Posted by duijim in on April 18, 2018
In the beginning of December, a man jumped off a bridge on Interstate 75 in an effort to escape law enforcement during a traffic stop and subsequently fell. Law enforcement attempted to rescue the man, but the man proceeded to jump over the bridge’s retaining wall and plummet 70 feet. Firefighters eventually had to rescue the man by using a basket and a lift. After being rescued, the man was taken to a nearby medical facility. Law enforcement has stated that after release from the hospital, the man will be charged with an offense, but it still remains unclear with what offense the man will be charged.
Applicable Law
Law in the state of Georgia concerning hit and run accidents is particularly complicated, and it is not uncommon for Georgia law enforcement to charge a driver with the incorrect type of hit and run charge. A driver must immediately stop at the scene of an accident and provide important contact information, show the other driver his or her license, offer to help anyone who was injured, and call for assistance if anyone appears to be seriously injured by the accident. When individuals are involved in an accident, the drivers are legally obligated to provide the other driver with contact information including the driver’s name, address, vehicle registration, and driver’s license information.
Resulting Penalties
Individuals who are convicted of fleeing the scene of an accident will face at least a four-month driver’s license suspension, a fine between $300 to $1,000, and up to one year in jail. These penalties increase for second and multiple offenses. Individuals who are charged with hit and run and DUI will not qualify for any type of restricted license during this period. A hit and run involving a DUI will also have particularly devastating effects on one’s insurance rates. If the hit and run resulted in the severe injury or death of another individual, a motor vehicle driver is also at risk of being charged with a felony offense, which carries particularly severe penalties.
Defending Against a Hit and Run Charge
There are several ways in which individuals can defend against charges of leaving the scene of an accident. One of the most common defenses is that the driver may not realize that an accident had taken place at all. Drivers are also able to defend against the DUI element of the charge in the many ways that individuals are able to defend against DUI charges, including failure by law enforcement to properly conduct a blood alcohol concentration test or improperly maintained or faulty equipment.
The Assistance of a Top DUI Attorney
If you are charged with leaving the scene of an accident that was caused by driving under the influence, retaining the assistance of a skilled DUI attorney can be essential in making sure that your case resolves in a positive manner. Do not hesitate to contact a seasoned Atlanta DUI attorney at Yeargan & Kert LLC today who can make sure that your case resolves in a favorable way.