Hit And Run

Augusta GA Hit and Run Lawyer

Hit and run is one of the more serious traffic offenses on the books in the state of Georgia, and it is important that drivers understand what is expected of them when they have been involved in an accident. A large part of this is really a matter of common sense and reacting to such a circumstance with logic, personal responsibility, and integrity, but legally, there are three things that you are required to do. You need to offer to provide help to anyone who may be injured; you are required to provide the other party with relevant contact information including your vehicle registration number; and you must provide positive identification so that the other driver has proof of your identity.

But there are people who panic and behave irrationally when they have been in an accident, and they sometimes don't act appropriately, taking off before they satisfy the three requirements listed above. This can result in a charge of hit and run, and there are some significant penalties that can accompany a conviction. People who have been found guilty of hit and run will be looking at a fine of up to $1000, and it can also result in jail time of as long as one year, at the discretion of the judge. Plus, there is a mandatory suspension of driving privileges. Clearly, a hit and run conviction is not to be taken lightly.

However, not everyone who is charged with hit and run is guilty, and everyone is presumed innocent until the state can prove otherwise. Drivers who have been accused of hit and run should contact an experienced and savvy Georgia traffic attorney before making any definitive statements and discuss the matter with their lawyer before proceeding. The details surrounding the event will be examined, and these cases are very open to interpretation. Injuries and/or stress can be a factor that contributed to the actions of the accused, and these will be taken into account. There are also instances when the driver honestly did not know that an accident had occurred. A timely consultation with a GA traffic attorney is the best course of action for anyone who if faced with a hit and run charge.