Everything You Need To Know About Georgia Car Accident Laws

Navigating the legal aftermath of a Georgia car accident is likely to be difficult without representation from a car accident lawyer.

Georgia has rules to help people involved in car accidents understand what to do after a collision, when to contact insurance companies, and what information should be shared with authorities. In many cases, the injured party can either settle with the party responsible for the accident’s monetary damages or take legal action to compel the responsible party to pay for those damages.

Georgia’s Fault-Based Approach to Car Accident Laws

After an automobile collision, Georgia uses a fault-based approach regarding matters such as culpability and insurance coverage. This means that the driver at fault can be held accountable for any injuries and property damage resulting from the collision. Their insurance coverage will be examined first to cover these costs.

Consequently, car accident victims in Georgia can seek compensation in one of three ways:

• Submit a car accident claim with your insurance company, which will then pursue compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.
• Launch a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the negligent party.
• File an insurance claim directly with the other driver’s insurance company.

Under Georgia car accident laws, all drivers must have auto insurance. To lawfully operate motor vehicles in the state, an adult driver must meet the following insurance requirements:

• Bodily injury liability insurance covers $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

• For every accident, a minimum property damage liability coverage of $25,000 is required.

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per incident, property damage coverage of $25,000, and $250, $500, or $1000 is deductible, depending on the coverage policy.

Failure to submit proof of insurance could result in a penalty and criminal prosecution. If convicted of knowingly operating a vehicle without minimum insurance coverage, the operator might face a fine of $200 to $1,000 or up to 12 months in jail.

Responsibilities of Drivers Involved in an Accident

Drivers involved in a Georgia car accident that results in damage to another vehicle or serious injuries or death to the other persons involved are required to stop immediately or as soon as practicable and return to the scene of the car accident.

Under Georgia’s car accident laws, drivers must provide “reasonable aid” in the event of an injury. This may involve transporting or organizing transport to a medical facility for medical treatment if care appears necessary or if the injured person wants assistance.

A driver or passenger involved in an accident must do everything feasible to inform emergency medical personnel and law enforcement if a victim is unconscious or seems deceased. Additionally, all affected drivers must disclose their name, address, car registration number, and driver’s license.

The officer will complete a police report, document property damage of $500 or more, and describe any serious injury or death. While preparing the crash report, the officer may question the drivers and passengers for further information. The Do Law Office can gladly assist if you do not know how to read a car accident report.

A hit-and-run accident is commonly referred to as a driver who abandons the scene of a fatal or life-threatening car wreck. A hit-and-run driver may be penalized, punished with a misdemeanor or crime, and sentenced to prison if convicted.