Can You Face Penalties For Not Reporting a Car Accident in Georgia?

Photo by Clark Van Der Beken on Unsplash.

Reporting a car accident can be a pain. You’re usually stuck waiting around at the accident scene until the authorities arrive. If injuries are minor, your accident probably isn’t a top priority. You may be waiting several minutes before the authorities show up to take an accident report. 

Simply driving away after an accident is tempting. However, it’s rarely a good idea. There can be some consequences associated with failing to report a car accident on time. Some of these consequences can make it all but impossible to recover compensation after a Georgia car accident.

When You Must Report a Vehicle Collision in Georgia

The Peach State doesn’t require drivers to report all car accidents. The state understands sometimes filing a police report isn’t necessary, it’s just a waste of everyone’s time. However, there are times when reporting an auto accident is mandatory. Skipping this step can result in some serious legal consequences beyond running into roadblocks when it’s time to file an insurance claim.

So, when does Georgia require immediate accident reporting? The statute is pretty clear. You must immediately report any car accident in Georgia that causes any of the following:

• Injuries are present, even minor ones need to be immediately reported.
• Anytime a fatality occurs, you must alert the authorities and remain at the accident scene.

Georgia also requires drivers to immediately report any accident resulting in $500 or more in property damage. Since even fixing a dented bumper can easily run you $500 or higher, it’s best to play it safe and call the authorities any time you’re involved in a vehicle collision.

How You Report the Traffic Collision Makes a Difference

According to Duluth, GA Car Accident Lawyer from Slam Dunk Attorney, Georgia law stresses immediate reporting. This means no driving off or waiting a day or so to notify the authorities. The state is serious about prompt accident reporting. The law even goes so far as to mention using the quickest means of communication.

Typically, this means using your cell phone to call 9-1-1. What happens if your cell phone is damaged in an accident? The law still instructs you to find another form of communication. This may mean flagging someone down and asking them to call the authorities.

Potential Penalties for Failing to Report a Car Accident in Georgia

You may be able to skate by with a slap on the wrist if you fail to report an accident with damages over $500. However, you’re probably going to get a lot more than a stern warning, if the accident involves injuries or fatalities. The Peach State doesn’t take this lightly and punishments can be severe.

Criminal Charges are Possible

You may think it’s silly to file criminal charges against someone just for not dialing 9-1-1. However, this omission may be placing others at risk. As long as the injuries are minor, and you’re not dealing with a fatality, you’re probably only facing a misdemeanor charge.

Potential penalties for a misdemeanor can range from fines up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail. Fines and potential jail time go up when injuries are severe and/or a fatality occurs. You may be facing up to five years in jail for not immediately reporting the car accident.

You May Face Hit and Run Charges

A couple of laws play into the possibility of dealing with hit and run charges. You may be facing these charges simply for not stopping and exchanging insurance information with the other involved driver. If property damage is extensive, injuries or fatalities are present, you may be dealing with criminal charges.

Another law that can come into play is known loosely as the Samaritan’s rule. This simply requires all drivers involved in a collision to stop and render aid. Yep, this goes back to the original law requiring drivers to report most types of vehicle accidents.

Potential penalties are steeper for a hit and run charge. Fines tend to be high, and you may even be in for an extended prison stay.

Don’t Put Your Potential Accident Claim at Risk

If the possibility of hefty fines and possible jail time isn’t enough to convince you to always report a car accident, maybe the potential impact on your insurance claim can give you some motivation.

Without your accident report, the insurance company may automatically deny your personal injury claim. After all, without the report how can you prove the accident actually happened? Another way to help protect your ability to potentially recover compensation is to sit down with an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney.