What to Do After a Car Crash in Georgia
At Hurt 911® Georgia Injury Centers, we provide comprehensive medical care for people injured in car accidents across Atlanta and Georgia. Our clinics connect patients with experienced car accident doctors who diagnose injuries, deliver personalized treatment, and create the medical records needed to support insurance claims. We focus on fast recovery, detailed documentation, and compassionate care, all while offering free transportation and no up-front costs. Our mission is simple: protect your health and help you move forward after a crash.
A car crash can happen in seconds, leaving drivers and passengers shocked and unsure of what steps to take next. Knowing what to do after a car crash in Georgia protects your safety, helps you follow state law, and supports your insurance claim. From securing the accident scene to exchanging information, filing a police report, and seeking medical treatment with an Atlanta car accident doctor, each step matters for both your recovery and your financial protection.
In this blog, Hurt 911® Georgia Injury Centers explains what to do after a car crash in Georgia, outlining the essential steps for safety, proper reporting, medical treatment with an Atlanta car accident doctor, and protecting your insurance claim.
Ensure Immediate Safety
The first step after a car crash in Georgia is to focus on immediate safety. Protecting yourself, your passengers, and others at the accident scene is the top priority. These actions reduce the risk of more injuries, additional collisions, and further damage to vehicles involved.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Stay calm and take a deep breath before moving. A clear mind helps you make better decisions. Look around quickly to see if anyone involved in the accident is injured. This includes passengers in your car, other drivers, and other passengers. If injuries are obvious or serious, call emergency services as soon as possible.
Move to a Safe Location
If your car is drivable, move it to a safe location near the crash site. Pull over to the shoulder of the road, a nearby side street, or a parking lot. This keeps traffic flowing and prevents another collision. If your vehicle cannot move, stay inside with your seat belt fastened until police officers or emergency services arrive.
Use Hazard Lights and Warnings
Turn on your hazard lights right away to alert approaching drivers. This step reduces the chance of another motor vehicle hitting the accident scene. If you have cones, flares, or warning triangles, place them behind your car at a safe distance. Clear signals make the crash site more visible for other drivers.
Prevent Further Damage
Stay out of active traffic lanes and avoid standing between vehicles. If you notice leaking fuel, smoke, or sparks, move yourself and other parties involved farther from the scene. Keeping distance from hazards helps protect everyone’s well-being and prevents further damage.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
After making the accident scene safe, the next step is to check for injuries. Quick action protects your health and supports your insurance claim or accident report later.
Look for Visible and Hidden Injuries
Check yourself, your passengers, and the other parties involved in the crash. Look for cuts, bruises, bleeding, or broken bones. Keep in mind that some injuries, like whiplash or concussions, may not show symptoms right away. Adrenaline can hide pain after a collision.
Call Emergency Services Immediately
If anyone is injured, call 911 without delay. Emergency services will send police officers and medical help to the accident scene. Police will prepare a report required by Georgia law, and paramedics can provide care before you see an Atlanta car accident doctor for further treatment.
Do Not Move Seriously Injured People
Avoid moving anyone with severe injuries unless they are in immediate danger. Moving an injured driver or passenger can make injuries worse. Wait for emergency services to arrive and let trained professionals handle medical care.
Seek Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible
Even if you do not feel pain, schedule an appointment with an Atlanta car accident doctor. Early medical treatment creates records for insurance and personal injury claims. It also ensures that hidden injuries are found before they become serious medical expenses.
Contact Georgia Police and File a Report
Once injuries are checked, the next step is to contact police officers. A police report is required under Georgia law and provides an official record for insurance and future reference.
Georgia Law on Accident Reporting
According to O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273, you must report a car accident to police if there are injuries, fatalities, or property damage greater than $500. Failing to notify law enforcement can result in penalties and create problems with the claims process.
Provide Accurate Information to Officers
When police officers arrive at the accident scene, give them your driver’s license number, vehicle registration, license plate number, and insurance information. Answer their questions clearly but avoid discussing fault. Stick to facts about the collision and let the report record the details.
Collect Police Report Details
Ask for the responding officer’s badge number and the official police report number. This accident report will be important for your insurance company, insurance adjuster, or any future claim. Keep these details stored with your accident documents for easy access.
Why the Report Matters
The police report is a key document in the claims process. Insurance companies and appraisers use it to confirm who was involved in the accident, the vehicles involved, and the damage at the scene. Having an accurate report helps support fair settlement for repair costs, medical expenses, and lost wages.
Exchange Information with All Parties Involved
After the police arrive, you should exchange information with the other parties involved. This step helps the claims process move forward and ensures that your insurance provider has the details needed to file a claim.
Share Basic Driver Information
Provide your name, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Be sure the other driver gives you the same details. Confirm the policy number and the name of their insurance company or insurance agent.
Collect Passenger and Witness Details
If there are passengers involved, write down their names and contact information. If there are witnesses at the accident scene, ask for their phone numbers. Their statements may help clarify fault later in the claims process.
Avoid Discussing Fault
Stay calm and professional when speaking with the other driver. Do not argue or admit fault at the scene. Fault will be determined later by insurance adjusters and, if necessary, competent appraisers. Keep your focus on gathering accurate information.
Document for Future Reference
Keep all exchanged information in a safe place along with the police report. These records will be used by your insurer to confirm coverage, vehicle damage, and repair costs. Having clear documentation protects you when seeking a fair settlement.
Document the Accident Scene
Careful documentation of the accident scene strengthens your insurance claim and protects your position during the claims process. Clear evidence helps show what happened, the vehicles involved, and the extent of property damage.
Take Pictures of the Scene
Use your phone to take pictures from different angles. Photograph the vehicles involved, license plate numbers, and visible vehicle damage. Include road signs, traffic signals, skid marks, and weather conditions. These details can support your accident report and insurance claim.
Record Injuries and Passengers Involved
If you or other passengers involved have visible injuries, take photos for future reference. These images can connect medical expenses to the accident. Make sure to note the number of people in each vehicle at the time of the crash.
Collect Witness Statements
If witnesses are present, ask them to describe what they saw. Record their names, contact details, and short statements if they are willing. Independent accounts may help your insurer or a personal injury claim if questions of fault arise.
Secure Documents for the Claims Process
Keep all accident documentation together with the police report, driver’s license numbers, and insurance information. Organized records help your insurance adjuster and repair shop confirm repair costs, actual cash value, or appraisal provision if disputes occur. Strong documentation increases the chance of a fair settlement.
Seek Medical Treatment as Soon as Possible
Medical treatment should never be delayed after a car accident. Quick care protects your health and creates medical records that support your insurance claim or personal injury claim.
Hidden Injuries After a Car Crash
Not all injuries are visible at the accident scene. Whiplash, concussions, and internal injuries often appear hours or days later. Seeing an Atlanta car accident doctor ensures these hidden problems are found before they become serious medical expenses.
Link Medical Care to the Accident
Medical records connect your injuries directly to the auto accident. Insurance companies and adjusters use these records to confirm coverage for medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing treatment. Without early care, your insurer may question the cause of your injuries.
Reduce Long-Term Health Risks
Prompt medical treatment lowers the chance of chronic pain or long-term disability. An Atlanta car accident doctor can provide follow-up visits, physical therapy, and referrals to specialists. Consistent care shows that you are taking your recovery seriously.
Support the Claims Process
Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment notes for future reference. These documents are necessary for the claims process, especially if the insurance company challenges repair costs or medical expenses. Proper medical documentation strengthens your position for a fair settlement.
Trust Our Team at Hurt 911® Georgia Injury Centers!
When you need care after a car accident, our team at Hurt 911® Georgia Injury Centers stands ready to help. We offer expert medical attention from Atlanta car accident doctors, top-tier diagnostic imaging, and physical therapy—all with no up-front costs, thanks to our lien-based model. We also provide free transportation to and from our centers to make care easier for you.
Schedule an appointment with us at 404-687-9000 today!
