By Christie Nicholson, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed June 12, 2024
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area.
No matter how careful you are, you may be in a motor vehicle accident. As the population in many urban areas continues to grow in Georgia, such as Atlanta, so do your chances of being in a crash.
Knowing what to do at the scene of an accident can help reduce stress and uncertainty. After you call the police and exchange contact information and insurance information with the other driver, what do you do?
You should familiarize yourself with the basics of Georgia car accident reports. Here, we’ll discuss Georgia’s car accident reporting requirements, explain how to file your crash report, and explain why it’s so important to contact law enforcement immediately after the collision.
If you still have questions about reporting your car accident case, contact an experienced Georgia car accident attorney.
The below chart summarizes Georgia's laws and the process for filing a car crash report.
State Accident Statutes (Laws) |
|
|---|---|
When To Report an Accident |
You must immediately notify the police by calling 911 when:
|
Crash Reporting |
|
Note: State laws are subject to change through new legislation, higher court rulings, ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, seek legal advice before pursuing your car accident claim. You can also conduct legal research to confirm your state's car accident reporting laws.
Georgia law defines an "accident" as any motor vehicle colliding with another vehicle or object. You must report an accident if any of the people involved suffer bodily injury or death or if there is more than $500 in property damage.
It’s difficult to ascertain the nature and extent of a person’s injuries. It’s also hard to determine the extent of the property damage. You’re better off reporting any accident, regardless of how minor. Erring on the side of caution will help avoid fines, jail time, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
You must report the accident to the local police department if it occurred locally. Otherwise, report the crash to the Georgia State Patrol or the highway patrol. If you call 911, the responding officer will submit their police report to their precinct. This will be sufficient to meet the state’s reporting requirements.
The Department of Public Safety's policy is that a law enforcement officer will immediately respond to the scene when notified of a car crash. The police officer will then complete a crash report summarizing their investigative findings.
The reporting officer will issue this report if any of the following are true:
You can buy a copy of the motor vehicle accident report directly from the Georgia Department of Transportation with the report number. You can also pick up your report for free at your local police station's records unit.
Since Georgia law encourages all drivers to call 911 immediately after a crash occurs, there are no other reporting requirements. The State of Georgia Department of Driver's Services encourages drivers to complete the Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report form.
Although you don’t file this incident report with the police or any other state agency, it’s a good tool for recording essential information about your injury case. You can send a copy to the insurance company. It may also help your personal injury attorney prove that the other driver caused the collision.
You may worry that the other driver may use the accident report against you in court. However, the law is clear on this point.
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-9-41, the following documentation can’t serve as evidence of fault in your personal injury claim:
If the other party tries to introduce this evidence in court, your attorney will challenge it with the judge.
Georgia is a "fault" auto insurance state. There’s a lot of finger-pointing when it comes time to assign blame for your crash. If you're in an accident and suffer physical injuries or severe property damage, speak with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney.
Your car accident lawyer will help you navigate the claims process and negotiate a fair settlement.
Contact a qualified attorney.
Get on-demand legal help during traffic stops and car accidents. TurnSignl is an app that connects you to an attorney in real-time.
Need legal advice after an accident? Most attorneys offer a free first call.
Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.