There is no legal requirement that you must have a police report to file an insurance claim in Georgia. However, you may be legally required to report the crash to the police based on Georgia traffic laws. Furthermore, settling an insurance claim for a fair amount may be more challenging without an official accident report.
What Are the Georgia Laws for Reporting Car Accidents in Atlanta?
Section 40-6-273 of the Georgia Uniform Rules of the Road addresses the duty to report an accident. Drivers involved in a traffic accident that results in at least $500 in property damage, injury, or death must report the crash immediately. The statute requires that drivers use the “quickest means of communication” to notify local police of the accident.
Generally, calling 911 is the quickest way to reach law enforcement after an accident. Depending on where the crash occurs, city, county, or state police may have jurisdiction over the crash site. When a driver calls 911 to report a car accident in Atlanta, the operator automatically dispatches the correct law enforcement agency to the accident scene.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Know if Someone Is Injured?
It can be challenging to assess the damage to a vehicle after a crash. There could be damage you do not see, such as damage to the vehicle’s frame or engine. The same is true for injuries. Some car accident injuries may not produce symptoms for several hours or days following the car accident.
Therefore, it is best to report all car accidents to the police. Even a minor car crash can cause more than $500 in property damage. A trip to the emergency room or doctor may also be expensive. Reporting the car accident to the police ensures you have an official report if you need to file an insurance claim.
If there is minor damage and no one appears to be injured, the operator may tell you that the police will not investigate the crash. In that case, information should be exchanged with the other driver (i.e., driver’s license, insurance, contact information, and other relevant details). Then, go to the nearest police station to report the accident.
What Information Is Included in an Atlanta Car Accident Report?
A police report after a car accident contains numerous details about the accident. Information in a car accident report includes, but is not limited to:
- The time, date, and location of the collision
- The names, addresses, and driver’s license numbers of the drivers
- A description of each vehicle involved in the accident, including the make, model, year, color, and license tag
- The name and contact details of passengers and witnesses
- A description of the road conditions, weather, and accident scene
- The auto insurance information for each vehicle
- A diagram of the accident, in some cases
- Notes about statements made to the police officers
- Whether a driver received a traffic citation
- The officer’s determination of whether a driver was at fault for the crash
Even though a police officer notes that a driver contributed to the cause of the crash, the officer’s conclusion is not proof of fault. The accident victim must gather evidence proving the other driver’s conduct was the direct and proximate cause of the crash.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Atlanta, GA?
Try not to panic. Remaining calm helps you take the steps necessary after an accident. Things you should remember include:
- Check to see if anyone is injured.
- Call 911 to report the accident and request EMS for the injured parties.
- Take photographs of the vehicles and the accident scene if it is safe to do so.
- Make a video of the accident scene with your cell phone.
- Ask witnesses to give you their contact details.
- Never admit fault or apologize for an accident.
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your injuries.
Apologizing for the accident could imply fault. Be honest with the officers, but stick to the facts. Avoid making assumptions about who caused the crash.
Delays in medical care could hurt your personal injury case. Even if you are unsure about the severity of your injuries, it is best to see a doctor for a complete examination after an accident.
Get Help Filing an Insurance Claim After an Atlanta Car Accident
Georgia is a fault state for personal injury claims. You must prove the other driver caused your accident to recover damages. Damages may include compensation for financial losses (economic damages) and pain and suffering (non-economic damages).
An Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove your case.