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Hit While Crossing the Street in Atlanta

Hit While Crossing the Street in Atlanta—Next Steps

Hit While Crossing the Street in Atlanta—Next Steps 750 500 Alex

Atlanta is a busy city, with many crosswalks, sidewalks, pedestrians and cars. Unfortunately, vehicle-pedestrian accidents happen in Georgia, like they do in every state. When a pedestrian and a vehicle are involved in a collision, the incident can be due to the negligence of the driver, the walker, or both. Therefore, it is important to know what steps to take if you’re hit by a car while walking or jogging, or if you’re the driver. If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, it will be helpful to understand what potential compensation there is for any resulting injuries and losses.

Hit by a Car in Atlanta?

Due to the nature of an auto versus pedestrian accident, a pedestrian may suffer serious injuries depending on the type of vehicle, speed, and location of impact. Sometimes, fortunately, a pedestrian is not injured after impact with a vehicle. But, often, they are.

The first steps to take after a pedestrian accident is: check on everyone at the scene and call 911. This will report the incident to the police and get medical attention if someone needs it.

Once you’ve notified the authorities and made sure everyone is OK, the next steps are to take pictures of the accident scene and get any witness’ contact information. While the police officer may do this as well, it is best to make sure that you have as much information as possible.

Because of the seriousness typically involved in vehicle-pedestrian accidents, it is also important to contact an Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney.

Determining Liability for Pedestrian Accidents

Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to act reasonably and obey traffic laws. For drivers, the general standard is that a driver must act as a reasonable driver would under the same or similar circumstance. For a pedestrian, they have a duty to act as a reasonable pedestrian would under the same or similar circumstance as well. A pedestrian cannot walk blindly into traffic, for example. 

The question is whether the driver or the pedestrian is “negligent.” It can be a fact intensive inquiry that needs an experienced attorney.

Georgia Comparative Negligence Law

In Georgia, a pedestrian can only recover for their injuries if they are less than 50% at fault. If the pedestrian is less than 50% at fault, then the amount awarded is “reduced by” the percentage at fault. So, for example, if you’re 25% at fault for a pedestrian-vehicle accident with damages totalling $100,000, the compensation you receive would be reduced by 25% or $25,000.

Consult with an Experienced Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At Weatherby Law Firm, we frequently work with plaintiffs and defendants of vehicle-pedestrian accidents. Our decades of experience and commitment to our clients drive us to achieve exceptional case results, and you can count on our law firm to make every effort on your case. Contact Weatherby Law Firm to schedule a free consultation with one of Georgia’s top pedestrian accident attorneys today.

Atlanta truck accident lawyer

What to Do After an Atlanta Truck Accident Injury

What to Do After an Atlanta Truck Accident Injury 1200 796 Alex

After a truck accident in Atlanta, you may wonder what steps you should take to protect your rights, preserve evidence, and prove the facts of what happened. Even if a truck accident in Atlanta doesn’t result in devastating injuries, it’s essential to take the right steps after your accident. 

Seek Medical Attention

If you suffer a medical injury after your truck accident in Atlanta, it’s crucial, first and foremost, to seek medical attention for those injuries. In many situations, injuries may appear minor. However, only a qualified physician can review your injuries and determine what treatment is necessary. Therefore, it’s important not to dismiss any medical injuries after a truck accident in Atlanta. A medical professional may be able to determine if you suffer from internal injuries or other injuries that you may be unaware of due to the accident’s shock. 

Contact the Police

In general, Georgia law requires you to contact the police after an accident. Police report to the scene to collect facts, interview witnesses, and obtain all parties’ names and contact information. Additionally, a police officer evaluates the location of the accident and may be able to determine fault. After a truck accident in Atlanta, the police report serves as an essential piece of information for your attorney. If you decide to file a lawsuit, the police report may aid your attorney in acquiring facts surrounding your accident that you may have forgotten or been too injured at the time to acknowledge. 

Stick to the Facts

After a truck accident in Atlanta, you may be contacted by the police, your insurance company, or the insurance company for the other party involved. In those situations, it’s essential to talk with your attorney before speaking further. Anything you say can, and will, be used against you. Talk to an attorney before providing any statement to an insurance company.

Gather Information at the Scene

If you are able, attempt to gather as much information as possible at the truck accident scene in Atlanta. Collect the names and contact information for parties involved, as well as their insurance provider. Additionally, if you are able, take photos of the scene of the truck accident in Atlanta. Any photographs of the damage to the vehicles are also helpful in maintaining a record of the accident. 

Provide your attorney with the evidence you obtained at the scene after your truck accident in Atlanta to help them build the facts of your case. 

Contact Us 

Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. is an Atlanta-based law firm specializing in personal injury claims, including truck accidents. Our firm provides high-quality representation when working cases for our clients. We understand the difficulties you face after a truck accident in Atlanta and strive to improve your life. The attorneys at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. take immense pride in solving your complex legal problems. We exist to help honest individuals move toward recovery for the injuries they suffer after a truck accident in Atlanta. Contact our office today to discuss your case’s facts and find out how we can help you.

Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer

How to Obtain a Copy of Your GA State Patrol Accident Report

How to Obtain a Copy of Your GA State Patrol Accident Report 475 399 Alex

If you have recently been involved in a car accident, you may be wondering what you need to do next. One of the first steps is obtaining a copy of your Georgia State Patrol accident report.

The Georgia personal injury lawyers at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. have extensive experience handling auto accident cases. We regularly help folks obtain a copy of their police report and address any claim that’s related.

Please don’t hesitate to send a message or call us at (404) 793-0026 for assistance.

Why an Accident Report in Georgia Is Important

After most car accidents in Georgia, a police report or GA state patrol accident report is filed. The officer usually prepares a formal report after they respond to the scene of a collision.

This report will contain important information about the wreck, including:

  • Descriptions of the scene;
  • Information about the parties involved;
  • Witness information including potential witness statements; and
  • Police observations. 

Thus, the official accident report will likely be very important to any investigation into the car or truck accident.

How to Get a Copy of Your Georgia Highway or State Patrol Accident Report

The accident report contains important information that can strengthen your claim for compensation.

Thus, it is important that you obtain a copy of the police accident report at the earliest opportunity. Once the police or GA State Patrol file the report, there are a few ways to get a copy.

Get Your Report In-Person from the Georgia Police Department

If you want to obtain the accident report directly from the department, it is best to call the police department, sheriff’s station, or Georgia Highway Patrol post that handled your accident.

Each department handles report requests differently. The receptionist at the location will be able to provide guidance on how this branch operates.

In general, to obtain the accident report, there is a written form that is filled out and turned in along with a small fee.

Find Your Georgia State Patrol Accident Report Online

Most of the time, an official accident report is available online for Georgia auto accidents. To get a copy of the accident report online, visit the website buycrash.com.

Some jurisdictions in Georgia do not use Buycrash, and you will need to obtain a report from the police department directly.

At Buycrash, you can search for your accident and purchase copies of the report after providing certain information.

In general, this information includes:

  • The name of the involved party,
  • Date of the accident, and
  • (if known) the vehicle identification number (VIN) or accident report number.

Please note, however, that this is a privately owned website that is not controlled by the local law enforcement branch.

In our experience, the information on Buycrash may not be complete.

While it is an easy way to obtain your collision report, it may not be the best way.

Ask Your Car Accident Lawyer to Get it for You

A Georgia lawyer that specializes in auto accidents or personal injury is authorized by Georgia law to obtain a copy of the police report for their client. At our firm, we regularly work with local law enforcement officers to ensure that we have all the relevant information related to a truck wreck or car wreck for our clients.

We have extensive experience. We have recovered millions of dollars for genuinely injured folks, and we have defended reputable companies. Contact us online or call our firm at (404) 793-0026 today to discuss your case and see how we can help.

Alpharetta Police Accident Report

Alpharetta Police Accident Reports

Alpharetta Police Accident Reports 600 400 Alex

After an accident in Alpharetta, obtaining a copy of the accident report may be useful for many reasons. You may have forgotten some essential details regarding the accident. Additionally, if you’ve determined you need to file a lawsuit, your personal injury attorney may use your Alpharetta police reports to obtain potentially valuable information about your accident. 

How to Obtain Alpharetta Police Reports

After an accident, there are several ways to obtain a copy of your Alpharetta police report. Alternatively, you may ask your attorney to obtain a copy of your accident report on your behalf. 

Contact the Alpharetta Police Department

You may contact the Alpharetta Police Department online and request a copy of your accident report on the open records request page. You must provide the following information: 

  • The type of request and documents requested,
  • The case number, 
  • The accident location,
  • Your name,
  • The date of the accident,
  • The reporting officer, and
  • Your contact information.

Once you complete this information, you then provide a copy of your driver license or identifying information. The police department notifies you when your Alpharetta police report is ready.  

Most police reports are available approximately a week after your accident. The time delay permits the Alpharetta Police Department time to upload the report into their administrative records. 

Order Online

You may also obtain a copy of your Alpharetta police report by visiting the Buy Crash website. You begin by choosing the state of Georgia, where your accident occurred. The site will then ask you to identify whether you were involved with the accident or closely connected to the accident in some other way. Payment is required to obtain a copy of the police report. You may wish to contact the Alpharetta Police Department to obtain the accident report number and conduct a search in that manner.

Georgia Department of Transportation 

The state of Georgia also permits retrieval of an Alpharetta police report through the Georgia Department of Transportation. Georgia refers to these requests as Open Records Requests. In these requests, you must provide your name, address, telephone number, persons involved, and the type of report requested. Additionally, include information about the accident that occurred in Alpharetta, the accident date, and the report number if known. 

Why Is my Alpharetta Police Report Important?

An Alpharetta accident report gives insurance adjusters, lawyers, and judges the police officer’s account of the accident. As police are typically unbiased parties, they can report the facts they observe about the accident. Additionally, a police report may provide the police officer’s opinion of fault in the accident. 

Your attorney must obtain a copy of your Alpharetta police reports to have a potentially strong case on your behalf in the event of a lawsuit. 

Contact Us

The attorneys at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. assist clients with high-quality and compassionate representation. We work tirelessly to improve the lives of our clients and help them on a path forward. Our attorneys possess the diverse experience to provide all clients with credible and insightful legal counsel as we guide you through the litigation process. If you need assistance obtaining your Alpharetta police reports, contact our office to discuss the facts of your case today.

Marietta Police Accident Reports

Marietta Police Accident Reports 150 150 Alex

If you suffered an injury in a car accident, a car accident attorney in Marietta, GA, may be able to help you recover compensation for your damages and losses. One of the essential tools in building a strong case on your behalf is your accident report from the Marietta Police Dept. It’s always a good idea to report your accident immediately to the Marietta Police Department after a car accident. Police will come to the scene of the accident and report their findings. Police accident reports may include opinions of fault in a car accident. 

What Is an Accident Report? 

When there is a car accident in Marietta, GA, the police create an official document called an accident report. In an accident report, the police provide details observed while at the car accident scene. The information in an accident report may include the following:

  • Names and addresses of involved parties;
  • Insurance information for involved parties;
  • Identifying information for witnesses;
  • Location of damage to involved vehicles;
  • Weather, roadway, and lighting conditions at the scene of the accident;
  • Statements from involved parties and witnesses;
  • Whether there are any violations of law or citations issued; and 
  • Issuance of a citation to the party the officer deems “at fault”

Police represent an impartial party; therefore, car accident reports prepared by the Marietta Police Dept may represent credible information useful to your attorney.  

Do I Have to Report My Accident? 

In general, Georgia law requires you to report your accident if the accident results in more than $500 in damage. Additionally, Georgia law requires you to report these accidents to the police immediately. An accident report may help assist a car accident attorney in Marietta, GA, in building your personal injury case. 

How Do I Get My Accident Report from the Marietta Police Dept?

There are typically three ways to obtain your accident report from the Marietta Police Department. These include the following:

  1. Go to the Marietta Police Department and pick up your accident report;
  2. Order your accident report online through the Marietta Police Dept; and
  3. Have your attorney obtain a copy of your car accident report. 

A car accident report in Marietta, GA, typically requires payment of a small fee for processing and copying. 

Contact Us 

A car accident report from the Marietta Police Department may serve as a valuable tool for your attorney in compiling details regarding your car accident. The personal injury attorneys at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. provide high-quality representation to clients involved in car accidents throughout the United States. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. assists clients involved in car accidents in Marietta, GA. The attorneys at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. have built a reputation based on a dedicated commitment to all clients through honorable and efficient legal counsel. We understand the difficulties you face after a car accident in Marietta and we are determined to make the lives of our clients better. Contact us today to discuss the facts of your case and how we can help you move forward.

Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys—What to Do If You Are Hit

Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys—What to Do If You Are Hit 150 150 Alex

Were you or a loved one involved in a DUI crash in Atlanta? Drunk driving accident attorneys can provide the legal services you need and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Many DUI accident lawyers—including those at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C.—are fierce negotiators and skilled litigators, making them capable of achieving the best possible case results. With the right Atlanta drunk driving accident attorney fighting to protect your rights, you’ll optimize your chances of recovering the maximum in damages. 

Drunk Driving and Accident Injuries

Atlanta drivers are considered to be legally drunk if their blood alcohol content (BAC) is at least .08 percent. This amount of alcohol in the blood may impair vision, slow the reflexes, and affect a driver’s ability to make rational decisions.

Victims of DUI accidents in Georgia may suffer catastrophic injuries, such as the following:

  • Broken and crushed bones,
  • Back and spinal cord injuries,
  • Internal bleeding and organ damage,
  • Lacerations and severe burns,
  • Traumatic brain injuries,
  • Facial scarring and disfigurement, and
  • Loss of limb injuries.

If you have been hit by a drunk driver, call 911 immediately. The local police need to respond to the scene, and you may need emergency medical services.

Holding Drunk Drivers Accountable

Thousands of people are seriously hurt in DUI accidents every year, and drunk drivers are responsible for the deaths of thousands more. Injured victims and families who have lost a loved one have the right to pursue compensation for their losses, if the drunk driver was at fault.

However, holding drunk drivers accountable can be a definite challenge. DUI accidents present various legal issue. Whether yours is a personal injury claim or a wrongful death claim, working with an experienced Atlanta drunk driving accident attorney is in your best interests.

Georgia’s Dram Shop Liability Laws

If you were hit by a drunk driver, a DUI accident lawyer can help you hold them responsible. But if the incident occurred in Georgia, pursuing compensation may mean looking not only to the at-fault driver, but also to the place where they got their alcohol.

Georgia’s dram shop liability laws allow bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and social hosts to be held financially accountable, under certain circumstances. Proving this type of case may be difficult, however, and typically requires the expertise of a seasoned DUI accident attorney.

Compensation for Accident Victims

Experienced DUI accident lawyers can help victims obtain the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured, you may be able to pursue compensation for a range of damages, including:

  • Medical expenses,
  • Lost income,
  • Property damage, and
  • Loss of earning capacity.

An Atlanta attorney may also assist you in obtaining non-economic damages resulting from a DUI crash, such as:

  • Emotional trauma,
  • Pain and suffering,
  • Loss of enjoyment in life, and
  • Loss of companionship.

For wrongful death claims, a DUI accident attorney may seek fair financial compensation for the financial and emotional losses of the victim’s family. In some cases, victims may also be able to pursue punitive damages.

Consult an Atlanta Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

At Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., our legal team has experience successfully resolving car accident injury claims. Browse our case results to see how we’ve helped past clients. Although these results don’t necessarily reflect on the outcome of your case, they demonstrate our commitment to get the job done for you.

If you would like to have one of the leading Atlanta drunk driving accident attorneys on your side, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

Atlanta Statute of Limitations, Georgia Statute of Limitations

What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Georgia?

What is the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim in Georgia? 962 529 Alex

The personal injury statute of limitations in Georgia is generally two years from the date of the accident.

This means that a claim must be filed two years from the date of the accident itself.

If a tractor-trailer accident occurred on August 2, 2019, for example, then the injured person has until August 1, 2021, to file suit.

The two-year statute of limitations applies to most personal injury claims.

This includes those arising out of a:

  • Bike accident,
  • Bus accident,
  • Truck accident,
  • Pedestrian accident,
  • Motorcycle accident,
  • Medical malpractice,
  • Shooting,
  • Wrongful death,
  • Spinal cord,
  • Brain injury, or
  • Burn injury case

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Personal Injury Statute of Limitations Rules in Georgia

As a general rule, a lawsuit should never be filed that close to the statute of limitations.

This is because there may be issues with locating the defendant or serving the defendant with the lawsuit.

A substantial delay in service may result in a timely filed lawsuit being barred by the statute of limitations.

Our rule of thumb is to file a lawsuit at the earliest opportunity to present a good case. It is rare if we file a lawsuit less than 6 months before the statute of limitations expires.

Exceptions to Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Georgia

There are some exceptions to the personal injury statute of limitations in Georgia.

Commission of a Crime

First, there is an extension for lawsuits related to the commission of a crime.

The statute of limitations is extended for the same period that the criminal prosecution or criminal investigation is pending.

This means that where the personal injury resulted from a criminal act, the injured party may have additional time to file their claim.

This includes a crime resulting from a car accident or truck accident.

For example, if the tractor-trailer accident resulted in a DUI charge for the truck driver, then the statute of limitations would be extended during the time period that the DUI investigation and prosecution was pending.

Fraudulent Acts

Second, the statute of limitations may be extended for fraud.

This only extends the time period to file a lawsuit, when the fraud prevented the injured party from filing the lawsuit.

In other words, there needs to be some fraudulent act that kept the injured party from filing a lawsuit.

A simple allegation of fraud is not sufficient to pause or “toll” the statute of limitations.

Age Restrictions

Third, the statute of limitations is extended for a minor until they reach the age of majority (age 18).

A person should not wait around this long to file suit, however, as there are other rules that could come into play and bar a claim.

Psychological Restrictions

Fourth, the statute of limitations is extended for folks who are mentally incompetent.

This is a high standard. The person must be so mentally unsound that they are incapable of carrying out ordinary life affairs or filing a lawsuit.

Having a mental disability is not enough. Being diagnosed with a mental illness is not enough.

There must be incompetence to such a degree that the person is incapable of making decisions for themselves.

Navigating the statute of limitations can be a challenge.

We know the ins and outs of the statute of limitations in Georgia.

At our firm, we are experienced lawyers based in Atlanta, and we service all of Georgia.

Atlanta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Hit While Crossing the Street in Atlanta—Next Steps

Hit While Crossing the Street in Atlanta—Next Steps 1000 523 Alex

Atlanta is a busy city, with many crosswalks, sidewalks, pedestrians and cars. Unfortunately, vehicle-pedestrian accidents happen in Georgia, like they do in every state. When a pedestrian and a vehicle are involved in a collision, the incident can be due to the negligence of the driver, the walker, or both. Therefore, it is important to know what steps to take if you’re hit by a car while walking or jogging, or if you’re the driver. If you’re involved in a pedestrian accident, it will be helpful to understand what potential compensation there is for any resulting injuries and losses.

Hit by a Car in Atlanta?

Due to the nature of an auto versus pedestrian accident, a pedestrian may suffer serious injuries depending on the type of vehicle, speed, and location of impact. Sometimes, fortunately, a pedestrian is not injured after impact with a vehicle. But, often, they are.

The first steps to take after a pedestrian accident is: check on everyone at the scene and call 911. This will report the incident to the police and get medical attention if someone needs it.

Once you’ve notified the authorities and made sure everyone is OK, the next steps are to take pictures of the accident scene and get any witness’ contact information. While the police officer may do this as well, it is best to make sure that you have as much information as possible.

Because of the seriousness typically involved in vehicle-pedestrian accidents, it is also important to contact an Atlanta pedestrian accident attorney.

Determining Liability for Pedestrian Accidents

Both drivers and pedestrians have a duty to act reasonably and obey traffic laws. For drivers, the general standard is that a driver must act as a reasonable driver would under the same or similar circumstance. For a pedestrian, they have a duty to act as a reasonable pedestrian would under the same or similar circumstance as well. A pedestrian cannot walk blindly into traffic, for example. 

The question is whether the driver or the pedestrian is “negligent.” It can be a fact intensive inquiry that needs an experienced attorney.

Georgia Comparative Negligence Law

In Georgia, a pedestrian can only recover for their injuries if they are less than 50% at fault. If the pedestrian is less than 50% at fault, then the amount awarded is “reduced by” the percentage at fault. So, for example, if you’re 25% at fault for a pedestrian-vehicle accident with damages totaling $100,000, the compensation you receive would be reduced by 25% or $25,000.

Consult with an Experienced Atlanta Pedestrian Accident Attorney

At Weatherby Law Firm, P.C., we frequently work with plaintiffs and defendants of vehicle-pedestrian accidents. Our decades of experience and commitment to our clients drive us to achieve exceptional case results, and you can count on our law firm to make every effort on your case. Contact Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with one of Georgia’s top pedestrian accident attorneys today.

atlanta-personal-injury

Tips for Hiring the Best Accident Attorney in Atlanta

Tips for Hiring the Best Accident Attorney in Atlanta 375 250 Alex

If you were involved in a car crash with injuries, you are going to want the best accident attorney in Atlanta. There is no “best accident attorney” but there is a difference in those who know what they are doing and those who don’t. 

As you may have noticed, thousands of local lawyers represent clients in personal injury claims. How do you determine which legal professional is the right one to handle your case?

To narrow down your options and make it easier to find the best car accident lawyer in Georgia, try the following strategies.

Ask Other Atlanta Attorneys

If you have worked with a local lawyer on another legal matter—perhaps in developing an estate plan or resolving a real estate dispute—ask them for a recommendation. Legal professionals often know of Atlanta law firms with other areas of specialization, and they may be able to point you toward the right accident attorney to take on your claim.

Contact the Local Bar Association

For a list of qualified local lawyers who specialize in personal injury claims, you can contact the Atlanta Bar Association or the Georgia State Bar. These organizations have high standards, so you’ll receive only the names of legal professionals who have the skills and experience to obtain fair compensation in car accident claims.

Seek Out Recommendations

When you’re looking for the best accident attorney in Atlanta, try making a few phone calls. One of your friends, family members, or colleagues may have hired a car accident lawyer before, and they may be able to suggest a qualified local legal professional to assist with your personal injury claim.

Consider Attorney Expertise

Once you have the names of several local lawyers, take the time to check their credentials and case results. The best car accident lawyers in Georgia have websites containing details on their educational background, experience, and professional reputation, and you can use this information to narrow down your choices.

Schedule Attorney Consultations

Many Georgia personal injury firms offer free initial consultations, and you should schedule a meeting with each of the attorneys you’re considering. Treat the consultation like a job interview. Ask questions about your case and the lawyer’s approach to car accident claims. This will help you decide if they’re the best legal professional to hire for your case.

Choose the Right Accident Attorney

After you have had a chance to consult with each of the local car accident lawyers on your list, think about how the appointments went. Were you comfortable with the attorney? Did they answer your questions? Do they have a plan to prove your case and help you obtain the maximum in compensation?

The decision of which is the best accident attorney in Atlanta to hire is yours to make, and you’ll need to think it over carefully. You want a skilled legal professional who will fight to protect your rights—a lawyer who will put your needs first. That’s what you’ll find with Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta personal injury lawyers today.

hit-and-run accidents in atlanta, georgia

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia

Hit-and-Run Accidents in Atlanta, Georgia 750 500 Alex

A hit-and-run accident occurs when a driver strikes another vehicle or pedestrian and then doesn’t stop to render aid. Unfortunately, a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that both hit-and-run crashes and fatalities are on the rise in America.

In 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recorded 2,049 hit-and-run fatalities. This is the highest number ever recorded. So what should Georgia drivers know about these accidents, and when should you call an attorney?

Georgia Hit-and-Run Laws

Like other states, Georgia has specific laws concerning hit-and-run incidents. Georgia hit-and-run laws state that, generally, the driver of any vehicle involved in an accident must stop and help any injured persons. Then, the drivers should report the accident to law enforcement.

Punishment Under Hit-and-Run Laws in Georgia

When discussing Georgia laws on hit-and-run accidents, you may wonder about the consequences potential consequences. A hit-and-run driver can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Hit and runs relating to minor accidents with no physical injuries are likely to be classified as misdemeanors under Georgia hit-and-run laws. Penalties range from fines and restitution to jail time.

When the accident involves bodily injury or death, the offense may rise to a felony. Possible penalties imposed by Georgia laws on hit and run may include fines and prison time.

However, even if a driver is convicted of just a misdemeanor, this can have civil consequences as well.

Insurance Claims and Personal Injury Lawsuits

A hit and run adds another factor to a potential personal injury claim. When someone suffers injury due to the negligent driving of another person, they are entitled to compensation from the at-fault party.  The hit-and-run laws in Georgia may help a claimant prove fault for civil liability.

There is a risk of civil penalties as well, if it is determined that a driver knowingly performed a hit-and-run and failed to stop to check if there were any injured persons.

Best Practices After Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you are involved in an accident, stop your vehicle and call the police. If the other driver leaves the scene, you still need to stop your vehicle and call the police.

It is also a good idea to gather as much information as you can from the scene, take photos of the damage with your phone or another camera, and take down notes about what you can remember of the incident. It is sometimes difficult to identify a hit-and-run driver, so any information you have may be key.

It’s important to reach out to an experienced car accident attorney if you are involved in a hit and run. They can help you navigate the situation and advise you on your options.

Injured in a Hit-and-Run Accident? Call Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. Today

If you are involved in a hit and run accident, the personal injury team at Weatherby Law Firm, P.C. is here to help. We are an accomplished and respected firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a proven track record of success in automobile and other catastrophic accident cases.

We represent the genuinely injured, and honorable companies. Contact us by calling 404-793-0026 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.

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