According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, there were over 330,000 traffic accidents in Georgia in 2020 alone. That’s nearly 1,000 accidents a day across the state! That means there are almost 1,000 accident reports being written everyday in Georgia. If you’re involved in one of these car accidents, getting the police report is the start to getting your questions answered and getting the at-fault driver’s insurance company involved.
Getting a car accident report in Georgia is a straightforward process, if you know what you are doing. However, it can be confusing if your life has recently been turned upside down because you were involved in a crash. Whether you need the accident report to report the crash to the other driver’s insurance company, or you need it for your insurance company, knowing how to quickly access the accident report is important because it gets an insurance claim started, which you need to get you a rental car, to get a towing bill reimbursed and get your property damage repaired. It is also the start to getting a claim made for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. As a service to our clients who hire our law firm to help with a car crash case, and to the potential clients who call our law firm for a free consultation, at Dan Chapman & Associates we will pay for and get an accident report for you if you call us first. We need the report so we can meaningfully discuss the details of the accident with you and advise you of your legal rights under the law for compensation for your injuries, harms and losses.
If you prefer to get an accident report on your own, this article will walk you through how to request a police report for a car accident in Georgia, what information you need, and why it’s so important to get this document.
Ways to Request a Police Report for a Georgia Car Accident
Requesting a police report for a car accident in Georgia can be done through several different methods. The key is knowing where to go and how to submit your request. Here are the main ways you can get your report:
- Online Request
Many law enforcement agencies in Georgia allow you to request a police report online. This is often the quickest and easiest option. You can visit the local police department’s website or use third-party services like the Georgia State Patrol’s Crash Report Online service. If the crash involved a state patrol officer, this is a fast way to get a copy of the report. Be ready to provide details such as the date and location of the accident, and sometimes the report number, if you have it. - In-Person Request
You can also visit the local police department, sheriff’s office or Patrol Post where the report was filed. This may be the best option if you don’t want to wait for an online request to process or if you need the report immediately. At the law enforcement agency, you will typically be asked to provide a form with details about the accident, including the date, time, and involved parties, and you will have to produce some form of identification. Believe it or not, there are fraudsters and crooks out there who make money illegally by trying to get these accident reports so they can call accident victims and try to convince them to hire the crooked lawyers they work for to represent them in a car wreck case. These activities are actually considered crimes in Georgia, that rise to the level of a felony when it is a second offense. - Request by Mail
If you prefer not to handle the request online or in person, you can mail in your request. This process can take a little longer, but you can get the report you need. The police department will usually require a form to be filled out, along with any necessary identification and a small fee for processing. - Third-Party Services
Some private companies allow you to request accident reports online through their platforms. These services typically charge a small fee, but they can provide a faster turnaround than government offices, especially if you need a report from a different jurisdiction. - Again, as a service to potential clients who call our law firm for a free consultation, Dan Chapman & Associates will pay for and get an accident report for you if you call us first and we think we can help you with a legal claim.
What Information Do I Need to Access My Accident Report in Georgia?
When requesting a police report, be prepared to provide specific information to ensure a smooth process. Here’s what you’ll likely need:
- Accident Report Number: If you have this, it will speed up your request. The police department may provide this number at the scene or after the report is filed.
- Date and Time of the Accident: Be ready to provide the exact or approximate date and time of the accident.
- Location of the Accident: The street address or intersection where the accident occurred will help police locate the correct report.
- Names of the Involved Parties: If you know the names of the people involved in the accident, this can help narrow down the search for your report.
- Your Driver’s License Number: This is especially important if you’re the one requesting the report.
Some police departments may charge a small fee for obtaining a copy of the accident report. The cost is usually modest, but be prepared to pay it when requesting your report.
Why Is the Police Report Important?
The police report is often a critical piece of documentation following a car accident. Here’s why:
- Evidence for Insurance Claims: The report includes key details, such as who was at fault, the location of the crash, and any witness names. It also contains the names of insurance companies and the insurance policy numbers. Obtaining this information will help you set up an insurance claim. The faster the claim is set up, the faster your claim can be resolved.
- Legal Protection: In cases where liability is disputed, the police report provides an official account of the incident. If you decide to pursue legal action for injuries, or if you need to defend yourself against claims, the report can be a valuable piece of evidence. Also, some reports are missing key information, or contain incorrect information, and if you spot it you can try to get the officer to supplement or correct the report.
- Medical and Repair Documentation: If you’re injured or need repairs to your vehicle, the police report can help you document the circumstances of the accident, which can be important for medical bills or vehicle repair costs.
What to Do if You Can’t Find the Report
Sometimes, accidents don’t always get documented by law enforcement, or reports may take a while to process. If you’re unable to locate the report right away, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:
- Contact the Police Department: If the report is missing, or if there was confusion over its filing, you can reach out directly to the department where the accident was reported. They may be able to help you track it down or explain the delay.
- Check with Other Agencies: If the accident involved state patrol or other agencies, it’s possible the report was filed with them instead. Make sure you’re checking the right department.
- Ask for a Copy of the Incident Report: If no full accident report exists, there might still be an incident report or narrative available. While this won’t contain all the details of a typical car accident report, it can still provide useful information.
Conclusion
Obtaining a car accident report in Georgia is a necessary step after any crash. By knowing how to request the report, what information you need, and where to go, you can streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays.If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and need help navigating your legal rights, Dan Chapman & Associates is here to help. Our experienced team of attorneys is ready to assist you with getting your accident report, with reporting your claim and ensuring you get the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (678) 242-7626 or DanChapmanLaw.com to speak with one of our legal professionals!
