How Much is Your Claim Worth?
How Much is Your Claim Worth?
Learn about your legal duties after a car accident in Georgia, including when to leave a note and what information to exchange.
Georgia law requires drivers to take certain steps after an accident. It’s essential that you understand the obligations you have after a collision, as you can face legal consequences if you fail to comply with the law.
Keep reading to find out what you need to do after a collision. If you’d like to know more, check out Chapter 6, Article 12 of Georgia’s Motor Vehicles and Traffic Code.
If you get into a car crash that causes injury, death, or damage to a vehicle in Georgia, you must stop as soon as possible at the scene without blocking traffic.
You also must exchange information with the other parties. This includes your name, address, and vehicle registration number, plus showing your driver’s license if requested.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person or in damage to a vehicle shall immediately stop at the scene of the accident and shall:
The driver shall remain at the scene of the accident until fulfilling the requirements of this subsection. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
If you are involved in a crash where someone is injured or killed, Georgia law requires that you assist the injured person. To fulfill your duty to render aid, you can take the person to the hospital yourself or arrange for another form of transportation, such as calling an ambulance.
When someone appears to be dead, is unconscious, or cannot communicate, you must ensure that both emergency medical services and local law enforcement are contacted.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or the death of any person or in damage to a vehicle shall immediately stop such vehicle at the scene of the accident and shall:
Georgia law requires you to report a car accident to the police if the crash causes injury or death or appears to have caused $500 or more in property damage. The property damage requirement includes damage to your vehicle, as well as any other cars involved.
Additionally, if you’re the passenger in a car accident that incapacitates the driver, you are legally requiredYou must notify Georgia’s nearest law enforcement agency, whether a local police department, county sheriff, or state patrol. to notify the police of the crash yourself.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to or death of any person or property damage to an apparent extent of $500.00 or more shall immediately, by the quickest means of communication, give notice to the local police department.
Failing to report a Georgia car crash when you are required to do so is a misdemeanor offense. In general, a misdemeanor is punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and up to 12 months in jail.
It is unlawful and it is a misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter.
When you get into a car accident and nobody is injured, you still must provide your name, address, and vehicle registration number if the crash damaged a vehicle. If another driver asks, you also have to show your driver’s license. You cannot leave the accident scene until the exchange has occurred.
The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in damage to a vehicle shall immediately stop at the scene of the accident and shall:
The driver shall remain at the scene of the accident until fulfilling the requirements of this subsection. Every such stop shall be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.
After you hit a parked car in Georgia, you must immediately stop your vehicle. Then, you must try to locate the driver or owner of the parked vehicle. Once you find them, you must provide your name, address, and the name of the owner of the car you’re driving if it is not you.
If you cannot find the other person, you must leave a note containing this information and leave it on the car where the other driver will likely find it.
The driver of any vehicle which collides with any vehicle which is unattended shall immediately stop and either locate and notify the owner of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle or shall leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and the owner of the vehicle.
It is critical that you comply with your legal duties after a Georgia car crash. By learning the steps you need to take, you can avoid serious legal penalties if you are involved in an accident.
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