Hawk Law Group | May 6, 2025 | Car Accidents
You’ve just been in a fender bender in Georgia. The damage looks minor, and everyone seems okay. Is it really necessary to call the police? The short answer is yes — and your decision in these first few minutes after an accident can have significant legal and financial implications.
At Hawk Law Group, we’ve seen how skipping this crucial step can lead to complicated insurance disputes, denied claims, and legal challenges down the road. This guide will explain Georgia’s requirements for reporting accidents and why contacting law enforcement is almost always in your best interest.
Our Augusta personal injury lawyers can also help with any legal questions you may have. Get your free case review by hitting the button below…
What To Do After a Car Accident in Georgia
What Georgia Law Requires After Any Accident
In Georgia, you’re legally required to take specific actions after any car accident, even those that seem minor. Failing to follow these requirements could result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges in some cases.
According to Georgia Code § 40-6-273, you must report any accident that results in:
- Injury or death to any person
- Property damage of $500 or more
Required Steps After a Georgia Car Accident
- Call 911 if there are injuries
- Stop immediately at the scene or as close as possible
- Exchange information with all other drivers involved:
- Render reasonable assistance to any injured person
⚠️ What NOT to Do After an Accident:
- Don’t leave the scene before police arrive
- Don’t admit fault or apologize
- Don’t discuss details with the other driver’s insurance company
- Don’t accept quick settlement offers without legal advice
- Don’t post about the accident on social media
Full Guide: [What To Do When You Get In A Car Accident]
Why You Should Always Call the Police After a Fender Bender
⚖️ Legal Protection
Even in minor accidents, calling the police creates an official record that can protect you from future claims or disputes. This police report will document:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Parties involved and their contact information
- Vehicle information and visible damage
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- Officer’s professional assessment of the scene
Without a police report, you would have no official documentation of what actually happened at the accident scene. This makes your case much more difficult to prove if the other driver later changes their story or claims additional damages.
📱 Insurance Claim Support
Most insurance companies will ask for a police report when you file a claim. Without one, your claim process may be delayed or even denied. The report provides crucial information that helps determine:
- Who was at fault
- Extent of damage
- Whether any traffic laws were violated
- Witness accounts
When Georgia Law Specifically Requires Calling Police
| Situation | Police Report Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Injuries present | Yes | Creates medical documentation timeline |
| Death occurs | Yes | Required for legal proceedings |
| Property damage over $500 | Yes | Meets legal reporting threshold |
| Hit-and-run incident | Yes | Necessary for criminal investigation |
| Suspected DUI | Yes | Required for proper testing and charges |
| Commercial vehicles involved | Yes | Federal regulations often require it |
Hidden Injuries: Why Medical Attention Is Critical
Many car accident injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries develop symptoms hours or days after the accident. Which is why proper post crash care is essential.
Common delayed-onset injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck pain
- Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries and herniated discs
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal bleeding
This is why seeking medical attention after any accident—even a seemingly minor one—is crucial both for your health and for documenting injuries related to the accident.
🏥 Medical Documentation Timeline
Establishing a medical documentation timeline immediately after an accident creates an official record connecting your injuries to the collision, which becomes vital evidence if you need to file a claim.
How a Minor Accident Can Lead to Major Expenses
What looks like minor vehicle damage can hide more serious problems. Modern vehicles have complex systems behind seemingly simple bumpers and panels.
Potential hidden damage includes:
- Frame misalignment
- Electrical system damage
- Airbag system compromise
- Transmission damage
- Radiator or cooling system leaks
The True Cost of a “Minor” Accident
What starts as a small fender bender can sometimes lead to substantial costs. A seemingly minor impact can damage critical components that aren’t immediately visible. If you agree to handle an accident without proper documentation, you may find yourself responsible for repair costs that exceed what was initially apparent.
For example, a minor rear-end collision might later reveal damage to your car’s radiator, cooling system, frame alignment, or internal sensors. These repairs can quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
Compensation You Can Recover After a Georgia Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses: Hospital bills, doctor visits, physical therapy, medication, and future medical care
- Lost wages: Income lost while recovering from injuries
- Lost earning capacity: Reduction in ability to earn income in the future
- Property damage: Cost to repair or replace your vehicle and other damaged property
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
- Mental anguish: Psychological impact of the accident and injuries
In some cases involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
How Hawk Law Group Can Help After Your Accident
With over 71 years of combined experience, our skilled car accident attorneys understand the complexities of Georgia accident claims. We will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your accident
- Gather and preserve crucial evidence
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Consult with medical experts to document your injuries
- Calculate the full value of your claim, including future damages
- Negotiate aggressively for fair compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Our Approach to Insurance Claims
At Hawk Law Group, we have a proven track record of handling denied and disputed insurance claims. When insurance companies try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims after accidents, our experienced team knows how to:
- Gather compelling evidence to support your case
- Work with medical experts to document and verify your injuries
- Negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters
- Build a strong case for fair compensation
- Take your case to trial when necessary
Our attorneys understand the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them effectively. With our experience and resources, we can help level the playing field and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Georgia Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Georgia or South Carolina, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case.
Call us at (706) 567-7565 for a free consultation or contact us online to schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations throughout the Central Savannah River Area.
We serve clients throughout Georgia and South Carolina, including Augusta, Evans, Thomson, Waynesboro, and Aiken.
Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case.