Managing Partner
Don’t underestimate the importance of a police report in your Georgia car accident claim. Police reports provide a baseline account of what happened, the people and cars involved in the crash, and who may have caused the accident. Many insurance companies require a police report to prove a collision happened, and not having one could negatively affect your chances of recovering fair compensation. Make sure you call 911 after an accident so the police come and file a report.
What Information Is Included in a Georgia Police Accident Report?
A typical Georgia police report (see a sample here) contains the following information:
- Basic crash details – The date, time, and location of the crash, including whether it happened at or near an intersection.
- Involved vehicles – The year, makes, models, colors, VINs, and license plate details for all the vehicles in the collision, along with any trailer tag information (if applicable).
- Driver information – The name, address, date of birth, license number, license class, insurance details, and contact information for all the drivers in the crash.
- Passenger and occupant info – Each passenger’s name, age, position in the vehicle, whether they were wearing a seat belt, any injuries they sustained, and where they went for medical treatment.
- Injuries and fatalities – The overall number of people hurt or killed in the crash.
- Suspected driver fault – Which driver the investigating officer believes caused the crash and any contributing factors, such as speeding or distracted driving.
- Vehicle, road, and driver conditions – The weather, road surface, lighting, vehicle maneuver, direction of travel, and any vision obstructions at the crash scene.
- Citations issued – Details about any tickets the investigating officer issued, including citation numbers and the applicable sections of the Georgia Code.
- Narrative and diagram – The investigating officer’s written description of the crash and a sketch showing how it happened.
- Witness details – Names, contact information, and statements from people who saw the crash.
- Property damage – Any damage to things other than vehicles, like signs or fences.
- Testing information – Results from any alcohol or drug tests the officer performed (if applicable).
Do You Need a Police Report for a Georgia Car Accident?
There’s no legal requirement to submit a police report with a car accident claim in Georgia, but it’s smart to include it anyway. Even though the law doesn’t require it, many insurance companies do. Furthermore, a police report gives the insurers a clearer picture of what happened. It includes crucial facts like where the crash occurred, who was involved, whether anyone got a ticket, and the officer’s opinion about what caused the accident. This evidence can help you show how the other driver—or someone else—caused the collision. It also protects you if the other person changes their story later.
How to Get a Police Crash Report in Georgia
There are a few methods to get a police crash report in Georgia, but the easiest is through BuyCrash.com. Select Georgia from the list of states, then choose the responding agency—or select “All GA Agencies” if you don’t know who investigated the crash.
To find your report, enter your last name, the crash date, and at least one of the following: your driver’s license number, your VIN, or the crash report number (if the responding officer gave it to you). If your report is available, you can request a copy for a $13 fee. After you submit your payment, the authorities will send the crash report to your email.
Contact a Macon, GA, Car Accident Lawyer Now
Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm can find the police report for an accident and gather other evidence to support your claim. We’ll handle all the legal work and push back against any attempts to deny your claim or reduce your compensation. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
