Georgia Highway Patrol Reports: What You Need To Know
If you’ve been in a car wreck in the state of Georgia, one of the very first things you should do (if you haven’t already) is to file a police report. You are required by Georgia law to do so in certain circumstances, even for what might seem even on the surface to be a fender-bender.
This report–the official designation for it being a Georgia Highway Patrol Report or Uniform Vehicle Accident Report–is an incredibly important piece of documentation from the day of your wreck and can be used to greatly assist you in any subsequent insurance claim or legal case.
So, when is a Georgia Highway Patrol Report anything more than, well, a Georgia Highway Patrol Report? Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Georgia Uniform Vehicle Accident Report?
The Georgia Uniform Vehicle Accident Report is basically the official story of what happened in a car accident. If the police are called to the scene of an accident, the responding officer completes this report, which includes all the key details—like the time, date, location, and who was involved. It also covers the officer’s observations, whether any traffic laws were broken, and often includes a diagram showing how the crash happened.
We’ll get into more details below, but just know that this report is essential because it becomes the official accident record. Insurance companies will use it to figure out who’s at fault for the accident and to process claims. It can even be used as evidence in court if things go that far.
So, whether your accident was a fender-bender or something more serious, having this report ensures that everything is documented and helps protect you in the long run.
Key Components of the Report
So, what exactly is in a Georgia Uniform Vehicle Accident Report? Here’s a breakdown of the key info:
- Accident details: This will include things like when and where the accident happened, the road conditions, and the weather at the time the accident occurred.
- People involved: This will vary based on the type of accident but can include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and bystanders.
- Officer’s observations: The responding officer will observe the scene and note details like whether or not there were skid marks present. What direction was each vehicle facing? Anything that might give clues as to what happened and who is at fault.
- Narrative and diagram: From their observations, the officer may try to describe the accident and draw it out to get a clearer picture of what happened.
- Injuries and fatalities: If possible, the officer will make note of any injuries or fatalities.
- Vehicle information: VIN numbers and license numbers will go here.
- Alcohol and drug testing: If circumstances require field testing, that will be noted here.
- Witness information: If there are witnesses, their accounts of the incident and contact information.
- Property damage: This may include damage to vehicles, road signs, fences, and any other property that sustained damage.
- Citations or charges: If laws were broken and citations or charges issued, it will be noted.
Each of these sections helps paint a picture of the accident, so the report is really a critical document for protecting your rights and helping settle any disputes.
Obtaining Your Georgia Highway Patrol Report
Getting a copy of your accident report is relatively straightforward–it’s easy to request it online through the Georgia Department of Transportation. You’ll need the accident location and either the driver’s license number or your vehicle’s VIN to access the report.
If you spot any inaccuracies in your report, contact the police department and follow their process to request corrections. You have the right to make changes to ensure the report reflects what actually happened. However, any changes to the report are noted on the record, so it may be a good idea to talk with a car accident attorney before you do so.
Additionally, many Georgia drivers struggle to decipher the language of the report as it contains complex police codes. An attorney can help you read through the report to make sense of it.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys in Lawrenceville for Help Today
Georgia Highway Patrol reports are just one part of your accident case. At Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys, our legal team of Georgia personal injury attorneys will help you put together the rest to secure the financial compensation you deserve.
For more information, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyer at Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Lawrenceville, GA.
Lawson Personal Injury Attorneys
320 S Perry St, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
(678) 446-3655