Georgia Car Accident: Do You Need a Police Report?

Car insurance is obligatory in most states in the United States, but this isn’t the only reason it’s essential you purchase it. A sole accident could result in thousands of dollars in damage, not to mention medical bills and other fines, and having an adequate Georgia Car Accident Claim can protect you from having to pay these prices yourself.

However, many people find themselves in a quandary where they get into an accident, make a claim, and despite having what they think is adequate insurance coverage, must pay for the damages themselves. You can take action to make sure that your car insurance claims are accepted.

One major barrier to having a claim accepted is not filing a police report.

Insurance for Georgia Car Accident Claims:

If you get into an accident, the following types of car insurance coverage can help.

Liability:

If you get into an accident where the other person is at fault, you can receive compensation from their insurance company under liability coverage. Though, to make sure you receive this coverage, you must pay attention to these details:

  1. Prior to getting behind the wheel, make sure that you are permitted and listed to drive the vehicle by law and will be protected by your insurance policy.
  2. Get the other party’s complete insurance details immediately after the accident.
  3. Collect evidence in the form of photos and witnesses at the accident location without a second of delay so that there is no argument that the other party caused the accident.

While liability may be the least required by some states, it is advisable to go the extra mile and get collision, comprehensive, Coverage and Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage in addition to liability coverage.

Collision:

Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your car if you hit another vehicle, and you can use it whether you’re at fault or not.  This insurance also covers damages caused by driving into an inanimate object like a pole.

Fatal Car Accident Statistics in Georgia:

According to the IIHS, many people die in Georgia accidents. In Georgia, there were 1.12 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The U.S rate was 1.11 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles.

Filing an Accident Report Yourself:

If the police do not come to the accident location, you can file a report yourself. To do so, make sure you collect as much proof as possible. This may include photos, videos, and information about the accident, including the date, time, and location of the accident. Any details you can gather about the other people involved in the accident are also important.

To file the accident report, go to the nearest police station.

Tips for Your Insurance Claim

There are also many other things to remember to ensure that your insurance company accepts your car accident claim:

  • Do not withhold information. Your insurance company may discard your claim if they determine that you lied to them or withheld pertinent information.
  • Keep records of receipts, claims, and all paperwork about your car insurance.
  • Check with your insurers before making alterations to your car and notify them if you decide to make any; often, insurance companies charge extra or refuse to insure specific changes.
  • Read your policy carefully, and make sure you know what is covered.
  • Don’t skimp on coverage.

Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for Help

If you are involved in a Georgia car accident, you need to call the police right away. The police report contains information about the factors that contributed to the accident. It’s a crucial piece of evidence in proving who was at fault. Without proof that the other driver was at fault, the driver’s insurance company could deny your claim.

Our attorneys at Hartley, Rowe & Fowler, P.C. are dedicated to helping people injured in car accidents get the compensation they deserve. Call us today for a free case review.

Read More Related Articles

Douglasville personal injury lawyer
Personal Injury

When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are injured by someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. That’s when you need an experienced Douglasville personal injury lawyer. They can make all the difference in

Read More »