not enough evidence left behind to make such a determination or if anything has been deemed insignificant to launch an investigation. With that said, the infirmary bills can add up quickly for those who still require medical attention. And this is why you need a highly rated Atlanta injury and accident attorney by your side.
The personal injury attorneys at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm understand the stress and frustration that comes with being a victim of an automobile accident. This is why we aggressively fight on behalf of our clients in lawsuits against negligent drivers who cause injuries. Set up your free consultation with our attorneys by calling us at (470) 323-8779 or contact us online.
Causes of Hit & Run Accidents in Atlanta
Each year thousands of people across Atlanta have their lives changed instantly by hit-and-run accidents leaving the victims feeling alone and confused. Hit and runs are devastating incidents for all parties involved because no one factor motivates a driver to flee the scene following an accident.
Intoxication
Many hit-and-run drivers are intoxicated, which is one of the biggest reasons they do not stop after causing an accident. They know that if they stop, they will be caught by authorities driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Since that violates the driving rules in Atlanta, they may be sent to jail.
Driving with No License
Many people who flee from the accident scene do not possess a valid driver’s license and hence do not want to risk getting caught by police officers because it will lead to them being jailed for driving without a license.
Outstanding Warrants
Another reason for hit and run accidents is that many people have warrants out for their arrest. The warrants may be from unpaid fines, past traffic tickets, or any other legal issues which may cause trouble with law enforcement authorities if they are caught at the scene of an accident.
Driving without Insurance
Driving without insurance is illegal in most jurisdictions, but some individuals do so anyway because they cannot afford the insurance premiums or simply because they have never been licensed. Some people may not be able to get insurance because they have a poor driving record, while others may have never applied for insurance at all.
Panicked Driving
It’s not common, but sometimes a driver will panic after causing a fatal crash and simply flee the scene. People make bad decisions without thinking clearly in stressful situations. When a person panics after causing a crash, their first thought might be to run away from the scene so they don’t have to answer any questions about their role in the accident.
Penalties for Fleeing the Accident Scene in Atlanta
According to Georgia Code 40-6-270, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense, and if you are convicted, you can face imprisonment for one to five years. If there are serious injuries, a felony charge can be brought against them, which carries a fine of $300 and $1,000 and up to twelve months in jail.
A second conviction can increase penalties by double and carry a prison sentence of up to five years. As this is a grave offense, drivers could have their driving license revoked with no chance of a limited permit.
George Law for Hit & Run Collisions
Georgia is an at-fault state, which means victims injured in a car accident may only recover compensation from the driver or other party that caused their injuries. As such, all Georgia drivers must carry at least the state minimum for liability insurance coverage, which includes $25,000 of bodily injury liability and $25,000 of property damage liability.
In Georgia, personal injury protection and medical insurance are optional coverage. If you carry either of them on your car insurance policy, they will provide compensation in the event you were injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Things to do After a Hit & Run Collision
- Contact the police. File an accident report with the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the area where the crash occurred. Even if you don’t know who hit you, it’s essential to notify the police. They may be able to track down surveillance video or witnesses that can help them identify the at-fault driver.
- Gather evidence at the scene of the accident. If possible, take photos of your vehicle and the surrounding area. This helps your attorney show what happened during your hit-and-run crash and how it affected you physically and financially.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries. Regardless of whether you believe any injuries occurred in a hit-and-run collision, go to a doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. Some signs of injury, such as whiplash, may not appear until a day or two after a crash. Seeking immediate care helps establish that your injury happened in this accident, not another one. It also ensures any serious injuries receive treatment right away.
Speak with the Dedicated Atlanta Hit and Run Attorneys at the CEO Lawyer
Whether you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident or were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, a car accident can be a traumatic event. If you were involved in an auto collision, but the driver who caused it was nowhere to be found, you probably feel frightened. Law enforcement and insurance companies will add to your anxiety. While they do have their roles, getting help from a reliable car accident lawyer at the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm can save you a lot of time, money, and grief in the long run.
We will fight for your rights and help you get all the compensation you deserve. Our competent legal staff is prepared to take on insurance companies and lawyers who represent hit-and-run drivers to ensure that your interests are protected from start to finish. A free case evaluation is just a phone call away. Call us at (470) 323-8779 or write to us online to get started.
