If you or a loved one have been involved in a vehicle accident in the Newnan area of Georgia, then you need to know how to obtain your accident report. The vehicle accident report is almost certainly going to be necessary as you move forward with an insurance claim, regardless of who was at fault for the incident. Recovering your Newnan accident report is the first step towards closing this chapter, but you may need help from a Newnan car accident attorney along the way.
Do You Have to Report Your Accident?
In Georgia, you are required by law to report a car accident if it results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $500. Failure to report a collision that meets these qualifications can lead to penalties, including fines and even criminal charges.
When you are involved in an accident in Newnan, the police should be called to the scene, and they will file an accident report. If the police do not come to the scene, you must file a report with the local police department, the county sheriff, or the Georgia State Patrol as soon as possible.
The report serves several important functions. It provides an official record of the accident, documents details such as the date, time, and location, and includes information about the drivers, vehicles, and any witnesses involved.
Getting Your Car Accident Report in Newnan, Georgia
Once the police have completed an investigation into the collision, you will need to obtain a copy of the car accident report. In Newnan, there are several ways you can do this:
- Newnan Police Department. If the Newnan Police Department responded to your accident, you could obtain your report directly from them. The department is located at 1 Joseph-Hannah Boulevard, Newnan, GA 30263. You can request your accident report in person during their business hours. It is a good idea to call ahead to ensure the report is ready and to find out if there are any fees associated with obtaining a copy.
- Online through BuyCrash. The state of Georgia uses a service called BuyCrash to provide accident reports online. You can access your Newnan accident report by visiting BuyCrash. You will need to provide some basic information, such as the date of the accident, the location, and your name, to retrieve the report. There is usually a small fee for downloading the report.
- Request by mail. If you prefer, you can request your accident report by mail. You will need to send a written request to the Newnan Police Department or the Georgia State Patrol, depending on who handled the accident. Be sure to include as much detail as possible about the accident, along with your contact information, and enclose any required fees. This method may take longer to receive your report.
- Georgia Open Records Act. You may also request a copy of the accident report under the Georgia Open Records Act. This law allows individuals to obtain public records, including accident reports. You can submit a request to the appropriate law enforcement agency in Newnan, and they are required to provide you with the report unless it is protected by an exemption.
It is important to note that accident reports are usually available within a few days to a week after the incident, but it may take longer depending on the circumstances of the accident and the police department’s workload.
Do You Need Help After Your Car Accident?
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries, vehicle repairs, and insurance companies. If you need assistance after your accident, the Newnan personal injury lawyer team at Kam, Ebersbach & Lewis, P.C. is here to help.
If you need legal assistance after your car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your rights and options, and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.