Under Georgia law, you are required to report an accident that results in injury or death to the police. You are required to file a police report if you are able to do so-failing to do so can have serious consequences.
Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles (GA) may require a separate report of the accident; failure to file a DMV report can also have serious consequences. Here are the steps to take after a car accident in Atlanta to file a police report (and/or a DMV report).
Reporting a Car Accident to the Police in Atlanta, GA
While COVID-19 is in effect, Atlanta police will not respond to accidents involving any injuries. Rather, you will have to fill out an accident report instead. No matter if there are no injuries, reporting the accident to 9-1-1 is still a good idea. In addition to taking photos and videos of the scene, you should also document any damage to vehicles.
Nevertheless, failure to report an incident resulting in injury or death can result in penalties. Being safe is better than being sorry. If there has been a police report filed, you can contact the police directly or hire an auto accidents lawyer to contact the law enforcement office on your behalf.
You will have to follow specific steps depending on where the accident occurred if you need to file a police report. There are different procedures for handling accident reports in different police departments and precincts. A report of the accident may be filed in person or by phone, or it may be necessary to go to the local precinct and file a report. It is typically necessary to have the following pieces of information in order to file a police report, regardless of what you need to do:
- Your driver license information
- Your vehicle’s registration information (including license plate)
- When and where the accident occurred
- Information on the other driver and his or her insurance (if available)
- Give a description of where and how much damage each vehicle has (if you know).
Reporting a Car Accident to the Georgia DMV
You will need to report the accident to the Georgia DMV regardless of whether you need to file a police report. A police report is required for auto accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage over $500. It doesn’t matter whether the police prepared the appropriate form at the scene of the accident, or if you contact the police to report the motor vehicle crash once you have returned home, you still have to inform the Atlanta DMV separately of the accident.
The Atlanta DMV requires that you file an accident report after a car accident. Ensure that you provide only accurate information on the Georgia SR-13 form, and complete the form to the best of your ability. Please do not guess. Consult a lawyer before sending the Georgia DMV your completed form if you are unsure how to fill out any section.
How Would You Know If the Police Prepared a Report at the Scene?
Are you unsure whether a responding officer prepared an accident report at the scene? If so, how do you file a police accident report? A lawyer could help you contact the police directly in this situation, or you could contact the local police officer department directly.
There may be no record of an accident at the local police department if: (i) no one reported the incident; or (ii) you contacted the wrong department. If you fail to report an accident, you can face penalties – and not reporting an accident can cause problems with your insurance claim. The accident should be reported properly, and you should consult with an attorney if you have any questions or concerns.
What Information Will an Accident Report Include?
There will be different accident reports based on where the accident happens and the severity of the event. If you want an insurance company to pay for any property damage and compensate you for injuries suffered during the traffic crash, the information in the report will be crucial.
In the majority of car crash reports, all defendants’ names, insurance information, and license numbers will be included. Statements from the drivers and witnesses as well as information about the road conditions and the scene of the accident will be included in the report. The contact information for witnesses should also be available just in case they need to provide a formal statement at a later date.
The report will contain details of all citations and arrests made. Reporting officers typically include sketches or photos of the scene to help establish how the accident occurred.
An Accident Report Will Be Critical If You Pursue Compensation
If you sustain an injury in an accident and have to contact an Atlanta personal injury attorney to pursue compensation, the accident report will be one of the first documents they will need to review your case. An accident report, even if there doesn’t appear to be any significant damage, will also serve to protect you in case the other party claims damages or injuries after the accident.
It is always a good idea to take the time to notify the police and file an accident report in the immediate aftermath of an accident. It protects your rights for compensation and protects you against false claims made by other parties.
Call an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today
Our experienced car accident lawyers at Singleton Law Firm, LLC, are committed to obtaining justice on behalf of our clients. The attorneys at our firm have more than 30 years of combined experience and millions of dollars recovered, helping us pursue your maximum compensation.
We are here to help you. To get a free case evaluation, call (770) 889-6010 or contact us online today. Our car accident lawyers serve clients in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, Alpharetta, and other Georgia areas.
