We have posted previously on hit and run accidents that are becoming more and more prevalent across the country. We have also posted on situations in which individuals attempt to hide their vehicles from authorities, get them painted or repaired, or otherwise attempt to dispose of them to avoid being criminally charged in these accidents. A recent Gwinnett County fatal accident has brought attention to several other illegal actions alleged to have been taken after an accident that took place last month. This situation, ending in the death of one man who had been riding his motorcycle, has turned out to be something quite different than was first understood.
In late April, a Gwinnett County accident involved the collision of cars and a motorcycle. At first, this tragic situation that ended the life of the biker, appeared to be a simple accident among friends coming home after a night out. But after investigation, the authorities have determined and allege that five individuals were involved in something more, including first degree vehicular homicide. Some have also been charged with evidence tampering and a number of other charges that include reckless driving and hit and run. Piecing together the sequence of events, and what apparently occurred to cause the death that occurred, authorities have concluded that a great deal more happened that night than what was first understood.
First, the basic facts as reported are that five individuals had been together at a restaurant and ended up racing down a street after they left the premises. The group was led by one member of the group who was on a motorcycle. They were headed towards his home and when they arrived, the biker was somehow hit by one of the cars. He fell off his bike and is alleged to have been hit by another of the vehicles that was part of the group. After the accident, two of the group allegedly helped hide the vehicle that ran over the biker after he had fallen off his bike. One member of the group had her father get involved in trying to hide what happened, as the car was moved away from the scene and other cars were moved to alter the evidence at the location of the accident.
Many of these actions carry criminal charges. For example, the scene of an accident must not be tampered with, so that moving a vehicle or vehicles to make the accident seem to have occurred differently, is a violation of Georgia’s laws. Under the Official Code of Georgia Section 16-10-94 it is a crime to alter or move evidence. We have often discussed the crime involved in hit and run, which apparently has also been charged in this situation due to the fact that the way the biker had been struck and ultimately lost his life was not reported accurately at first. The most serious crime charged in this situation is first degree vehicular homicide under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 40-6-393.
If you have been involved in an accident while riding your motorcycle, or if you know someone who has been seriously injured in a bike accident, please contact Scholle Law. We are here to provide you with a free consultation on your legal rights and can help you and your family with both the medical support and legal support you will need.