Being in a car accident can be scary and confusing. It's hard to think straight when it happens. That's why we've put together a simple, step-by-step guide to help you know exactly what to do if you're ever in a car accident in Georgia.
 

Step 1: Check Yourself and Others for Injuries

Your safety is the most important thing. Take a deep breath and quickly check if you or anyone else in your car or the other car is hurt. If someone is injured, call 911 immediately. Don't try to move anyone who is seriously hurt unless they are in immediate danger (like if the car is on fire).
 

Step 2: Move Your Car to a Safe Spot (If You Can)

If your car is still drivable and it's safe to do so, try to move it out of the flow of traffic. Pull over to the side of the road or a nearby parking lot. This will help prevent more accidents from happening. If your car is too damaged to move or it's not safe, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers.
 

Step 3: Call the Police

In Georgia, you should call the police if:

• Anyone is injured or killed.

• There is significant damage to any of the vehicles involved.

• The accident is blocking traffic.

Even if the accident seems minor, it's often a good idea to call the police so they can create an official accident report. This report can be helpful when you file your insurance claim.
 

Step 4: Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s)

Once everyone is safe and the police have been called (if necessary), you'll need to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Be polite and stick to the facts. You'll want to get:

• Their full name and address.

• Their driver's license number.

• Their car's make, model, and license plate number.

• Their insurance company name and policy number.

• The date and time of the accident.

• The location of the accident.

It's also a good idea to get the contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
 

Step 5: Take Pictures and Notes

If you have a phone with a camera, take pictures of:

• All the vehicles involved, including the damage to each.

• The scene of the accident, including any road signs or traffic signals.

• Any visible injuries.

Also, write down everything you remember about the accident, including:

• What happened, in your own words.

• The direction each car was traveling.

• The weather conditions.

These notes and pictures can be very helpful when you talk to your insurance company.
 

Step 6: Don't Admit Fault

Even if you think you might have made a mistake, avoid saying "It was my fault" or admitting guilt at the scene. Stick to the facts when talking to the other driver and the police. Your insurance company will investigate the accident to determine who was at fault.
 

Step 7: Contact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible

Once you've taken care of the immediate steps at the scene, you should contact your auto insurance company as soon as you can. They will guide you through the claims process. Be prepared to give them all the information you gathered at the scene, including the police report number (if you have it).
 

Step 8: Seek Medical Attention if Needed

Even if you don't feel hurt right away, some injuries can take time to show up. It's a good idea to see a doctor as soon as possible after an accident, especially if you're feeling any pain or discomfort. This is important for your health and can also help with your insurance claim.
 

Stay Calm and Follow These Steps
 

Being in a car accident is never fun, but knowing what to do can make the situation a little less stressful. By following these steps, you can help ensure everyone's safety and make the insurance claims process smoother.
 

If you have any questions about what to do after an accident or about your auto insurance coverage, don't hesitate to reach out to us at 404.875.4700. We're here to help!