According to recent reports out of Atlanta, a child riding a scooter was hit by a vehicle. No further details have been provided, but an investigation is currently ongoing.

As an Atlanta DUI Lawyer, I frequently handle cases dealing with both hit and run and DUI in Atlanta. In today's post, I will jump into the law behind hit and run in Atlanta as well as how it corresponds to DUI arrests.

Hit and Run in Georgia

Under Georgia law, a driver has a duty to stop at the scene of an accident if it results in injury or damage to the vehicle. By law, a driver shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene, or as close as possible and return to the accident. There are other requirements as well.

By law, the other requirements include:

• Giving their name, address and registration number of the vehicle;
• Upon request, showing their driver's license;
• Providing reasonable assistance to any person injured in the accident, including transport, making arrangements for transport, to a doctor or hospital for treatment if necessary;
• Making the effort to ensure EMS and law enforcement are contacted where a person is unconscious, deceased, or unable to communicate.

Failure to provide the above after an accident without a serious injury, or where damage was done to a vehicle, can result in a misdemeanor charge, with up to 12 months in prison, and a of fine between $300 to $1,000. If the accident involved a serious injury or death, then it is a felony hit and run. This could include up to 5 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 1 year.

Moreover, even just striking a vehicle without anyone in it can end in penalties if the driver doesn't take certain measures. The law requires a driver involved in a collision with an unattended vehicle to immediately stop and either locate the driver, or leave a note in a conspicuous place for the owner or driver to find later. By law, notice should include the name and and address of the driver. Failing to provide this information is a misdemeanor offense.

Practice Note

The reason why as an Atlanta DUI Attorney I handle cases of hit and run as it is often seen with cases of DUI. Most of the time, a driver who is worried about getting arrested for drunk driving may be tempted to flee the scene after an accident. However, this will usually only add additional charges to the DUI, and therefore additional penalties.

If you or a loved one has been arrested for DUI in the City of Atlanta, call our offices today.