How Do You Request a Collision Report in Georgia?
Georgia participates in the BuyCrash system from Lexis Nexis. Through this system, you can purchase a copy of your collision report for a fee. You must enter your last name, the date of the accident, and either your vehicle’s identification number, the collision report number, or your driver’s license number. Accident reports are usually available within seven to ten business days following a collision. In addition to ordering your report online, you also have the option of sending a written request to BuyCrash to obtain a copy. The request form is on the company’s website.
When you hire us, we take care of obtaining your accident report for you so that you can focus on more important matters such as getting well and back to work. Our attorneys review reports for mistakes or missing information. We will review the report with you and answer any questions you may have about the information contained in a report.
More Ways to Obtain a Collision Report in Georgia
The area of your accident determines which law enforcement agency responds to investigate the crash. That agency is responsible for completing and submitting the collision report. In some cases, you can obtain a copy of a report directly from the agency, in some cases for no charge or a minimal charge.
If an officer with the Georgia State Patrol responds to your accident, you can contact the local troop or post locations to inquire about receiving a copy of your report. The Georgia Department of Public Safety has a complete list of troop and post locations on its website.
When a city or county law enforcement officer responds to a crash scene, that office generates a report. GeorgiaGov has a list of contact information for cities and states in Georgia. You may also find contact information for local law enforcement offices on the websites for the Georgia Bureau of Investigations and USACops.
Who Can Obtain a Copy of an Accident Report?
Georgia restricts who can access an accident report. However, anyone whose name or identifying information is contained in a report is entitled to a copy of the report. Otherwise, Georgia Code Section §50-18-72(a)(5) states that Individual Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Reports are not subject to public disclosure except when a request is made in writing stating the “need” for the report. The term “need” is defined as someone who:
- Has a business, personal, or professional connection to a party in the accident
- Is a prosecutor, law enforcement officer, attorney who is investigating a criminal act or unsafe road condition, or someone who is conducting research in the public interest
- Own or leases property damaged because of the crash
- Is a governmental official, agency, or entity requesting the information to carry out government business
- Was injured in the collision
- Is conducting research for a news media organization
- Witnessed the crash
- Is the insurer or alleged insurer of one of the parties
- Is alleged to be a liable party
What Information is Contained in an Accident Report?
You may wonder why you need a copy of your report if it is not considered evidence in a lawsuit. The information contained in a report can provide valuable leads for your attorney to research and investigate the cause of your collision. You cannot recover compensation for injuries unless you can prove the other driver or another party was at fault.
Details and information we can get from a police report include:
- Names and contact information of parties involved in the collision
- Which driver or drivers the officer considered “at fault” for the crash
- Whether a breathalyzer test was administered
- If weather or road conditions were a factor
- If a traffic citation was issued and to whom
- The officer’s overview of an accident including any contributing factors he believes could have caused the accident
In some cases, an officer may also include information regarding eyewitnesses, passengers, and injuries. In an accident investigation, the information we obtain from the police report can be valuable in proving negligence and fault.