Car accidents are stressful—even minor fender benders can be chaotic and frustrating. Emotions are often running high and all you want to do is exchange insurance information so you can get on your way. However, before leaving the accident scene you should take a minute to think about Georgia law.
Some types of accidents require immediate reporting to the authorities. So, what are the criteria for filing a car accident report in Georgia? We’re taking a look at when you’re legally required to report a car collision and the steps you need to take to pick up a copy of your accident report.
When to Report a Car Accident in Georgia
You should plan on reporting any vehicle accident in Georgia, regardless of the severity. Even if your property damage is limited to a small dent on the vehicle’s rear bumper, it’s still a good idea to alert the authorities.
Hanging around the accident scene is rarely anyone’s idea of a good time, but sometimes the law requires you to wait for the authorities. So, when do you need to immediately report a car accident?
Georgia law is fairly clear. All traffic collisions must be immediately reported if injuries or fatalities are present. You must also report any vehicle accidents if property damage exceeds $500. Since even popping a dent out of a fender or door can easily run over $500, it’s usually best to plan on reporting any auto collision immediately to the authorities.
Potential Penalties for Failing to File an Accident Report
You may think it’s a little silly to make a fuss over a minor vehicle ding or dent. All you want to do is exchange insurance information with the other driver so you can both get on with your busy lives. After all, who has time to spend waiting at the scene of a minor accident? You have places to go and schedules to keep.
While driving away from the accident scene may not seem like a big deal, Georgia state law looks at it a little differently. Remember, you’re required to report any accident resulting in damages totaling $500 or more. Usually, it’s best to play it safe and remain at the accident scene until the authorities clear you to leave.
Failing to report a vehicle accident in Georgia can result in some steep penalties. You may be facing fines ranging anywhere from $300 up to $1,000. If serious injuries and/or fatalities are present, you may even be sentenced to up to one year in jail. You may also be dealing with a temporary license suspension, and this can impact almost every aspect of your life.
How to File a Georgia Car Accident Report
Filing a car accident report in Georgia is incredibly easy, especially if the authorities are handling the details. As soon as you get your bearings after the accident, grab your smartphone and dial 911. Don’t worry if you forgot to pay your phone bill and your service is temporarily disconnected. You can always dial 911 even if your carrier has discontinued service.
After calling the emergency number, wait at the accident scene for the authorities to arrive. You will be required to answer some questions regarding the accident. Answer the questions truthfully but do go into detail. The at-fault driver’s insurance company is going to review the accident report and you don’t want any statements you make used to try and devalue your injury claim.
You’ll also need to hand over your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance to the responding officer. This information is required in all Georgia accident reports.
If you do decide to risk waiting to file an accident report, Georgia law doesn’t set an exact timeline. However, this doesn’t mean you should wait weeks or even months. If you’re planning on filing an insurance claim for damages sustained in a car accident, it’s best to file the report on the same day. This helps ensure evidence isn’t lost that may help support your accident claim.
You’ll answer some questions about the accident and provide insurance and contact information. You may also be required to draw a diagram of the accident. Thankfully, filing an accident report is relatively easy, even if you tackle the task on your own.
Picking Up a Copy of Your Georgia Accident Report
You’re not going to leave the accident scene with a copy of your report. This also applies if you wait to fill out the accident report. The information needs to be entered into the state’s database, and this takes time. Most car accident reports are ready for pickup in about seven to ten business days.
Remember, weekends and holidays don’t count as business days so it may take a little longer for some accident reports to be ready for pickup. You can head to the nearest Georgia Department of Public Safety office or a police precinct. You can also go online and print out a copy of your vehicle accident report.
You should expect to pay a nominal fee for the copy, it’s usually between $5 and $10. You can pay the fee using either a debit or credit card. You can’t pay with cash or a check, even if you pick the report up in person.
To access a copy of your accident report, you will need to provide some information—don’t worry, the questions aren’t too complicated. You only need to supply the following information:
- Your full name
- Your mailing address and contact information
- Names of any involved passengers
- The city or county where the accident occurred
- The accident date
You’re also going to be asked to provide the incident report number but don’t panic if you have no idea what it is. Just leave this field blank. The missing information should affect your ability to access your accident report.
Once you have a copy of your accident report, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a Georgia accident attorney if you’re planning on pursuing compensation for your damages.
