Hit and Run

When a person is involved in an accident in Georgia, they have the duty to stop. If a person fails to stop and an accident, choosing to drive away from the scene, they can be charged with hit and run.

After a collision that causes injury to another person or damage to property, you have a duty to stop and report the accident. If you do not stop immediately, you are required to stop as soon as possible and return to the scene. Under state law, a person involved in an accident is required to exchange identifying information with the other party. If requested to do so, you must show your driver’s license and provide assistance to the other driver.

When the injury or damage is minor and you leave the scene, you will likely be charged with misdemeanor hit and run. If the damage or injury is more severe, you face harsher consequences. In the event that that accident results in someone’s death and you leave the scene, you could be charged with a felony homicide by vehicle. If charged and convicted with this crime, you face up to five years in a state prison.

If you have been involved in a vehicle collision in Atlanta and need assistance, an experienced car accident attorney can help you determine your legal options. If the other driver did not stop, you may have been the victim of a hit and run. These cases can be more difficult to win, since if the other driver is never caught, there is no one to bring legal action against. An attorney can inform you what your options are.