Drivers in Georgia are required by law to remain on the scene when they have been involved in an accident and to render aid to anyone who is injured, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. Unfortunately, a trending crime in the Atlanta area has caused the police to suggest new protocol if you’re involved in a certain type of accident with a scooter. According to a post about the subject made by the police department on Facebook, the “bump and carjack” scam involves a scooter bumping into the back of your vehicle as you are stopped at an intersection. When you get out to see if the scooter rider is injured, an accomplice jumps into your car and steals it.
In order to avoid falling victim to the scam, the police suggested the following steps if you’re involved in a scooter accident in which the scooter has bumped you from behind:
Remain at the scene if it is safe to do so, and lock your doors. Do not get out of the car. If it is not safe for you to stay at the scene, go to the nearest police precinct or a well-lit, populated area and immediately call 911.
Call 911 and give any details you can observe through the side and rear mirrors about the scooter rider and any other vehicles or individuals in the area if you are at the scene. If you have left the scene for your own safety, report the location of the accident and any details you were able to observe.
Wait for the police or ambulance to arrive before checking the damage or assessing the condition of the scooter-rider.
Of course, not all scooter accidents are scams. Many individuals have been injured in the Atlanta area while operating a scooter due to the careless or reckless actions of others. Not only are these riders often in need of assistance at the accident scene, but they are entitled to seek compensation for the expenses and quality-of-life impacts of their injury through the Atlanta civil court system.
Let the experienced accident attorneys at Cambre & Associates LLC help you understand the process of obtaining compensation for the injuries you incurred in a scooter accident. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.
