Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers | August 19, 2024 | Car Accident
Even careful drivers can get into a motor vehicle accident. Bad conditions, distracted drivers, and other factors that are out of your control can contribute to an accident. Living in an area like Atlanta, where the traffic is frequently heavy, also increases the risk of being in an accident.
According to the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, accident report data confirmed there were over 8,900 serious injuries from road accidents in 2021. Georgia law requires drivers to file a report within three business days of a crash.
These accident reports help insurance companies in claim settlements and protect the rights of everyone who was involved in the crash.
Car Accident FAQs
Filing an accident report is simple and fast, but it’s natural to have questions about the process. Here are some of the most common questions and concerns about crash reports in Georgia.
How Do I File a Crash Report in Georgia?
If you are involved in any type of motor vehicle accident in the State of Georgia, including a motorcycle accident, call 911 to report the crash. The arriving officer will take your report and file it. If police fail to respond to the scene, visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services Online and file the report there.
How Do I Get a Copy of My Accident Report?
There are several ways to get a copy of your Georgia accident report. The law enforcement agency that made the report (either the local police or Georgia State Highway Patrol) retains copies and will provide you with one upon request. You can also ask for a copy from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
How Do I Get Accident Data From the Georgia Department of Transportation?
GDOT asks customers to email their request for data to [email protected]. When you submit your request, make sure to include the location and date of your accident as well as a full description of what happened and who was involved. Most requests are answered within five business days.
Can I Change a Car Accident Report After It’s Submitted?
Some — but not all — information on an accident report can be amended after a report has been submitted. Those involved can request changes if the police officer or other officials made mistakes on the report.
Can I Use a Car Crash Report as Evidence in Court?
Georgia law generally prohibits car accident reports from being used as evidence to establish negligence in civil court. If you are seeking to recover damages through a lawsuit, you cannot use the accident report as part of your case.
However, the accident report could be useful when negotiating a settlement. You also may be able to call the reporting police officer to testify at trial, which would be similar to using the report itself as evidence.
What Information Is Included in an Accident Report?
An accident report contains basic information such as the names of the drivers involved in the accident, insurance information for all involved, and the location and date of the incident.
The report will also include the investigating officer’s retelling of the incident and details about key witnesses to the event. If property damage occurred, the report will include that information.
More Questions About Georgia Accident Reports?
If you have questions or concerns about an accident report or any other clerical issues involving a car accident, an experienced attorney can help. Most car accident lawyers offer free consultations to review your case, and they also only get paid if they secure compensation for you.
Contact the Georgia Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Georgia, including Atlanta, Sandy Springs, and Jonesboro, GA.
We proudly serve Fulton County and Clayton County, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers – Atlanta
139 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Suite 301, Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 255-9000
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
200 Sandy Springs Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 255-9000
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers – Jonesboro
6909 Tara Blvd, Ste 200, Jonesboro, GA 30236
(404) 255-9000