Why You Absolutely Must Stop Your Vehicle After a Car Wreck

Why You Absolutely Must Stop Your Vehicle After a Car Wreck

Knowing what to do when you’ve been involved in a car accident is the most important way to prevent serious consequences and ensure that you’re fully protected.

The state of Georgia has specific laws that relate to the actions taken following an automobile accident. Failure to adhere to these laws can lead to criminal charges and penalties that may affect your future.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense. Knowing the importance of stopping your vehicle after a car wreck is the first step to avoiding these and other unwanted issues.

Why You Must Remain at the Scene

According to Georgia law, a vehicle driver who has been involved in a collision that results in injury, death, or property damage must stop immediately at the scene or a location close by and return to the scene.

Drivers must be able to provide personal information, vehicle registration numbers, and other details that allow the police, drivers, and insurance providers to determine the facts related to the collision.

Remaining at the scene allows drivers to assist others who’ve been injured and need to be transported if necessary. All drivers should remain at the scene until these and other factors have been addressed.

Drivers who are responsible for damage to property should remain to provide information to authorities and owners of the property.

Consequences of Not Stopping After a Car Wreck

Leaving the scene of an accident can result in a felony charge, especially if others have been killed or injured. This could lead to a conviction that results in up to five years imprisonment and fines up to $1,000.

Hit and run convictions may result in the loss of driving privileges and disrupt your ability to work and meet your daily responsibilities.

Felony convictions impact your current or future employment and require the aid of a skilled legal professional in order to achieve a resolution that protects you from these and other consequences.

Passengers and witnesses can leave the scene without punishment. Also, drivers who feel that remaining at the scene puts them in harm’s way are also allowed to leave. This occurs in cases where hazardous materials or fires are present.

Where to Move Your Car

It’s important to move your automobile to safety after a collision. This protects you from any further injury and allows you to gather the necessary information from other drivers.

You should immediately record the date, time, and location of the collision for future reference. Injured drivers should seek the necessary medical care as soon as possible.

Witnesses should be identified in order to acquire information that supports the recollection of the events that took place and resulted in the accident.

The help of a legal professional can also ensure that you take the right steps following an automobile accident.

Consulting with an attorney gives you an opportunity to evaluate all of your options, obtain the compensation you deserve, and hold all liable parties responsible.

Drivers involved in car wrecks may be entitled to compensation for medical care, punitive damages, lost wages, and others.

Your attorney will have the experience in working with various types of collisions in order to provide you with the legal protection you need and deserve.

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