Everything You Need to Know About Georgia Accident Reports
June 23, 2025 | J.L. King, II
If you’ve been in a car accident in Macon, Georgia, everything you need to know about Georgia accident reports starts with understanding why they matter. These reports are often the first thing insurance companies, lawyers, and investigators look at after a crash. They help prove what happened, who was involved, and who may be at fault.
A Georgia accident report includes important details that can impact your claim. Knowing how to read the report and how to get a copy is a smart step after any collision.
What Is a Georgia Accident Report?
A Georgia accident report is an official document created by law enforcement after a crash. Officers at the scene gather information, speak with drivers and witnesses, and then write the report.
The report includes:
- The names and contact info of drivers and passengers
- Vehicle makes, models, and license plates
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- A diagram of the accident scene
- Road and weather conditions
- Any tickets issued or violations noted
- The officer’s opinions on who caused the crash
This document is often used as evidence in insurance claims and lawsuits.
When Is a Police Report Required?
In Georgia, you must report a crash to the police if:
- Someone is hurt or killed
- Property damage appears to be $500 or more
If the accident meets either of these conditions, call 911. The responding officer will complete the report and give you an incident number. You may need this number later when requesting a copy.
Even if the crash seems minor, it’s a good idea to have a report on file. Some injuries take time to appear, and damage may cost more than you think.
How to Get a Copy of Your Accident Report
There are three main ways to request your Georgia accident report:
- Online: Use the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Crash Report site.
- In person: Visit the law enforcement agency that responded to the crash
- By mail: Some agencies allow mailed requests if you include the crash details and the fee
You’ll usually need the following:
- The accident date
- Your name or the names of others involved
- The case or incident number (if available)
There may be a small fee for the report, usually around $5 to $10.
Why the Accident Report Matters
A Georgia accident report is more than just paperwork. It can support your claim by showing:
- The other driver was at fault
- Injuries were noted at the scene
- The damage was significant
- You were not issued a citation
Insurance adjusters often rely on these reports when deciding who to pay and how much. If the report supports your side of the story, it may speed up your claim. If it doesn’t, you might need to challenge or explain certain parts.
What If the Report Is Wrong?
Accident reports are not always perfect. Officers do their best, but they may get details wrong or make assumptions that hurt your case.
If you find a mistake, you can:
- Contact the officer and ask for a correction
- Write a statement to add to the report
- Work with a lawyer to challenge the report’s findings
Never ignore an error that could hurt your claim. Fixing it early can prevent problems later.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm at The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, please contact The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free case evaluation today.
We have three convenient locations throughout Georgia:
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Tifton Office
1603 US Hwy 41, Tifton, GA 31794
(229) 386-1376
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Griffin Office
3317 Fayetteville Rd, Griffin, GA 30223
(404) 567-4546
The King Firm Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Macon Office
886 Mulberry St, Macon, GA 31201
(478) 292-7272
Or if you would prefer to reach out to us online, please visit our contact us page.
