Georgia Car Accident Laws – All You Need to Know

It’s important to understand and stay updated on Georgia car accident laws, whether you have recently been in an accident or are just a driver in the state. These laws help Georgians understand everything from reporting a collision to seeking compensation when they have been injured in an accident. With recent updates to legislation and a concerning rise in fatal crashes across the state, drivers in Georgia need to be aware of their rights and risks in 2025.

Reporting an Accident in Georgia

After a car crash in Georgia, it’s important to know when and how to report it. This is crucial not only for safety but also for your legal protection, especially in cases involving personal injury or wrongful death. Georgia law mandates drivers to report accidents in certain situations, and there could be serious penalties for failing to do so.

You must report the accident if:

• There is injury or death
• Property damage exceeds $500
• One or more of the vehicles cannot be moved from the scene

In serious collisions, like the ones seen in Georgia last Memorial Day weekend when 11 people were killed and nearly 250 were injured, it’s essential to contact emergency services as soon as you can. Even if your injuries appear to be minor and not urgent, you still need to be checked out to ensure you aren’t dealing with an injury that will present symptoms later on. This will also create an official record of your accident, which is a critical piece of evidence you need later on.

Who Is at Fault in a Georgia Car Accident?

Georgia follows a fault-based system, which means the person who is found at fault for causing the accident will typically be responsible for covering all of the damages. Insurance companies and the court are responsible for calculating damages and determining who was at fault in the accident based on the following:

• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Traffic laws and citations
• Vehicle damage and accident reconstruction

However, it is possible for multiple drivers to share the blame. Compensation can be reduced based on this principle. For instance, if your initial settlement was $100,000 but you were found to be 25% at fault for causing the accident, you would take home $75,000 instead. With traffic crashes continuing to rise across the state, including a record 1,829 fatalities in 2022, it’s more important than ever to understand how fault is determined in these cases.

Recent Legal Updates in 2025

Georgia has seen some key legal changes in 2025 that could affect future crash rates and driver behavior.

Some recent updates include:

• HB225 Repealed Automated School Zone Cameras: The Georgia legislature passed HB225 in 2025, which removes automated speed enforcement cameras from school zones. Some cite this as a controversial decision that will impact how speeding is enforced in sensitive areas. This could also influence crash trends over time.
• Heightened enforcement during holidays: Georgia law enforcement agencies continue to ramp up patrols during high-risk periods. Over Memorial Day Weekend, there were 500+ DUI arrests and 24,000 traffic stops. This shows how enforcement is still an effective tactic to address impaired and reckless driving.

Even with stronger laws and enforcement in place, the risk of being involved in a car accident is not zero. Drivers need to stay alert and follow all traffic laws to do their part to prevent causing an accident.

What to Do After a Crash

If you have been in a car accident, here is a quick reminder of what you should do to stay safe and protect your rights:

• Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone has been hurt
• Move vehicles out of traffic if it’s safe to do so
• Exchange information with the other driver, including insurance details
• Document the scene by taking photos, videos, and personal notes
• Seek medical attention, even if you are feeling fine
• Notify your insurance company promptly
• Speak with an attorney before agreeing to any settlement or speaking with the other side

FAQs

Q: What Is Georgia’s Law on Auto Accidents?

A: One important aspect of Georgia auto accident law that many people are not aware of is that you must stay at the scene of an accident and exchange information. Even if the accident is a minor fender bender, leaving without doing this could hurt your case and lead to additional legal consequences that could have easily been avoided. Georgia also expects drivers to provide reasonable assistance to anyone who has been injured.

Q: What Happens After a Car Accident That Was Not Your Fault in Georgia?

A: If it was determined that the accident was not your fault in Georgia, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver’s insurance to cover your medical bills, vehicle damage, and any other expenses you can link to the accident. This process, part of the broader car accident settlement process and timeline, begins with gathering evidence to prove the other driver was responsible. From there, insurance companies will investigate the claim, which can take weeks or even months depending on the complexity of the case. While you are waiting for your claim to be processed, you might need to temporarily use your own insurance to cover urgent needs.

Q: Do You Get Paid If Someone Hits Your Car?

A: You will get paid if someone else hits your car, as long as you are able to prove they were at fault and they have their own insurance. You could be reimbursed or funded to pay for your repair costs, a rental car, car towing, or even the diminished value of your car after its repairs. If you were injured, you could also pursue compensation for your medical bills and any lost time at work.

Q: Can You Still File a Claim if the Accident Happened Weeks Ago?

A: Yes, you are still able to file a claim if some time has passed, but it’s recommended that you act as quickly as possible in these scenarios. This is because the longer you wait, the harder it could be to gather reliable evidence like photos, videos, and witness statements.

You should collect evidence when eyewitness testimonies are fresh, and security cameras have not yet overwritten their footage. A lawyer can help guide you to ensure you meet all necessary deadlines.

Contact Trammell Injury Law Today

If you were recently involved in a car accident in Georgia or have more questions on the state’s laws, contact our firm today. We know the ins and outs of car accidents as they relate to personal injury law and are excited to learn more about how we can help you.