Georgia roads are among the most dangerous in the country. In fact, there were a staggering 1818 fatalities on Georgia roads in 2022 alone. Accidents are unexpected, and you can only do so much to avoid them.
If you are ever involved in a car accident, always contact the police so they can prepare a car accident report. This document is crucial for advancing your claim or lawsuit following an accident. But what is a car accident report, and why is it so important? Keep reading to find out.
Reporting a Car Accident
According to Georgia Code § 40-6-273 (2023), the victim of a car accident in Georgia must report the accident to the police immediately if:
- They have sustained injuries.
- They were involved in a hit-and-run accident.
- The property lost or damaged was worth over $500.
- The at-fault driver is supposed to remove the vehicle from the accident scene
- The cash involved a commercial vehicle
- If a passenger was injured or lost their life in the accident.
It’s worth noting that Georgia doesn’t have a strict statutory deadline on when to report the accident if they don’t meet the above criteria. Still, failing to report a car accident promptly, even if they don’t meet the above conditions, could jeopardize your chances of receiving proper compensation.
What Is a Car Accident Report?
A car accident report is a two to five-page document that contains details of the facts and circumstances surrounding a car accident. The investigating officers responding to a car accident compile the report in the aftermath. This official document is crucial in many post-accident processes, including claim filing and processing.
What Does a Car Accident Report Contain?
A car accident report contains detailed information about the accident, including:
- The date, place, and time of the accident
- Personal details of the drivers and passengers involved (names, phone numbers, addresses, dates of birth)
- Witnesses’ contact information and statements (if applicable)
- License and insurance information of both drivers
- Details about the scene of the accident (weather and lighting conditions)
- Citations and legal violations
In addition to the above information, law enforcement agents must also give their professional opinions about the accident. This includes information about how they think the accident happened, the cause of the accident, and the at-fault driver.
Why Are Car Accident Reports So Important?
Car crash reports are important in the aftermath of an accident. Here are a couple of reasons you shouldn’t overlook this document if involved in an accident:
Documents the Accident
A car accident report is an official, state-recognized document that acknowledges the accident. It proves to the insurance company that the accident really occurred and that you’re eligible for compensation. They’re especially useful in cases where determining comparative negligence is necessary. Most insurance companies in Georgia will initiate the claims process only after getting a crash report.
Provides Details About the Accident
Word-of-mouth accounts of a car accident hold little weight during legal processes. An accident report is a written account of how the accident occurred and who was responsible for it. It provides details about the parties involved, injuries sustained, and the accident scene. This information helps give all the interested parties in your case a clear picture of what transpired.
Gives Information About the Parties Involved
The car crash report gives details of the at-fault and aggrieved driver in the accident. It contains their names, contact information, and driving records. While the two drivers are the most notable parties in a car accident, the report also includes details of passengers, witnesses, and the police officers involved.
Is a Record for the Responding Officers
It’s hard for responding officers to remember the details of an accident, given how many accidents they deal with regularly. The crash report is a reference document that officers can use in court while testifying. That way, they don’t accidentally water down the extent of the injuries you sustained or the damage caused to your property.
Arguably, the most important role of an accident report is during settlement negotiation. Car accident victims can use this report to their advantage to prove the extent of the damages and in a larger settlement.
Is a Car Accident Report the Same as a Police Report?
No, a car accident report and a police report are closely related but not entirely similar. A police report is an official document detailing the events of a crime. A car accident report, on the other hand, is a document that provides details about a car accident. Police reports are common in cases of theft, assault, and other crimes. Car crash reports are restricted to vehicle accidents.
However, sometimes, officers can file a police report following an accident where the at-fault driver committed a criminal offense. For example, if the driver was drunk or had no license. Law enforcement agents also file police reports after hit-and-run accidents.
Can I File a Car Accident Report by Myself?
Yes, you can file a car accident report by yourself, but only if the accident you got involved in doesn’t meet the criteria outlined in Georgia Code § 40-6-273 (2023). There are two ways to do so:
- Online: You can file a free accident report in Georgia via the VAR BuyCrash website. All you have to do is fill out the fields on the form and submit your report.
- Mail: Besides online reporting, you can also download the accident report form from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) website. After downloading, print the form and fill in all the fields with the relevant details, then mail it to the address indicated on the website.
A Car Accident Report is Important
A car accident report can help you win a personal injury claim/lawsuit. Therefore, you should contact the police after an accident so they can file a car crash report for you. You can also do so yourself by completing the online form or downloading and printing the DOT-523 form. After filing your accident report, seek the help of a skilled and experienced attorney to help you with the claims process and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
