You’re driving home through Snellville, maybe coming from work or picking up groceries. The light turns green, and before you know it, a car runs the red and slams into your side. The sound of crunching metal, the jolt of the impact, the sudden confusion—it’s a moment that can change your life in an instant. What you do in the minutes and days that follow matters more than most people realize.
This guide walks Georgia residents through exactly what to do after a crash, step-by-step, with legal insights you won’t get from insurance companies or search engines. Whether your accident happened on Scenic Highway or a backroad in Gwinnett County, knowing your rights and responsibilities can protect your health, your finances, and your future.
Why These Steps Matter in a Georgia Collision Case
Accidents are chaotic. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to prioritize. But every choice—from how you document the scene to when you call your doctor—can affect your ability to recover physically and financially.
In Georgia, car accident cases hinge on evidence, timing, and demonstrating fault under the state’s modified comparative negligence law. If you’re even 50% at fault, you could lose the right to compensation entirely. That’s why being informed early makes all the difference. A trusted Georgia car accident attorney can later help you sort through legal details, but what you do at the scene lays the foundation for everything that comes next.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Check yourself for injuries first, then check on others in your car and the other vehicle. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away. Georgia law requires drivers involved in crashes that cause injury, death, or significant property damage to report the accident to police.
Even if you feel okay, don’t assume you’re uninjured. Many car accident injuries—like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding—can take hours or even days to become obvious.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Location (If Possible)
If the vehicles are blocking traffic and it’s safe to do so, move them to the side of the road. Turn on your hazard lights. Georgia drivers are expected to reduce further hazards after a crash when it’s safe to act.
If moving your vehicle isn’t an option, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.
Step 3: Call Law Enforcement and File a Report
Always request an officer at the scene, especially if there’s any damage or injury. A formal police report becomes an important piece of evidence in any claim.
Under Georgia Code § 40-6-273, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage over $500 must be reported to local police or the Georgia State Patrol. Be honest with the officer, but avoid speculating or admitting fault. Stick to the facts.
Step 4: Document the Scene and Exchange Information
Before anyone leaves, gather the following:
- Name, address, and contact info of all drivers and passengers
- Insurance details from all drivers
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate numbers
- Photos of the damage, skid marks, traffic signs, weather conditions, and injuries
Also, if there are any witnesses nearby, ask for their contact information. Eyewitness testimony can become crucial in disputed liability cases.
Step 5: Get Medical Attention Right Away
Even if you think your injuries are “minor,” see a doctor within 24 hours. Medical documentation is vital not only for your health but also for your legal claim. Insurance adjusters often try to downplay injuries that aren’t documented promptly.
In Georgia, the longer you wait to seek care, the more leverage you may lose. Keep records of every appointment, test, and prescription related to the accident.
Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company
You are required to report the accident to your insurer promptly. However, keep your report brief. Stick to the basic facts: date, time, location, and who was involved. Do not offer guesses or accept blame, and avoid making statements about your health or who was at fault.
You are not required to speak with the other driver’s insurance adjuster. In fact, doing so without legal guidance can hurt your case. They may record your statement and use your words against you later.
Step 7: Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If your crash involved injuries, missed work, or insurance disputes, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer early. A skilled car accident attorney can explain your options, help you avoid mistakes, and deal with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
Georgia’s statute of limitations gives you only two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Waiting too long can cost you the chance to recover compensation.
Step 8: Understand Who May Be Liable
Liability isn’t always cut-and-dry. Multiple parties may be responsible, depending on the circumstances:
- The other driver (if they ran a red light or were distracted)
- A trucking company (if the crash involved a commercial vehicle)
- A government entity (if poor road conditions or a malfunctioning traffic signal played a role)
- A car manufacturer (in the case of mechanical failure)
Each of these cases requires different legal strategies, and proving fault often involves accident reconstruction, expert witnesses, or subpoenaed records.
Georgia-Specific Considerations
Comparative Fault in Georgia
Georgia follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you can only recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault. If you’re found partially responsible, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 in damages but found 20% at fault, you’ll receive $80,000. But if you’re found 51% responsible, you’ll receive nothing.
Damages Available to Injured Victims
In most Georgia accident claims, injured parties may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (in rare cases involving gross negligence)
An experienced lawyer can help you understand which of these apply to your case and build the evidence to support your claim.
A Note About Legal Representation
If you were injured in a collision in Snellville, Lawrenceville, or anywhere in Gwinnett County, the legal team at Langrin Robertson is here to help you understand your rights and what steps to take next. We’ve handled cases involving distracted drivers, DUI crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, and more—all with a focus on helping our clients get the recovery they deserve.
Final Thoughts
Car accidents are overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through the process alone or uninformed. Taking the right steps after a crash helps you protect your health, your finances, and your legal rights. Start by securing the scene, gathering information, and getting medical care. Then, speak with a knowledgeable car accident attorney who understands the local laws and can advocate for you every step of the way.
If you’re unsure about your next move, don’t wait. Your future may depend on decisions you make in the hours and days after a crash.
