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If you have been in a minor car accident or “fender bender” in Georgia and it appears that there are no injuries, it might be enticing to forego waiting for the police to arrive at the scene. However, choosing not to wait for the authorities can have serious legal consequences. In fact, failing to involve the police can lead to issues such as disputes over fault and damages, difficulty in obtaining an accurate record of the incident, and can potentially harm your legal position should you decide to pursue a legal claim following the accident.
Georgia Laws
According to Georgia laws, it is a legal requirement to report any car accident to the police if it results in injuries, death, or caused property damage exceeding $500. This reporting obligation applies even to minor accidents, including fender benders or low-speed collisions with minor damages. However, if you have been involved in a car accident, it can be challenging to assess the full extent of the damages accurately. That is why it is important to contact the police after any accident to ensure that a police report is filed.
In addition, failure to file a report after a car accident can lead to potential legal consequences, including fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment, or suspension of your driver’s license. Furthermore, failing to report an accident where you are at fault and leaving the scene could result in the victim pursuing compensation for a hit-and-run case. For these reasons, it is important to contact the authorities immediately, even after a minor car accident.
Why Is a Police Report Important Following a Car Accident?
The police report is a comprehensive and detailed document that contains all the relevant information about the accident. In addition to capturing the specifics of the accident, including the date, time, and location, it will also document the names and contact information of any witnesses involved in the crash.
Moreover, the report will record the prevailing road conditions at the time of the incident and include details concerning any impairment of the drivers involved. It will also specify if any traffic laws were violated before or during the accident. This detailed information will be valuable if you decide to pursue legal action after the crash.
Other Actions To Take After a Car Accident
Other than contacting the police following a Georgia car accident, it is also important to take additional actions that can help protect your safety and potential legal claim:
- Move Your Vehicle: If it is still operational, move it to a safe location off the road. However, if you feel unsafe, stay inside your car. Keep the windows up and doors locked, and call 911. Remain in your vehicle until help arrives.
- Gather Evidence: Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it is safe, take photos of any injuries and damage to your vehicle. This documentation can be valuable later on.
- Collect Information: Once safe, gather contact information from the other drivers involved. This includes their insurance policy number, the year of their vehicle, tag number, driver’s license number, and details of their vehicles such as make, model, year, and color.
- Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney: Consider contacting an experienced Georgia car accident attorney. These legal professionals can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
Contact Richard D. Hobbs & Associates Today To Learn More
If you were involved in a car accident in Georgia and want to know more about your legal options, contact Richard D. Hobbs & Associates today and speak with an experienced Georgia car accident attorney.