Hit and Run Laws

Last month, a prominent Tennessee state representative was arrested for fleeing the scene of an accident on Jekyll Island, GA. According to police, Senator Ken Yager, who is currently serving as the Tennessee Republican State Senate Caucus Chair, was taken to jail after he allegedly admitted he was involved in a crash and took a positive breathalyzer test. While his case is up to the Georgia courts to decide, we thought it would be a good opportunity to go over hit-and-run laws in the state of Georgia.

GA Code § 40-6-270 requires that drivers involved in an accident must immediately stop at the scene. A driver is required to provide reasonable assistance and contact emergency medical services for anyone who is injured. They also must give the other driver information such as their name, address, insurance information and registration number.

In Georgia, a person that fails to follow this law could face stiff penalties. A person that flees the scene of an accident that causes a severe injury or death could be charged with a felony. Those penalties include fines of up to $1,000 and jail time for up to five years or more. If there is not a serious injury or death, a driver can still be charged with a misdemeanor. And, hitting an unattended (parked) vehicle without stopping can also be included under Georgia’s hit-and-run law. Any of these charges could be in addition to other potential charges, such as a DUI.

And, on top of fines and jail time, license suspension can be much more strict for convictions under hit-and-run laws. There is very little chance of obtaining a limited driving permit. And, a driver could still face charges for a DUI, and other charges related to the accident.

These cases can be very complex, but an experienced lawyer can help you get the best possible outcome. If you are facing any sort of DUI in Georgia, Schiavone Law has the expertise to help you navigate the confusing legal system with confidence.