Car crashes are an inherent risk associated with motor vehicle travel. Everyone has to accept the possibility that they could end up injured in a collision or worse as a trade-off for the convenience of on-demand, individual transportation.
The state implements rules to help minimize the risk related to motor vehicle travel for the average person. For example, drivers have to obtain state-issued driver’s licenses to legally operate vehicles. They have to register their vehicles with the state and display a license plate. They also have to carry insurance and should follow the laws regulating the flow of traffic. Unfortunately, traffic law violations are common, which means crashes are as well. Sometimes, one driver speeds off after a wreck instead of stopping the way that they should.
What protects people involved in a Georgia hit-and-run collision?
State law
Georgia state statutes help protect people from hit-and-run collisions by making it a crime to leave the scene of a crash. A first hit-and-run that produces mild injury or property damage is a misdemeanor. The penalties include between $300 and $1,000 in fines and up to 12 months imprisonment.
A first hit-and-run that leads to serious injury or death is a felony offense. The penalties can include up to five years in prison. Many drivers who initially feel the impulse to flee may stop themselves because of the penalties involved.
Even if they don’t, police officers should investigate a hit-and-run after it occurs. They can potentially track down the driver who caused the crash. In addition to facing charges, they may need to provide insurance coverage for the people affected by the crash and could be at risk of a lawsuit if they do not have sufficient insurance coverage.
Personal insurance policies
Technically, the insurance requirements in Georgia only make liability coverage mandatory. Drivers have to carry insurance in case they cause losses for others. The coverage of the hit-and-run driver can compensate the people affected by a crash if the state identifies and locates the motorist.
If the hit-and-run driver avoids identification, the other driver may have extra coverage that can protect them. Uninsured motorist coverage applies in a hit-and-run scenario. Drivers can sometimes use their own policies to cover costs when they are not at fault if they pay for that extra coverage before the wreck occurs.
Learning about the protections available for those involved in hit-and-run collisions can help people limit direct financial damage caused by a hit-and-run driver. Those with the right information can push for the best possible outcome in what may be a very difficult situation.