Robert M. Hammers | September 6, 2024 | Car Accidents
No law says you must have a police report to file a car accident claim in Georgia. However, proving the legal elements required to win a claim can be more challenging without a police report. Furthermore, Georgia law requires drivers to report most car accidents to the police. Therefore, it is better to err on the side of caution and call the police regardless of the severity of a car crash.
When Am I Required to File a Police Report for a Car Accident in Georgia?
Georgia Code §40-6-273 requires drivers to report car accidents to the police if any of the following criteria are met:
- The car accident resulted in $500 or more in property damage
- The crash caused someone to be injured
- The traffic accident resulted in the death of someone
The code requires the driver to notify the police as soon as possible. If an accident occurs in a municipality, you should notify the local police department. If an accident is outside a municipality, notify the county sheriff’s office or the nearest Georgia State Patrol office.
The easiest and quickest way to report a car accident is by calling 911. The emergency operator determines which law enforcement office has jurisdiction over the crash based on your location. They can then dispatch the appropriate officers to the accident scene.
If, for any reason, the police do not respond to the accident scene, follow the directions given to you by the emergency operator. As soon as possible, contact the nearest police station to report the crash.
Determining if someone is injured at an accident scene may be difficult. Accident victims may “feel fine” after the crash. However, they may experience injury symptoms in the hours and days following the crash. Furthermore, even a mechanic may have trouble determining the actual cost of property damage until they have the vehicle in the shop for a full inspection.
Therefore, it is best to report all crashes to the police in Georgia. Doing so ensures you comply with state law for reporting accidents. It also helps protect your legal rights for a personal injury claim.
What Information Is Included in a Car Accident Report in Mableton, GA?
A car accident report contains information about the accident, including details about the vehicles and the people involved in the crash. The information in a car accident report can help you when you file an accident claim with the insurance company. The report may contain crucial information regarding causation and fault for the accident.
Information in a Georgia car accident report includes:
- The date, time, and location of the collisions
- Descriptions of the vehicles involved in the crash, including the make, model, year, vehicle identification number, and color of the cars
- The names and contact details of each person involved in the accident
- The insurance information for each vehicle
- A description of the accident scene and road conditions
- Notes about statements made by the drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Contact information and names for eyewitnesses
An accident report may also include information about citations issued to the drivers. The officer may determine the fault based on their investigation. A determination of fault in a police report is not a final resolution of who caused the crash. Still, the police officer’s determination of fault can help with a car accident claim.
The police officer or investigators may make pictures or sketches of the accident scene. They may collect physical evidence from the scene. The investigation conducted depends on the circumstances of the crash.
A Police Report Is a Key Element in a Car Accident Claim
If you are injured in a car crash, the accident report filed by law enforcement officers is one of the first documents an attorney reviews. You or your attorney can request a copy of a crash report through the Georgia Department of Transportation. Your attorney will note all crucial information and evidence in the accident report to follow up.
However, an attorney does not rely solely on the police report. Instead, your attorney will perform an independent investigation to gather evidence for your claim. It is always wise to seek legal advice after a car accident in Mableton, GA as soon as possible.
Get Help Seeking Damages for a Car Accident Claim in Mableton, GA
If another driver causes your car crash, you could be entitled to economic and non-economic damages for your financial losses and pain and suffering. Proving negligence for the car crash is a required element of your claim. Our Mableton car accident lawyers at Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Call us for a free consultation to discuss your case.
Contact the Mableton Car Accident Lawyers at Hammers Law Firm Today
For more information, reach out to the Mableton car accident law firm of Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation. Contact one of our offices to schedule your free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Mableton, Smyrna, and Roswell.
We serve Fulton County and its surrounding areas:
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
201 Joseph E Lowery Blvd NW Suite 312,
Atlanta, GA 30314
(770) 900-9000
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
5555 Glenridge Con, Suite 975,
Sandy Springs, GA 30342
(678) 605-9838
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Lawrenceville
265 Culver St S. Suite A.
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(678) 916-8584
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Mableton
5701 Mableton Pkwy SW Suite 108,
Mableton, GA 30126
(706) 480-5487
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Smyrna
2400 Herodian Way Ste#220,
Smyrna, GA 30080
(678) 922-4497
Hammers Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Roswell
110 Mansell Cir #111,
Roswell, GA 30075
(678) 582-8466