Series of Hit and Runs Reported Throughout Metro Atlanta

Atlanta Municipal Court

Atlanta, Ga. - A series of hit and run accidents have been reported as occurring within a three hour time frame this past Sunday. These three accidents occurred all over the Metro Atlanta area.

According to police, the first incident occurred around 10:45 AM. The victim of the hit and run was a 78-year-old man who ultimately died from the impact of the collision. The victim's vehicle was stolen after the accident. That car was used in the next two accidents that were reported.

The other collisions occurred in Gwinnett and DeKalb. Police are asking anyone with any information to please come forward as it may help in their investigation of the violent vehicle collisions.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I handle cases involving both hit and run and DUI in Atlanta quite often. The two charges are seen frequently together. In today's post, I will outline the legal requirements of a driver who is involved in an accident.

Hit and Run

Hit and Run is charged when a driver fails to meet his or her obligations which are laid out in O.C.G.A. §40-6-270. The law is as follows:

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person or in damage to a vehicle which is driven or attended by any person shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident or shall stop as close thereto as possible and forthwith return to the scene of the accident and shall:

(1) Give his or her name and address and the registration number of the vehicle he or she is driving;

(2) Upon request and if it is available, exhibit his or her operator's license to the person struck or the driver or occupant of or person attending any vehicle collided with;

(3) Render to any person injured in such accident reasonable assistance, including the transporting, or the making of arrangements for the transporting, of such 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

(4) 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. The driver shall in every event remain at the scene of the accident until fulfilling the requirements of this subsection. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

(b) If such accident is the proximate cause of death or a serious injury, any person knowingly failing to stop and comply with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years.

Practice Note

Call our offices today if you or a loved one has been arrested for a serious traffic violation. An Atlanta DUI Attorney can help you with your case now.