A crash can disrupt your day and mind. You may feel fine at first, then shaky and sore. Focus on safety, 911, facts, care, and follow-up. Georgia uses a fault system, so evidence and timing matter. Here’s what to do after a car accident in Georgia.
Get safe and call 911
Move to a safe spot if you can, and turn on hazards. Check for fire, fuel, or traffic, then call 911 and report injuries. Ask for the police to respond, and do not leave until officers say you can. Accept transport if medics recommend it. Be sure to note badge numbers and agency names. Ask how to get the crash report number. If a driver leaves, tell dispatch right away and record any plate or vehicle details you saw.
Document the scene
Use your phone camera to take wide shots, then close-ups. Photograph lanes, signs, skid marks, and damage from multiple angles. Capture the weather, lighting, and any debris or fluids. You should also record a short voice memo with a time stamp, location, and what each car was doing.
Additionally, ask witnesses for names and phone numbers. Be sure to also note businesses with cameras. For guidance on preserving video and evidence, speak with a local Gainesville car accident lawyer.
Get checked now, and again later
Adrenaline can hide pain. Get examined the same day, and tell the clinician exactly where it hurts. Ask for written discharge notes and follow-up steps. Schedule a recheck within a few days if symptoms change. Ensure you keep a simple pain and function log, and rate sleep, neck motion, and headaches.
Additionally, save every bill, prescription, and imaging record. If you miss work, ask for a note that states dates and restrictions. Proper medical care supports recovery and creates a clear medical trail.
Exchange information, but watch your words
Share your name, plate, license, and insurance, and collect the same from the other driver. Photograph the other driver’s card, VIN, and plate. If a truck or delivery van is involved, write down the company name and unit number.
Do not argue or guess about speed or fault. Say you want to cooperate and will follow up after medical care. Avoid statements on injuries until a clinician has examined you. Ask for the officer’s card and when the report will be ready.
Notify your insurer
Call your insurer soon to confirm coverage, claim numbers, and next steps. Ask about medical payments, towing, rental, and repair processes. If the other insurer calls, be polite, then decline a recorded statement. Say you will share information in writing.
Do not sign releases that allow full medical history access. Be sure to keep all talk factual and brief. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help if the other driver lacks limits. Your policy deadlines can be short, so make sure to act early.
Track costs, time, and impact
Open a single folder for the case. Add bills, copays, and receipts, and include mileage to appointments and pharmacy runs. Track time away from work, lost tips, and missed gigs. Note childcare, rides, or help you paid for because of the crash.
Be sure to also record how pain affects chores, sleep, or hobbies. Keep photos of bruises or devices like braces, and update the log weekly. Organized proof helps you recover medical costs, property losses, and any wage impact.
Handle property damage the smart way
Get two or three repair estimates. Choose a trusted repair shop, and ask for a written scope and parts list. Make sure to keep damaged parts until the insurer inspects them. Ask how the shop will document hidden damage. Request photos before and after repairs.
Ask your insurer if OEM parts are covered. In Georgia, many drivers also pursue diminished value, which is the loss in a car’s market value after a repair. Save listings for comparable vehicles to support that number. Take your time before accepting the first offer.
Know Georgia’s rules and timelines
Georgia follows modified comparative negligence. Your recovery is reduced by your share of fault, and you cannot recover if you are found 50% or more at fault. Injury claims often carry a two-year deadline from the crash date, but property damage claims commonly allow more time. Claims against a city, county, or state agency can have short notice windows.
Save and calendar all dates listed in letters. When in doubt, confirm timelines with a qualified attorney. If a minor is involved, ask about different timelines and how tolling may apply.
Endnote
You do not need a perfect response after a wreck. You need steady steps and clean records. Start with safety, and call 911. You should also see a clinician, photograph the scene, and collect the names of any witnesses.
Notify your insurer and keep it brief. Build one folder for bills, notes, and photos. Learn the Georgia rules that fit your case. When questions grow, get local help. A calm plan today protects your health, your time, and your claim tomorrow.