How to Get a Police Report After a Traffic Collision in Georgia

Were you recently involved in a car accident in Georgia? If so, you will likely need a crash report to file an insurance claim and pursue compensation for the collision. Here’s what you need to know about the process, from when the police generate crash reports in Georgia to how to access yours.

Is an Accident Report Created for Every Georgia Car Accident?

In Georgia, accident reports are generated for most, but not all, car crashes. Under state law, drivers must report most car accidents to the local or state police. Many drivers fulfill this requirement by calling 911 after the collision. In particular, you must immediately report a crash that causes:

• Property damage over $500
• Injury
• Death

However, it’s still best to report the crash even if you don’t think you’re required to. It can be difficult to tell at the scene the extent of the damage or whether injuries will appear later.

When you call 911, a police officer usually responds to the scene. The responding officer will typically create a report and document the accident details. Relevant details include information about the involved drivers, vehicles, and road conditions.

How Can I Obtain a Copy of the Georgia Car Accident Report?

There are three ways to get a copy of your crash report after a Georgia car accident: by mail, online, or in person. You can follow these steps for each method.

How to Get Georgia Crash Reports by Mail

To obtain a copy of your Georgia car accident report by mail, start by completing the GDOT Request Form. You will need to provide certain information when you fill out the form, including your contact details, the crash date, and the report number if you have it.

You will also need to pay for the crash report if you submit your request by mail. You can prepare a money order or cashier’s check for $5 to cover the report fee. If you need a certified copy, include an additional $2. Do not send cash or personal checks.

Mail the completed form and payment to:

Georgia Dept. of Transportation
935 United Ave. SE, Bldg 24
Atlanta, GA, 30316

It will take at least two weeks for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to process your request. If you need your report sooner, you can call 1-866-215-2771 for assistance or submit your request online.

How to Get a Georgia Accident Report Online

To obtain a copy of your Georgia car accident report online, first visit the BuyCrash website. Once you’re on the site, select “Georgia” and then “All GA Agencies.” Next, you will need to enter some specific information to locate your report.

You must provide the last name of a driver, passenger, vehicle owner, or pedestrian involved in the collision and the date of the crash. You must also provide either a crash report number, the vehicle identification number (VIN) of an involved vehicle, or the driver’s license number of an involved driver.

After entering the necessary information, provide your email address and click “Continue.” Next, indicate the option that best describes why you are requesting the report, such as whether you were an involved driver, vehicle owner, pedestrian, etc. Most users will select the first option. Then, enter your billing information and proceed to checkout. Finally, click “Purchase and Download Report” to get your report.

How to Get Georgia Crash Reports in Person

To obtain a copy of your Georgia car accident report in person, visit a police precinct or your local police headquarters. Reports are available at any precinct or police headquarters, typically two to three business days after the collision.

Remember to bring a valid form of identification when you visit the precinct or headquarters to make your request. There may be a fee to get the crash report. Make sure to call and verify that the report is available before going to avoid unnecessary trips.

How Do You Get a Georgia DPS Accident Report Using the Georgia Open Records Act?

If the Georgia State Patrol investigated the crash, you can contact a local state patrol post or the Open Records Unit to submit an open records request. Complete the Open Records Request form to help the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) locate and provide the report efficiently. Although DPS does not require this form, it simplifies the process. For other accident reports, contact the Crash Reporting Unit at the GDOT. The standard fee for a crash report is $5.

Alternatively, you can use Georgia’s Efficient Purchase of Records and Transfer System (EPORTS) to request records online. This platform allows you to input criteria and receive documents electronically.

What Information Do I Need to Access My Accident Report in Georgia?

Depending on how you choose to get your crash report, you may need these details:

• Your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number
• A last name that appears on the crash report
• The date of the collision
• The city and county where the incident occurred
• The law enforcement agency that responded to the accident
• The responding officer’s name or badge number (if known)
• The crash report number
• The full names of the parties involved
• A valid form of identification (if you make your request in person)

What Does It Cost to Obtain a Copy of a Police Accident Report for a Georgia Car Accident?

The cost for a copy of a police accident report for a Georgia car crash is typically $5. If you need a certified copy, there is an additional $2 charge. When requesting the report by mail, you can pay this fee by money order or cashier’s check. The cost of the report in person may depend on the agency. Always check with your local police agency for any additional fees or requirements. There is also a fee to purchase the report online, usually under $15.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Copy of the Police Accident Report?

The time it takes to get a copy of a police accident report in Georgia varies depending on how you submit your request. If you request the report online through the BuyCrash website, you can typically access it within minutes after completing the purchase process, assuming the report is available.

If you choose to request the report by mail, it takes at least two weeks to process and deliver. For in-person requests, you can usually pick up the report two to three business days after the collision at a police precinct or headquarters. Each method offers different processing times, so choose the one that best suits your needs for how quickly you need the report.

Why Is a Georgia Police Report Necessary in a Car Accident Legal Claim?

A Georgia police report is necessary for a legal claim after a car accident for several reasons:

• Official record – The report provides an official record of the collision, including the date, time, and location. This documentation is essential for establishing the facts of the case.
• Officer notes – Police reports typically contain the responding officer’s observations and notes about the accident, including any visible damage, injuries, or weather conditions they noticed. This unbiased account can support your claim by providing evidence of what happened.
• Contact info – The report should include contact information for all parties involved, as well as any witnesses. This information can be useful for following up and gathering additional evidence.
• Liability – Insurance companies and legal professionals often rely on police reports to evaluate claims and determine liability. Having a police report strengthens your case so you can pursue fair compensation for your injuries and related losses.

How Can You Get a Copy of the Accident Report When You Don’t Know Which Police Department Responded to the Wreck?

If you don’t know which police department responded to the wreck, you can still obtain a copy of the accident report. Start by checking the BuyCrash website, which allows you to search for your report by entering the last name of an involved party along with the crash date. You can also enter additional information like crash report numbers, VINs, or driver’s license numbers to narrow the search.

If the BuyCrash website does not yield results, contact the local law enforcement agencies in the area where the collision occurred, such as the city police or county sheriff. If the Georgia State Patrol investigated the crash, you can contact a local state patrol post or the Open Records Unit. If you still cannot locate the report, you can also contact the GDOT’s Crash Reporting Unit for assistance. Contact our Athens car accident attorney today for assistance.

Can You Have a Police Report Completed After the Accident If the Police Did Not Respond?

If the police did not respond to the collision, you can still complete a report using the Georgia Personal Report of Accident Form (SR-13). This form allows you to document the details of the crash yourself. Georgia law requires state and local law enforcement agencies to submit any accident report prepared by them or submitted by a private individual to the GDOT.

You can submit the completed form to the GDOT to ensure proper documentation. This personal report can serve as an official record if necessary for insurance claims or legal matters.

Does Someone Involved in a Car Accident Have to Be Injured for the Police to File an Accident Report?

It is not necessary for someone involved in a car crash to get hurt for the police to file an accident report in Georgia. The police will usually prepare a report if there is apparent property damage of more than $500, if anyone involved suffers injury or death, or if any party requests it.

Georgia law encourages drivers to call 911 immediately after a crash. The responding officer will document the accident details, including information about the drivers, vehicles, and conditions at the scene. This report provides an official record of the incident, which is important for insurance claims and legal matters, even if no one suffers injuries.

Do the Police Have to Give a Ticket to Make a Report?

The police do not have to issue a ticket to make a report after a car accident in Georgia. Officers will file a report if the collision results in apparent property damage over $500, physical injuries, or fatalities or at the request of any involved party.

Can the General Public Access Police Reports, or Is It Limited to Lawyers and Insurance Companies?

The general public can access police reports for car accidents in Georgia, but there are specific conditions. According to state law, you must submit a written statement of need explaining your connection to the collision to access a Georgia crash report.

Parties with the following connections to the accident can request a report:

• Drivers of vehicles involved in the collision
• Owners or lessors of vehicles or other property damaged in the accident
• Passengers or bystanders who suffered injuries in the collision
• Witnesses who saw the accident occur
• Insurers of vehicles, parties, or property involved in the crash
• Prosecutors or publicly employed law enforcement officers
• Parties with alleged liability to other parties as a result of the accident
• Attorneys representing parties or witnesses involved in the collision
• Representatives of news media organizations
• Parties conducting research in the public interest
• Governmental officials, entities, agencies, or authorized agents

Contact a Georgia Car Accident Lawyer

If you need help with a Georgia car accident case, contact R. Alan Cleveland, LLC today. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and how we can assist you. Call us now or fill out our online contact form for your case evaluation. Let us help you demand the recovery you deserve.