Why its Critical to Report Car Accidents to The Police in Georgia

In Georgia, leaving the accident scene before police arrive, even after exchanging information, may be classified as a hit-and-run. This is especially true if it impedes the police investigation of the accident.

Yes, you should always collect basic driver and vehicle information even if the damage seems minor, as you might notice damage after you leave the scene.

Yes, you can still file even if you left the scene if the police could not come. While it’s best to file a report at the scene, you can still contact the local police department afterward to file a report. Keep in mind that delays can weaken your claim and credibility, so act as quickly as possible.

Most insurance companies prefer to have a police report, especially when there are injuries or significant damage. While some minor claims may be processed without one, not having an official report can slow the process or result in a denied claim.

Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273, drivers must report accidents "immediately" by the "quickest means of communication." Georgia courts have found that "immediately" and "quickest" cannot be stretched to include even four or five days after the accident.

Yes. Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273) requires you to report an accident that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Unfortunately, it is often difficult to accurately estimate damages at the scene—what appears to be minor damage could exceed $500 in repair costs. It is better to err on the side of caution and report the accident because modern vehicles have sensors, cameras, and parts that can be expensive to repair even after seemingly minor impacts.

Yes, but keep in mind that bringing a claim without a police report, may complicate things and may lead to a claim being denied. Most insurance policies contain clauses requiring policyholders to report accidents promptly to authorities.

Without an official police report, you could face challenges and defenses, such as: The insurer may argue you violated your policy's terms by not reporting the accident; lack of official documentation of the accident can make fault determinations difficult; for uninsured motorist claims, Georgia courts have ruled that reporting to police is a "condition precedent to recovery" and, additionally, insurance companies typically request the police report number when you file a claim.