After a car or truck accident in Georgia, call 911, obtain a police report, photograph the scene, and seek medical care even if injuries seem minor. Exchange insurance and contact information without admitting fault. Notify your own insurance company promptly, preserve all records, and follow medical advice. Georgia law generally allows two years to file an injury claim, but deadlines can vary. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights and avoid common insurance pitfalls.
What should I do first after a car or truck accident in Georgia?
Call 911 immediately. Georgia law enforcement officers prepare an official crash report, which is often essential for insurance claims and injury cases. Even if injuries seem minor, do not agree to handle the crash privately or accept cash at the scene.
Do I need a police report after a Georgia car accident?
Yes. A police report documents the parties involved, vehicle damage, witness information, and the officer’s observations. Insurance companies routinely rely on this report. In many cases, reports can be downloaded a few days later from BuyCrash.
Should I take photos after a Georgia car or truck accident?
Yes, if it is safe to do so. Photograph vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, skid marks, and any company markings or DOT numbers on commercial trucks. Visual evidence can be critical in disputed claims.
What information should I exchange after a crash in Georgia?
Exchange names, contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance details. Do not admit fault, argue, or exchange Social Security numbers.
Should I seek medical care even if my injuries seem minor?
Yes. Many injuries worsen hours or days after a crash. Accept emergency care if offered, and seek prompt medical evaluation even if symptoms initially seem mild. Accurate medical documentation is important for both treatment and insurance claims.
Do I have to notify my insurance company after an accident in Georgia?
Yes. Promptly notify your insurer, even if you believe the other driver was at fault. Georgia policies may include medical payments coverage and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage that can apply early.
Should I give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company?
No. You are not required to give a recorded statement to the at-fault driver’s insurer. Statements given early can be used to minimize or deny claims.
How long do I have to file an injury claim in Georgia?
In most Georgia personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. Certain circumstances can shorten or extend deadlines, so early legal advice is important.
When should I talk to a Georgia personal injury lawyer?
If you were injured, consulting a lawyer early can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and ensure insurance coverage is properly used. Early guidance often prevents costly mistakes.
If you or a loved one have suffered a serious injury in a car or truck crash, submit our inquiry form or call us now at 404-253-7862.
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Johnson & Ward has been a leading personal injury and wrongful death specialty law firm in Atlanta since 1949. It quickly became the first and best personal injury law firm in Georgia. Successful with traditional word of mouth referrals, the firm has never needed to advertise on TV or billboards. You will never see us on a tacky billboard on the freeway. The founders of the firm were also among the founders of the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association. Current partners include former presidents of the State Bar of Georgia and the Atlanta Bar Association.
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Ken Shigley is a former president of the State Bar of Georgia (2011-12). He was the first Georgia lawyer to earn three board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy (Civil Trial Advocacy, Civil Pretrial Advocacy, and Truck Accident Law). In 2019, he received the Traditions of Excellence Award for lifetime achievement. Mr. Shigley was the lead author of eleven editions of Georgia Law of Torts: Trial Preparation and Practice (Thomson Reuters, 2010-21). He graduated from Furman University and Emory University Law School, and completed certificate courses in trial practice, negotiation and mediation at Harvard Law School.
