Robert M. Hammers | June 5, 2024 | Car Accidents
For the last several years, Fulton County (and Atlanta, by connection) has led the state of Georgia in traffic crash fatalities. Despite your best efforts to drive safely, you might find yourself on the receiving end of one of these incidents, suffering severe, life-altering injuries.
Of course, in the moments following a car accident, you’ll be flooded with questions and concerns. Among them, perhaps the most pressing is, “How long do you have to report a crash?”
According to Atlanta car accident lawyers, after you check on yourself and your passengers, here’s what you need to know:
How Long Do You Have To Report a Car Accident in Georgia?
Whether you are involved in an accident on an Atlanta interstate or a crash along the city’s streets, it’s vital to report the incident right away.
The longer you wait to contact law enforcement, the greater the risk you run of having important evidence end up lost or damaged. Witnesses, for instance, may not wait around if law enforcement doesn’t show up within a few minutes.
Therefore, you should contact the police as soon as you address your immediate safety needs. Calling 911 is the quickest way to get law enforcement (and emergency medical personnel, if necessary) on the scene.
How Do I Determine When To File a Police Report?
Even if you haven’t suffered a catastrophic injury, you should file a police report as soon as possible. That tip even applies to scenarios where you are completely uninjured, but your car suffered damage.
If there are any visible marks, scratches, dents, or dings on your vehicle, delaying the reporting process may make it difficult to file a claim later. Besides, you never know how severe the damage could be, especially if your accident occurs at night or in other low-light conditions.
How Do I Go About Reporting an Accident To the Police After the Fact?
If you do not feel safe on the scene or don’t want to stop in busy traffic, simply call 911. If the situation is no longer urgent, you can contact the Atlanta Police Department’s non-emergency line. In doing so, you allow the police to respond to immediately pressing matters and then complete your report in between urgent calls for service.
What Happens If I Don’t Report a Georgia Auto Accident?
Delayed reporting may impact your ability to file a claim with an insurance provider. Failing to file a report right away could also make it difficult to recover funds for your injuries, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering.
Depending on the circumstances, failing to report an accident altogether could be a criminal offense. There are several different offenses listed in Georgia State Statutes, each of which carries varying penalties.
The penalties for failing to report a crash involving injury to another are particularly serious. Therefore, you should always contact the police right away. Your call will be documented, as will their response, which means you have a means of protecting yourself from both civil and criminal liability.
After you file the report, make sure to request a copy from the Atlanta Police Department’s records division. If another agency filed the report, ask the responding officer how to get a copy. You should retain these reports not only for your records but to be able to provide a copy to your attorney.
Got Questions? Get Answers From an Experienced Georgia Car Accident Lawyer
If you have any other questions beyond those featured above, the best solution is to connect with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney. It is the most straightforward way of protecting your rights following a crash.
Contact the Car Accident Lawyers at Hammers Law Firm Today
For more information, contact the Car Accident law firm of Hammers Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Law Firm – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Law Firm – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Law Firm – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Law Firm – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Law Firm – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Law Firm – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 900-9000