Should A Minor Car Accident Be Reported?
After a minor fender bender, it may be tempting to forgo calling the police and waiting at the scene for officers to investigate and complete an accident report. However, assessing the extent of injuries and property damage at the scene can be difficult. Calling the local authorities to report crashes is the most effective way to protect the parties’ rights and interests, regardless of the amount of damage. Calling the police department after a crash is essential for many reasons, including providing evidence of damages or safeguarding against liability in a civil lawsuit. Georgia traffic laws also require individuals to report most crashes to the police, even minor car accidents. Consult with a personal injury lawyer to learn more.
What To Do After a Minor Car Crash
Even minor car crashes can be stressful and upsetting, making it easy for drivers to forget the legalities and neglect taking steps to protect their rights. However, staying calm and knowing what measures to take or procedures to follow can help save time and energy. The advantages of taking action include having crucial evidence for dealing with insurance companies or negotiating settlements. The essential steps to take after a minor car wreck include the following:
- Move the vehicles to a safe resting place that is out of the way of oncoming traffic
- Dial 9-1-1 to report the accident to the local police department
- Exchange information with all other drivers involved, including names and insurance providers
- Speak with any witnesses and collect their contact information
- Take photographs of the accident scene and damage
- Gather crucial documentation, including the police report
Georgia state accident reporting laws require drivers to report to the local police department all incidents that result in death or $500 or more of property damage or bodily harm. They must also notify the authorities using the quickest communication form available at the crash scene.
Why Is It Important To Report Accidents to Police?
The state’s reporting requirement for damages is low. Not only can drivers face legal trouble for failing to report accidents, but the information obtained from reporting also helps to prove fault. That evidence can help the accident victim collect a settlement during the claims process. Reporting car crashes also helps to avoid the potential headaches caused by disagreements about the cause of the accident and liability.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Georgia Crash Instruction Manual, reporting auto collisions is also critical for data collection involving driver safety. Motorist crash reporting is crucial for developing car wreck prevention processes and guidelines. The organization collects and analyzes data. Then, when a specific traffic risk becomes apparent, they begin implementing safety measures to reduce or eliminate the hazardous conditions.
Should I Call the Police to the Scene of My Car Accident?
Calling the police department and allowing officers to conduct investigations and complete accident reports provides many benefits. An official record of the cause and outcome can protect accident victims and help with insurance and civil lawsuit claims. Even minor car accidents can lead to excessive financial losses due to auto repairs and medical bills. A police report can also be crucial if a dispute arises over the cause, fault, injuries, and property damage related to an accident.
Skipping the police investigation may save time now, but it can mean losing countless hours trying to prove fault or damages later. Failing to notify the authorities of a car crash can also lead to legal consequences, including hefty fines, jail time, and driver’s license suspension.
The Importance of Police Reports in a Car Accident
Police accident reports can contain valuable details about the collision to help prove fault or defend a driver from paying damages. The report will include information about the people involved, witness statements and contact details, and the officer’s determination of the cause of the accident. The legal document may also include driver contact and insurance company information.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney for Help Today
A car crash, even a seemingly minor one, can cause more property damage and bodily injuries than many people might think. Auto insurance providers look for ways to reduce or eliminate payouts, and memories may change significantly in the aftermath of a collision. Therefore, one way for drivers to protect themselves and their passengers is to report every collision to the local police and allow them to investigate and complete an accident report. If you have questions about reporting minor car accidents or recovering losses, talk to an experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta which serves Decatur, LaGrange, Marietta, Riverdale, and Chattanooga – Hall & Lampros, LLP can help protect your rights and seek the maximum available compensation. Contact us today.
Chris has successfully represented numerous clients in catastrophic personal injury, employment law matters, class action, consumer protection, business tort, and legislative matters involving multi-million-dollar damages.