One loud crunch, a jolt, then sirens or silence. Those first few minutes can feel unreal, and your brain races with what to do next. You are not alone in that moment, and there are clear steps that protect your health and your claim.

At Morain & Buckelew, LLC, our team brings more than 65 years of experience helping injured Georgians after wrecks. Our goal here is simple: to give you practical steps you can use right away to protect your rights and any future compensation.

Immediate Actions Following a Car Accident in Georgia

Start with calm breathing, then look around to assess danger. Quick, steady choices here can prevent a second crash and set you up for a smoother recovery.

Ensure Safety and Assist the Injured

If vehicles are drivable and there is no serious injury, move them out of travel lanes. Georgia’s Move Over Law, Georgia Code section 40-6-16, calls for care when approaching emergency responders, and Georgia Code section 40-6-275 encourages moving drivable vehicles to a safe spot when it can be done safely.

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Call 911 right away if anyone needs medical help, and keep seatbelts on until the area is safe to exit.

Flip on your hazard lights to alert traffic. If you have cones or triangles, place them behind your car when it is safe to do so.

Contact Law Enforcement

Call the police and report the crash. Georgia Code section 40-6-273 requires reporting accidents with injury, death, or apparent property damage above $500.

Share the facts with the officer, not opinions. Ask for the officer’s name, badge number, and how to get the official report once it is ready.

Exchange Information

Georgia Code section 40-6-270 requires drivers to exchange basic information. Get the full picture from every driver involved.

• Full name, address, and phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Vehicle registration details

Ask any witnesses for names and contact information. A neutral witness can fill gaps that photos cannot.

Document the Scene

Pull out your phone and capture the details while they are still fresh. Clear images often carry weight later on.

• Vehicle damage, both close-up and wide shots, plus every license plate
• The point of impact, debris, skid marks, and glass
• Street signs, signals, lane markings, and any construction
• Road and weather conditions, along with nearby property damage

Note the date, time, and any traffic control devices. A short voice memo works great if typing is tough just then.

Post-Accident Actions: Protecting Your Claim

After the scene clears, the decisions you make in the next few days carry a lot of weight. Move quickly on medical care, insurance notice, and records.

Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Even if you feel okay, get checked. Some injuries show up hours later, like concussions or whiplash.

Save every record from doctor visits, prescriptions, imaging, and physical therapy. Keep a daily log of symptoms, sleep changes, and any limits at work or home.

Follow medical advice and attend every follow-up. Consistent care helps your recovery and connects the dots in your records.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Report the crash to your insurer as soon as possible, even for dents that look small. Share the facts and the documentation you gathered at the scene.

Ask about medical payments coverage, rental car coverage, and your deductible. Give only accurate, simple statements about what happened.

File a Personal Report of Accident (If Necessary)

If police did not respond and there was injury, death, or apparent damage above $500, Georgia Code section 40-6-273 calls for a report. You can complete it online through the Georgia Department of Driver Services or at a local station.

Make sure your answers match what you provided to your insurer. Consistency helps avoid headaches later.

Use the quick reference below as you move through the next steps. It links common tasks to Georgia rules and helpful timing notes.

Task	Law or Source	When	Practical Tip
Report crashes with injury, death, or damage above $500	O.C.G.A. 40-6-273	Immediately	Call 911, then ask how to get the report number.
Move drivable vehicles to safety when no serious injury	O.C.G.A. 40-6-275	Right after impact, if safe	Use hazards and pull to the shoulder or a nearby lot.
Approach stopped emergency vehicles with care	O.C.G.A. 40-6-16	Any time responders are present	Move over a lane or slow down significantly.
File a lawsuit for injury claims	O.C.G.A. 9-3-33	Within 2 years, in most cases	Deadlines vary; get legal guidance early.
Comparative fault rules	O.C.G.A. 51-12-33	Applies to fault disputes	Your share of fault can reduce any recovery.

Avoid Admitting Fault

Skip apologies or guesses like “I didn’t see you.” Stick to the facts with the other driver, the officer, and any insurance representative.

Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence rule under Georgia Code section 51-12-33. Multiple drivers can share responsibility, and statements made in the moment can be taken out of context later.

When to Seek Legal Guidance

A short conversation with a car accident attorney can clarify your next move and protect your claim. It also takes pressure off your plate while you focus on healing.

Here are common times to get legal help fast:

• There are injuries or significant vehicle damage.
• Fault is disputed, or the story keeps changing.
• The other driver is uninsured or underinsured.
• You are facing ongoing medical issues or time off work.
• The insurance offer feels low or rushed.
• A commercial vehicle or rideshare was involved.

If any of these ring true, have your photos, medical records, and insurance letters handy. That lets a lawyer review your situation quickly.

Contact Morain & Buckelew, LLC for a Consultation

We take a terrible day and work to make it right. With 65 plus years of representing injured people across Georgia, our team focuses on clear communication, steady case work, and treating clients with kindness.

If you want a straight answer on your claim, reach out and tell us what happened. Call (404) 448-3146 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation with an attorney who can review your case and explain your options.