In Georgia, if you are in a car wreck of any kind, you are required to stop and share certain information with the other motorist or motorists involved. By law you are required to share:
You are also required to render medical assistance as needed and within your ability to do so, and to call 911 if necessary.
Not stopping after a wreck—even if it is just a so-called fender bender—is known as a hit and run.
Hit and run is a misdemeanor in Georgia, punishable by:
If the hit-and-run wreck resulted in serious injuries or fatalities, the driver who fled the scene could be charged with a felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
In addition to these criminal charges and penalties, the driver could also face civil litigation from the victim and/or the victim’s family.
If you are the victim of a hit and run wreck, the first thing you need to do is gather as much information as you can about the other vehicle. Write down the make, model and color of the vehicle—if you can make out the license plate number, be sure to record that as well. Also include anything you are able to see regarding the driver and passengers.
Were there any eyewitnesses? If so, get their contact information. Also note the location and time of the accident and the direction in which the driver left.
Take photographs of the damage to your vehicle. If the driver is apprehended, you can file a claim with his or her insurance company. If not, you may need to apply through your own policy’s uninsured motorist coverage.
The most important takeaway is that hit-and-run cases can give rise to punitive damages claims in your case. Working to secure evidence of such conduct is crucial in obtaining a successful outcome in your case.
If you have been involved in a hit and run wreck, there is a tremendous amount of research and work to do. Finding an experienced car wreck attorney should be among your top priorities. The right attorney can shoulder this burden and work on your behalf to get the best possible outcome in your case.
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Zdrilich Injury Law is committed to helping injured Georgians receive the money they need to recover physically and financially after an accident.
Zdrilich Injury Law, LLC providers one-on-one representation to car accident, truck accident and workers’ compensation clients in Georgia.
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Pooler, GA 31322
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Alpharetta, GA 30005
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