{"id":10683,"date":"2025-09-08T03:33:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T03:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/veloxinsurance.com\/blog\/?p=10683"},"modified":"2025-09-08T15:34:30","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T15:34:30","slug":"step-by-step-car-wreck-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/veloxinsurance.com\/blog\/step-by-step-car-wreck-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do After a Car Wreck in Georgia: A Step-by-Step Guide\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Car accidents happen in mere seconds, but the effects of those accidents can drag on for weeks, months, or even years (in the absolute worst cases). What you do immediately after an accident can have an impact on the after-effects. You probably haven’t thought much about it, especially if you’re a safe driver who practices defensive driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide is a car accident checklist for Georgia and will walk you through exactly <\/em>what to do after a car wreck. The idea is to stay safe and make sure everyone gets home after the initial accident, and then follow up with your car insurance<\/a> company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do Immediately After a Car Wreck in Georgia<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first on the list of Georgia car accident steps. You need to check everyone’s health and safety. Here’s what to do right after an accident as the first (and arguably most important) part of the car wreck guide for Georgia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ensure Everyone’s Safety: Move to a Safe Location<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

First, take a moment to assess your surroundings. This is one of the most important steps after a car accident in Georgia. If anyone is injured or might be injured, call 911 right away. Your safety is the top priority. If your vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it out of the flow of traffic. Georgia’s “Steer It, Clear It” law<\/a> requires you to move operable vehicles after a crash to help prevent further accidents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check for Injuries: Call 911 If Necessary<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even if injuries aren’t obvious, calling emergency services ensures that anyone who needs medical attention receives it quickly. Having a police officer at the scene also creates an official report. You’ll find later that an official police report is a key document for your insurance claim.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Calm and Avoid Apologizing: Protect Your Legal Rights<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It’s natural to want to apologize, but in an accident, those words can be interpreted as admitting fault. Stick to factual statements about what happened. Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence system, meaning if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you can’t collect damages. Be sure to keep an eye on other factors that make you liable for a car accident in Georgia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Gather Important Information After a Car Wreck in Georgia<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There’s a bit of an art to getting the information you need after a car wreck. Ideally, you need to exchange insurance information with the other parties to the accident, as well as get an honest accounting of photos, damages, witnesses, and license plates. All of these things matter when it comes to filing a car wreck insurance claim in Georgia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Georgia law requires that you share: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Name, address, and phone number <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Driver’s license number <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Vehicle registration and license plate number <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
          \n
        1. Insurance company and policy number <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          If you hit an unattended vehicle, leave your contact information in a visible location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Collect Witness Statements and Contact Information<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Ask witnesses for their names and contact details. Their accounts can help clarify what happened if fault is disputed. Make sure to get at least a phone number and a name to help with the steps afterward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Take Photos of the Scene, Damages, and License Plates<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          If you can do so safely, take photos before moving the vehicles. You’re going to want to document the following types of things: <\/p>\n\n\n\n