If you are in doubt about calling 911 after a car accident in Kennesaw, GA, it is better to err on the side of caution. Call 911 to report the car crash, even if there do not appear to be injuries or the injuries are what you would consider minor. The emergency operator will direct you on what to do next.
While you might think a minor car accident does not warrant calling 911, you might be required to report the crash under Georgia law nonetheless. Even if the law does not require you to call 911, calling the police after a car accident in Kennesaw, GA, has numerous benefits.
What Does Georgia Traffic Laws Say About Calling 911 After a Car Accident in Kennesaw?
According to Georgia state law, a driver involved in a car accident must stop and report the accident to the local police department by the “quickest means of communication” if any of the following apply:
- Apparent property damage of $500 or more
- Injury to someone
- A fatality
Generally, calling 911 is the quickest way to report a car accident to the police. It is important to note that a minor car accident often causes more than $500 in property damage. Therefore, you would need to call the police to report the crash even if you did not sustain injuries.
Furthermore, some car accident injuries are not immediately apparent. Being safe and reporting the crash is better because you may experience delayed injury symptoms.
Reasons Why You Should Call 911 After a Kennesaw Car Accident
In addition to obeying the law, reasons to report a car accident to the police, regardless of the severity of the crash, include:
A Police Investigation Can Help With a Personal Injury Claim
Accident victims must prove fault to recover compensation for damages. The other driver may say that you caused the accident, even though you know you did nothing to cause the crash.
A police report provides details about the accident that your car accident attorney may use to build a case for fault. Once you prove fault, you can demand compensation for your economic and non-economic damages.
Insurance Claims May Go More Smoothly With a Police Report
The other driver might claim that they were not involved in the crash. Without a police report or other evidence, it is your word against theirs. Their insurance company is unlikely to pay a claim if there is a dispute whether the accident occurred.
A police report is an official document stating that the accident happened. It provides information about all drivers and vehicles involved in the accident. The police officer may also include information about witnesses and evidence gathered at the accident scene that can be useful when filing an insurance claim.
There Could Be More Damage Than You Estimate
You might see a small scratch or dent and assume that is all the damage that the crash caused. However, there could be other damage that cannot be seen without an inspection. Without a police report, the other driver could deny they caused the damage.
The insurance company may use your failure to obtain a police report to argue that the initial damage was less than $500 and the damage you claim was not caused by the accident.
Steps To Take After a Car Accident in Kennesaw, GA
In addition to calling the police to report the car accident, other steps you should take to protect your rights include:
- Take photographs of the accident scene, including the damage to each vehicle
- Make a video of the scene to capture things that might not appear in the photographs
- Ask witnesses for their names and telephone numbers
- See a doctor for a complete examination as soon as possible to document injuries
- Request a copy of your accident report
- Keep detailed records about your losses and injuries to provide to an attorney
- Hire a Kennesaw car accident attorney to handle your case
Seeking legal advice is another wise step to take after a car crash. A Kennesaw car accident lawyer reviews your case without charge during a free consultation. They explain your legal options and whether you are entitled to compensation for your damages.
Contact the Kennesaw car accident lawyers from Starks Byron, P.C. for Help Today
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Starks Byron, P.C. to schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Kennesaw, GA today.
We proudly serve Cobb County and its surrounding areas:
Starks Byron, P.C.
1275 Shiloh Rd NW Ste 2710,
Kennesaw, GA 30144
(404) 795 5115
