If you have just seen a DUI hit and run, you may be feeling shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do next. You’re not alone in this. These kinds of events can leave witnesses shaken and confused. That’s understandable. This is where we come in. If you’re searching for legal help, know that there are people who understand what you’re going through. It’s okay to have questions. You may be thinking, “What do I do now?” or “Will anyone believe what I saw?” Don’t worry. There are clear steps you can take to help both the victim and the legal process. Taking the right steps now can make a big difference later, especially in helping bring justice in a DUI hit and run case.
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Why DUI Hit and Runs Are So Serious
A DUI hit and run means that someone was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and then left the scene of a crash. This is a very serious crime. When someone drives drunk or high, they already put lives at risk. But when they crash and flee, they are not only breaking the law—they are also trying to escape responsibility. That makes it even harder for victims to get help and for justice to be served. Witnesses like you can play a big role in changing that. The law depends on good people who are willing to step forward. Your voice matters.
Make Sure You Are Safe First
Before anything else, make sure you are safe. If you are driving and see the crash happen, pull over only if it is safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights so others can see you. Don’t try to chase the driver. It might be tempting, especially if you’re upset by what just happened. But chasing after someone can put you and others in more danger. Stay calm and stay where you are. Safety comes first. You are no help to anyone if you get hurt too.
Call 911 Right Away
As soon as you are safe, call 911. Tell them what happened. Let them know you saw a crash and that the driver fled. If you think the driver was drunk or on drugs, tell the dispatcher that. The sooner the police know what happened, the faster they can respond. Giving this kind of early information is very important. It helps emergency teams get to the scene faster and may help catch the driver before they get too far.
Greg Willis has been successful at defending DUI cases (over 93% without a conviction)
He's the only lawyer in the State of Georgia to ever be recognized for all three of these accomplishments.
Received the Samurai Lawyer Award for having gone to jail for a total of 4 days in order to save his own client
Received the BadAss Lawyer Award for the biggest impact of all DUI lawyers in DUI defense in the country
Received the vote of Georgia Lawyers as a Superlawyer in DUI Law for 10 straight consecutive years
Tell Police Everything You Remember
When officers arrive, give them every detail you can. Try to remember what the car looked like. Was it a truck, a small car, or an SUV? What color was it? Did it have any damage or special features like stickers, dents, or missing parts? If you saw the license plate, even a few letters or numbers, share them. If you saw the driver, describe them too. What did they look like? Did they seem drunk or high? Did they swerve or drive too fast before the crash? Don’t worry if you don’t remember every little thing. Just tell the truth and share what you saw. Your words can help build the case.
Take Photos or Videos if You Can
If you have a phone and it’s safe to do so, try to take pictures or videos. These can be of the scene, the car, any damage, or skid marks on the road. If the driver’s car is still visible before they leave, capturing that moment can be very helpful. Photos and videos are strong pieces of evidence. They show what happened better than words alone sometimes can. Just make sure you don’t get too close or put yourself in harm’s way.
Greg has truly mastered his craft. His preparation is second to none and his confidence helps reduce the nervousness and anxiety his clients face. He is a real life version of Harvey Specter and I highly recommend him.”
- Travis
Greg and his team are absolutely incredible. Greg explained everything to me in detail, as this is the first ever time I have been arrested. Regular updates throughout the process which allowed me to get on with everyday life. 200% I would recommend Greg and his team to anyone with a DUI case."
- James Hellens
Mr Willis is the best in the business. He knows the law inside and out. I was in a serious jam and Greg got my dui reduced to a reckless driving. This man will fight for you every step of the way."
- Anonymous
Look for Other Witnesses
You might not be the only person who saw the crash. Look around and see if anyone else stopped too. Other witnesses may have seen things you didn’t. Try to talk to them and ask if they’re willing to speak to police as well. If they’re okay with it, you can offer to share contact information so officers can follow up later. Many times, several people together can piece together what happened more clearly. Your teamwork helps build a stronger case.
Write Down Everything While It’s Fresh
As soon as you can, write down everything you remember. Even small details matter. What time did it happen? Where were you when you saw it? What did you hear or see just before and after the crash? These notes can help you later if you are asked to give a statement. Memory can fade over time, but writing it down now keeps the story clear and honest.
Stay in Touch With Police and Legal Teams
Once you have spoken to officers, they may want to talk to you again later. You might also be asked to speak with attorneys. This doesn’t mean you’re in trouble. It means what you saw is important. You are helping hold someone accountable for a serious crime. Stay open and honest in all follow-ups. If you get nervous, that’s okay. You can always ask questions and make sure you understand what’s going on. Remember, your role is to share what you saw, and that truth is powerful.
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Why Witnesses Can Make or Break a DUI Hit and Run Case
Many DUI hit and run cases depend heavily on people like you. Drivers who flee often try to erase any proof that they were drunk or high. Without witnesses, it can be very hard to show what really happened. Your words, your photos, and your memory help tell the full story. Courts need that kind of help to get justice for the victims. You can make sure the driver is held responsible and that the victim and their family get the support they need.
What Happens if You Are Asked to Go to Court
Sometimes, witnesses are asked to go to court. This might sound scary, but you won’t be alone. If you’re called to testify, you’ll be told what to expect. You’ll just need to speak honestly about what you saw. You won’t have to guess or make up anything. You will not be punished if you forget a detail. Just be honest and do your best. In most cases, people find that giving their statement in court helps them feel like they did the right thing.
Your Rights as a Witness
If you saw a DUI hit and run, you have the right to be treated with respect. You are not the one on trial. You are helping the legal system work properly. You should never feel pressured or unsafe. If anyone tries to make you feel afraid, speak up. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and guide you if things feel confusing. That way, you can keep helping without fear.
Featured Case Results
Protecting a Professional License After a DUI and Refusal of a Blood Test
Result: DUI Dismissed with No Jail Time and No Loss of License
Challenging Admissibility of a .19 BAC Blood Test and Field Sobriety Evaluation
Result: No Jail Time, No DUI on Record, No License Suspension
When to Talk to a Lawyer
Sometimes, people who witness a DUI hit and run wonder if they need their own legal advice. In some cases, that may be a good idea. Maybe you saw something that made you feel afraid, or maybe someone has blamed you by mistake. Or maybe you just want help making sure your rights are protected as a witness. If any of those things are true, talking to a lawyer is a smart move. You deserve peace of mind while doing the right thing.
How Legal Help Can Make a Difference
DUI hit and run cases can be complicated. Drivers may deny they were drunk. They may lie about what happened or try to blame someone else. That’s why having legal help is so important. A good legal team knows how to gather the right evidence, speak to witnesses, and make sure the truth comes out. They can make your statement stronger and make sure you are not taken advantage of. Most of all, they make sure the victims get justice and the guilty party is held responsible.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If you witnessed a DUI hit and run, don’t carry the burden alone. We know it’s not easy to relive what you saw or talk about something so upsetting. But you don’t have to go through this by yourself. Our team is here to help guide you each step of the way. We understand how important your role is in this kind of case, and we’re ready to stand with you.
You may be the key to helping a victim get justice and making sure a dangerous driver is held accountable. Let us help you make your voice heard and protect your rights along the way. Contact Willis Law Firm today so we can walk with you and help make sure justice is done.
