Every driver on Georgia’s roads has to drive carefully and safely to prevent harming other motorists and pedestrians. When an accident does occur, there are strict laws that dictate what involved parties must do.
Georgia Laws and Hit-and-Run Accidents
If you are involved in an accident that causes injury or property damage, you are required to immediately stop your vehicle at or near the scene of the accident. Georgia law is clear about this requirement. Fleeing the scene of an accident is illegal.
How does this impact your accident claim? It can be more challenging to hold the at-fault party responsible because they are not at the scene and may not be able to be identified. There are ways to track down the person who caused the accident, even if they flee, including the use of video footage or eyewitnesses.
Another possible option is your insurance policy’s uninsured motorist coverage. Georgia does not require drivers to carry this coverage, but you may have opted to include it in your policy.
Factors that Contribute to a Hit-and-Run Accident
Fleeing the scene of an accident is a decision that the hit-and-run driver makes, but certain factors make that outcome more likely.
Traffic Violations
When drivers are traveling at excessive speeds, driving recklessly, or breaking another state traffic law, they may feel more inclined to flee the scene if they cause an accident. Whether from fear, panic, or confusion, drivers often hit and run in order to avoid consequences for their negligent behavior.
Driving Under the Influence
Drivers with impaired judgment and cognition from alcohol or drugs are also more likely to flee after an accident. Driving under the influence is illegal in Georgia, which means they could face criminal charges as well as civil penalties for their actions. Not all intoxicated drivers are worried about the consequences when they flee the scene; sometimes, they’re too impaired to realize they’ve caused an accident.
Uninsured Drivers
The at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for covering the costs of the damage in Georgia. If drivers are driving without insurance, they may fear they’ll be held personally liable for the harm they caused. This often leads to hit-and-runs.
Environmental Factors
Accidents that occur in highly populated or busy areas are less likely to result in hit-and-runs, while drivers who think their actions have not been witnessed are more likely to flee. Additional environmental factors that influence the prevalence of hit-and-runs include lighting, time of day, and street layout.
Atlanta Hit-and-Run Accident Attorney
If you were hurt in a hit-and-run accident, there’s still hope that you’ll be able to recover damages. The accident attorneys at Flanagan Law can help you determine what your options are for financial recovery so you can start putting your life back together. Contact us today for a free consultation.
