A hit-and-run road accident is defined as that where the driver, who is presumably the party who caused the accident, drives away without stopping and helping the other people involved in the mishap. It is a unique type of personal injury case because while the effects of the mishap are most likely the same (property damage, physical injuries, or even wrongful death), the fact that the driver fled from the scene is a special circumstance that correspondingly has special legal implications.
Duty of Drivers under the Law
To reiterate what has already been mentioned previously, drivers within Georgia and even those in other parts of the country (and the world, assumedly) are are under the responsibility to exercise caution and due diligence while on the road, so as not to cause dilatory road obstruction, unnecessary damage to property, and, most importantly, undesired injuries and deaths.
In the event that a driver gets involved in an auto accident, there are certain things that he must do, which, most certainly, does not include fleeing from the scene. For one, after checking if he himself is free from any serious injury, he must alert emergency services. This is the bare minimum, as some states would require such driver to transport injured victims to the nearest hospital for immediate medical assistance.
Georgia’s Hit and Run Accident Laws
Under Georgia’s hit-and-run accident laws in particular, O.C.G.A. 40-6-270, requires an involved driver to stop at or return to the scene of the accident when any of the following is present:
- Injury to another person
- Death of another person
- Damage to another vehicle
While at the scene of the mishap, the driver’s responsibilities include:
- Give his or her name and address and the registration number of the vehicle being driven during the accident;
- Upon request and if available, exhibit his or her operator’s license to the person struck, or the driver or occupant of or person attending to any vehicle he or she collided with;
- Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of 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,
- 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.
Hit and Run Accident Attorney in Norcross, GA
Musgrove Trial Firm is ready to assist and represent any and all parties in cases involving hit-and-run accidents.
Our lawyers are here to assist if you are in Atlanta or any of its surrounding areas and need legal services relating to personal injury, including hit-and-run accidents. Experienced and qualified to handle this kind of personal injury case, which would likely call for punitive damages, among other claims, Musgrove is available to hear, represent, and assist in claiming what you rightfully and lawfully deserve.
You can reach Musgrove Trial Firm by sending us a message on our site or giving us a call at (678) 226-1994 for immediate assistance. We will get back to your message as immediately as possible.