The Georgia penal code, or criminal code, is a set of laws that pertain to every citizen of and visitor to the state. These codes dictate the way that people are expected to behave and outline penalties for those convicted of breaking the law. The Georgia penal code includes several crimes against persons which may result in personal injury lawsuits.
DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol is a crime in the state of Georgia. When a person chooses to drink and drive and causes an accident involving injury as a result, they may face not only criminal charges but a civil suit as well.
Vehicular Homicide: When a traffic offense results in an intended death of another person, the perpetrator can be charged with vehicular homicide of the first degree. This is also true if the person driving the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol.
Reckless Driving: Reckless driving is the act of operating a vehicle in such a way that there is a disregard for the safety of others. When a person’s poor driving behavior causes property damage or injury, that person may be subject to a civil lawsuit.
There are several crimes listed in Georgia’s penal code in which there may be a victim. Any person who believes they were injured as the result of a crime should reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney to learn about their options under current state law. Compensation is typically available for victims of criminal activity.