Yes, car accident reports in Georgia are public records. Nearly any interested party may request a copy of an accident report and gain access to it. However, the process can be lengthy, and reports are public records; however, access can be restricted or require specific request information and identification, depending on the agency.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about accident reports in Georgia.
Accidents That Must Be Reported in Georgia
Georgia law requires drivers to report certain auto accidents. A crash must be reported if it results in any of the following:
- Bodily injury
- Death
- Property damage exceeding $500
Reporting requirements apply even if the damage or injuries seem minor at first. In many cases, symptoms or repair costs become more apparent later. While not every minor accident legally requires a report, reporting any crash can help protect your rights and create an official record of what happened.
How to Report an Auto Accident in Georgia
The easiest way to report an accident is to contact the police immediately after the crash. If you are unsure which law enforcement agency has jurisdiction, calling 911 will route your call to the appropriate department. An officer will usually respond to the scene and prepare an accident report.
When speaking with the officer, answer questions honestly and provide a clear, factual account of the events. Avoid guessing, speculating, or admitting fault. Even in accidents without visible injuries, a police report can be valuable evidence during the insurance claims process and help prevent disputes later.
Benefits of a Car Accident Report
Car accident reports can be very beneficial as they often provide crucial evidence related to the accident.
Some of the benefits of car accident reports include:
- Names and contact information of all the parties involved
- Citations or other violations that were committed
- A determination of who was at fault or who has liability
- Statements from witnesses who saw the accident
- A detailed description of the accident, such as the date, time, weather conditions, and more
Accident reports contain objective, factual evidence, and they might also contain some opinions. Regardless, these reports can be very helpful during the insurance claims process or in a courtroom if your personal injury case goes to trial.
Who Can Request an Accident Report?
There are many different parties who may request an accident report in Georgia. In theory, anyone can submit an open records request to obtain a copy of a crash report. However, you must have a legitimate need for the report.
The parties who often get accident reports are:
- The drivers involved in the accident
- A party that owned property that may have been damaged in the accident
- Witnesses to the accident
- Insurance companies that insure one of the drivers
- Any party that was injured in the accident
- Lawyers representing any of the parties mentioned above
- Reporters or other news media
After submitting the accident report request, the state will determine whether your request meets the necessary rules. There may be a small fee associated with obtaining a copy of the accident report. Most requests are processed within just a few days.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
If you are involved in a car accident in Georgia, following the steps below can help protect your legal rights. Remember that you may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault party.
Follow these steps to help maximize your financial recovery:
- Call 911 or your local police department so that they can respond to the crash and create an accident report.
- Get immediate medical treatment for any injuries.
- Gather as much evidence from the scene as possible, such as photos of all the vehicles, photos of your injuries, and contact information from any witnesses.
- Notify your insurance company of the accident, but avoid giving a statement to the other driver’s insurance company.
- Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer who can help you through your car accident claim.
After an accident, try to remain calm and follow the steps above. Seek help from a lawyer who can help you put together your claim and get the compensation you are owed.
Contact the Savannah Car Accident Attorneys at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Savannah, GA, Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Savannah car accident lawyers will pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers
308 Commercial Drive, Suite 100, Savannah, GA 31406
(912) 335-1909
Open 24/7
Our firm is located near you. We have an office in Savannah
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About The Author
Attorney Andrew Bowen is a founding partner of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers based in Savannah, GA. He earned his law degree from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 1998, after completing his undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee University. Licensed to practice in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, Andrew is also admitted to the federal courts in Georgia and South Carolina, the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. With over 25 years of legal experience focusing exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases since 2001, ranging from medical malpractice and automobile wrecks to commercial truck and motorcycle accidents. Andrew has established himself as a formidable advocate attorney in the Georgia community; his dedication to personally overseeing each case ensures that clients receive individualized attention and aggressive representation. Click here to view some of the exceptional case results Andrew has helped secure on behalf of injured clients.
Location: Savannah, GA
