Atlanta’s chaotic roads and heavy traffic often lead to car accidents. If you find yourself in this situation, you should always utilize the Atlanta Police Department. By calling 911 to alert them of the accident, they can come to the scene and assist.
Since insurance companies typically want to see a police report when you file a car accident claim, it is in your best interests to summon law enforcement. Officers can also help you if your car sustains damage that makes it impossible to drive or if you are injured.
Do You Have to Call the Atlanta Police Department After a Crash?
In Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia, all drivers are required to report a car accident to law enforcement. Those who get into an accident in Atlanta need to contact the Atlanta Police Department by calling 911, which is mandatory if property damage appears to exceed $500, or if there are any injuries or fatalities.
Even if everyone seems fine, dents to your vehicle could exceed the $500 limit. Injuries are often not visible on the surface, so it’s better to call the police than to find out later that you are hurt or your vehicle damage is higher than $500.
Why Is the Police Report Important?
The police report can help you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, proving that the accident occurred when stated. While it isn’t the only piece of evidence you’ll need, an officer’s assessment of the accident scene may help your case, especially if the other driver received a citation for traffic violations or driving while intoxicated.
You may even be blamed for some or all of the fault as many car accident cases involve finger-pointing among the involved parties. Having this document can also correlate with the injuries that you seek treatment for, making it harder for insurers to try to lowball your settlement or deny your claim.
Contested fault comes up a lot, and in Atlanta and throughout the state, comparative fault laws allow an injured party to recover damages if they are partly to blame. However, your percentage of fault must be less than 50% or you will not be allowed to seek compensation. Your compensation award will also be reduced by the percentage assigned, and with more evidence, including the police report, you can fight back against insurers who try these tactics to prioritize their profits.
Contacting the Atlanta Police Department After an Accident
After the accident, you should call 911 and wait for officers to arrive. They will collect each driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. You will also need to provide a statement about what happened.
If your vehicle is blocking traffic and you can’t move it yourself, the police will help you. They will also get paramedics on the scene if you have serious injuries. Even if you think you’re fine, you should get a medical evaluation as a documentation of any injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can occur even if you don’t recall hitting your head, and internal bleeding is also possible. These injuries can become life-threatening and do not have immediate symptoms, making it imperative not to skip this step after talking to the Atlanta police.
Can I Get a Copy of My Police Report from the Atlanta PD?
In most cases, you can get a copy of the police report on the scene from the police officer who responded to the accident. However, many accident victims often forget to do this, as they are often in shock, especially after a major crash. You can still get a copy of the report by contacting the Atlanta Police Department. There are also methods for accessing it online, though you will need to know vital details about the accident. Your name, the date of the accident, where it occurred, and your VIN can help you locate it. You should also note the name of the officer who was on the scene.
What Do I Do If the Police Never Came?
If neither you nor the other driver called the police because you deemed the accident too minor, such as a fender-bender, then you can still file a report of the accident. You may have found out your vehicle’s damage is more than $500, or worse, discovered that you are injured.
In these circumstances, look for a car accident lawyer rather than a slip and fall accident lawyer in Atlanta to help you with your injury claim.
