If you’re involved in a car accident in Georgia, one of the first questions you may ask is whether you should call 911. The answer often depends on the severity of the crash, but in many cases, calling 911 is not just smart: it’s required by law.
In this blog, we cover when you are legally required to call 911 after a car accident in Georgia, why it’s important even for minor collisions, what happens after you make the call, and when to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer if your crash is work-related.
Georgia Law on Reporting Car Accidents: When Calling 911 is Mandatory
If you’re involved in a car accident in Georgia, the law may require you to call 911 immediately. Understanding when this call is legally required helps protect your rights and avoid penalties.
You Must Call 911 if There Are Injuries or Deaths
Under O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273, drivers involved in a car crash must call 911 if anyone is injured or killed. This includes drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or anyone else hurt during the accident. Emergency medical services may be needed on the scene, and a police officer must create a report. Failing to report an injury could delay medical treatment and affect your insurance claim.
Call 911 if There Is Property Damage Over $500
Georgia law also requires you to contact local police if the accident caused property damage estimated to be over $500. This includes damage to vehicles, guardrails, buildings, or other property. Even in a minor collision or fender bender, the damage may not be easy to estimate without a full inspection. Calling 911 ensures the police respond and file a report, which is often required by your insurance provider to process a car accident claim.
Call If the Vehicles Are Blocking Traffic or Creating a Hazard
If the accident scene is blocking traffic or creating a road hazard, you must call 911. Police can redirect traffic, document the situation, and help move the vehicles if needed. Leaving cars in the roadway without notifying the authorities can increase the risk of another traffic accident. Safety should always be your first priority.
Penalties for Failing to Call 911
Ignoring the legal requirement to report an accident can lead to criminal charges or fines. If you leave the scene without calling 911 when required, you could face charges similar to a hit-and-run. Always call 911 if the situation meets any of the legal conditions. It helps protect everyone involved and strengthens your car accident case.
Why You Should Call 911 After Any Car Accident, Even a Minor One
Even if a car accident seems small, calling 911 can protect your health, your legal rights, and your insurance claim.
Injuries Are Not Always Obvious Right Away
After a minor car accident, you might feel fine. But some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms for hours or days. Calling 911 brings emergency medical services to the scene. A medical report from the accident can support a personal injury lawsuit or insurance claim later. Getting checked by professionals right away is the safest option.
Police Reports Support Your Insurance Claim
If you plan to file an insurance claim, having a police report is important. The responding police officer will document the accident, take statements, and record facts that may support your version of events. This report becomes a key piece of evidence if the other driver denies fault or changes their story. Insurance companies often rely on police reports when deciding how to handle a car accident case.
Damage May Be Worse Than It Looks
Property damage after a minor collision is not always clear from the outside. A car may have internal damage that costs more than $500 to repair, which meets the threshold under Georgia law for mandatory reporting. Calling 911 ensures the accident is officially recorded and may prevent disputes with the insurance provider over repair costs.
The Other Driver May Not Be Honest
Some drivers may ask you not to call 911. They may offer cash or promise to handle repairs privately. This is risky. If they later deny being involved or refuse to pay, you will have no official record of the accident. Always call 911 so there is a police report that confirms the crash happened and identifies all parties involved.
Protect Yourself and Your Legal Rights
Calling 911 creates a record of the incident, the injuries, the property damage, and who was present. It helps protect you if there is a disagreement later. It also shows that you took the situation seriously. This is important if you need to hire a car accident lawyer or file a claim to recover compensation.
What Happens When You Call 911 After a Traffic Accident
Calling 911 after a car accident sets several important steps in motion that help protect your health, safety, and legal interests.
The Dispatcher Will Ask Key Questions
When you call 911, the dispatcher will ask for your location, the number of vehicles involved, and whether anyone is hurt. Stay calm and answer clearly. Use your cell phone to give details about the scene, such as if traffic is blocked or if there are visible injuries. The dispatcher will then send the appropriate emergency services to your location.
Police and Emergency Services Respond to the Scene
The local police department and emergency medical services will arrive shortly after the call. A police officer will assess the scene, speak with the drivers and any witnesses, and create an official police report. Medical responders will check for injuries and provide treatment if needed. If someone is seriously hurt, they may be taken to the emergency room.
The Police Officer Creates a Report
The police report includes the date, time, and location of the crash, details about the vehicles and drivers, witness statements, and an initial determination of fault. This document is critical for your insurance claim. It also serves as evidence if a personal injury lawsuit becomes necessary. The report helps protect your car accident case against false claims from the other driver or their insurer.
You Can Ask for a Copy of the Police Report
After the accident, you have the right to request a copy of the police report from the law enforcement agency that responded. You may need this report when you file a claim with your insurance company or when you speak with a car accident attorney. Having this record helps show what happened and supports your version of events.
Calling 911 Helps Establish the Facts
Making the call to 911 ensures that trained professionals handle the scene properly. It confirms that you followed Georgia law and took the crash seriously. It also helps establish a timeline and verifies the parties involved. These details are valuable when dealing with insurance providers and legal matters later.
When to Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Georgia
Knowing when to speak with a car accident attorney can make the difference between a fair outcome and a denied claim.
You Were Injured in the Accident
If you suffered injuries and needed medical treatment, contact a car accident attorney right away. Medical bills can rise fast, especially if you visit the emergency room or need follow-up care. Insurance companies may try to reduce payouts or delay compensation. A lawyer can help you recover payment for your injuries, lost income, and any long-term health issues caused by the crash.
Fault Is Disputed or the Police Report Is Inaccurate
Disagreements about fault are common after a car crash. If the other driver denies responsibility or if the police report contains errors, a car accident lawyer can help gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and strengthen your case. This is important when filing a personal injury lawsuit or dealing with an insurance company that questions your version of events.
You Are Struggling With the Insurance Claim Process
Insurance companies do not always act in your best interest. They may delay claims, offer low settlements, or deny valid requests. If you are facing problems with your insurance provider, legal help can level the playing field. An attorney will review your claim, handle all communication, and push for full compensation for your losses.
The Accident Happened While You Were Working
If you were driving as part of your job when the car crash happened, your case may involve both auto insurance and workers’ compensation. The Weinstein Firm can help you understand your options and work with experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys to make sure you receive every benefit you deserve. This includes medical costs, lost wages, and help returning to work.
You Need Clear Advice After a Crash
Many people are unsure what to do after a car accident. If you are injured, facing vehicle damage, or feeling pressure from insurers, a car accident attorney can give you direction. The Weinstein Firm offers free consultations and only gets paid if they win your case. Speaking with an attorney early helps you avoid costly mistakes and protects your right to fair compensation.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, don’t wait to get the help you need. Our team at The Weinstein Firm is ready to protect your rights, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case review today!
