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

Key Points:

• In Georgia, if you’re involved in a car accident causing injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500, you are legally obligated to report it to the local police.
• It’s important to contact the police after an accident, even for minor incidents. This is crucial, especially if the other driver asks to leave the accident scene or is uncooperative—possibly due to lack of insurance, intoxication, or fears over legal consequences and financial responsibilities for the damages incurred.
• A police report can protect you from false claims and disputes about who was at fault.
• Some injuries may not show up right away, and having a police report can help connect your injuries to the accident if symptoms appear later.

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If you’ve been in a car accident in Georgia—no matter how minor it seems—it’s critical that you call the police if there’s any damage to your vehicle. At-fault drivers may try to convince you not to report the crash, but it’s in your best interest to ignore these pleas. A police report serves as key evidence to help establish what happened and who was responsible. The steps you take immediately after the accident, like notifying law enforcement, can significantly affect your ability to recover compensation later.

When to Report Your Car Accident to the Police

In Georgia, the state law requires you to report your car accident that has resulted in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500 to your local police. Even if the damage seems minor, you should immediately contact the local police so an official record of the accident can be created.

The at-fault driver might persuade you not to call the police, especially if the accident seems minor, and may offer to handle the damages privately. While this might seem easier, it’s a dangerous route to take and can pose risks to your overall compensation. Involving the local police not only keeps you in compliance with the law but also ensures an unbiased account of the accident—crucial if disputes over fault arise later.

What are the Risks of Not Reporting Your Car Accident?

Choosing not to report an accident to the police can lead to several issues later on, including:

• Lack of an official record: Without a police report, proving the accident occurred and providing details about the accident will become difficult, especially if the at-fault party is disputing the details.
• Challenges with insurance: Insurance providers will always require documentation to process your car accident claims. Without proper documentation or official records, your chances of receiving fair compensation can diminish.
• Financial responsibility: At-fault drivers may promise to pay you out of pocket instead of officially reporting it to the police or insurance but can later back away from this promise, leaving you with financial burdens.
• Legal penalties: Georgia law mandates reporting accidents that result in injury, death, or significant property damage. Failing to report an accident in Georgia could lead to misdemeanor charges, fines, or even license suspension, especially if someone was injured or significant property damage occurred.

Why Will an At-Fault Driver Avoid Reporting the Accident?

With some accidents, it’s common that an at-fault driver may pressure you to avoid reporting an accident. It’s important to understand why they might try and sway you to do this to position yourself better if this situation arises:

• Avoiding an increased premium: Some at-fault drivers will want to avoid an increased premium, which can happen if a claim is filed.
• Paying less by paying out of pocket: The at-fault driver might try to settle through a private agreement, which might not cover your expenses. They may also delay paying for your damages, especially if they can't afford the costs.
• Avoiding legal consequences: Reporting accidents could expose things about the at-fault driver, like driving under the influence or operating a vehicle without a valid license. It could also add more infractions to their record, potentially leading to license suspension.
• Deniability: With no official report, the at-fault driver could later deny responsibility or argue about the circumstances of the accident.

While the at-fault driver may try to convince you that handling your car accident without involving your insurance company and the police is easier, you’ll likely end up paying much more out of pocket in the long run.

What Does Georgia Law Say About Reporting Car Accidents?

The Georgia Traffic Code (O.C.G.A. 40-6-273) mandates that drivers involved in an accident causing injury, death, or vehicle damage must stop immediately at the scene, share their personal and license information, and report the incident to local law enforcement if there is injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. If in doubt about whether the other party has reported the crash, take the initiative to inform the police.

Is It Ever Acceptable Not to Report a Car Accident to the Police?

Even if the damage appears minor, it’s in your best interest to contact the local police to avoid potential legal or financial consequences down the line. At the accident scene, you can make an initial assessment to gauge if car accident damages might exceed $500 by considering the following:

• Injuries: if there are any injuries whatsoever, even mild, the police need to be alerted.
• The extent of the visible damage: Damage such as large dents, shattered windows, and signs of bodywork damage are usually clear indicators of very costly repairs.
• Functionality of the vehicle: If the car can’t be driven or has noticeable issues like leaking fluids, it’s likely to be over $500 in damage.
• Airbag deployment: Airbags are costly to replace, and their deployment often signifies that repair costs will surpass $500.
• Location of the damage: Damage to critical areas like the engine hood, doors, or rear, which include complex parts, can indicate high repair costs.

Evidence To Gather After Your Car Accident in Georgia is Reported to the Police:

After you’ve reported your accident to the local police, you should start collecting evidence to strengthen your claim. You should look to collect:

• Photos: Including pictures of the vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs.
• Police report details: Be sure to get the responding officer’s name, badge number, and the accident report number, if available.
• Witness information: Ask for names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
• Video evidence: Check for nearby surveillance cameras or dashcams that may have recorded the crash.
• Medical documentation: Save records of any medical treatment received at the scene or afterward.

 Common FAQs About Reporting Car Accidents to the Police in Georgia

Is it Considered a Hit-and-run if the Other Driver Leaves the Scene Before the Police Come?

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.

Should I Still Get the At-Fault Driver's Information After a Minor Accident if the Police Already Collected It?

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.

What if the Police Never Arrived? Can I File a Police Report After Leaving the Scene of the Accident?

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.

Do I Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim in Georgia?

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.

What if the At-Fault Driver Lies or Denies Fault to the Police?

If the at-fault driver denies fault in the car accident, you can still leverage all the evidence you’ve gathered, such as photos, witness statements, and the police report.