What should I do at the scene of an accident before calling my insurer?

At the scene of an accident, your priorities in order are safety, documentation, and information exchange, all before you make the insurance call. Taking the right steps in the first few minutes protects both your wellbeing and your claim.

What should I do first at an accident scene in Georgia?

Check yourself and passengers for injuries. If the cars are drivable and it is safe to do so, move them out of traffic and turn on hazard lights. Call 911 for any injuries or significant property damage and let the police create an official report. In Georgia, drivers are legally required to stop at the scene of an accident and remain until law enforcement arrives when there are injuries or significant damage.

What information do I need to collect from the other driver?

Once everyone is safe, gather what you will need to file your claim:

• Exchange information. Get the other driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance company, policy number, license plate, and vehicle make and model.
• Photograph everything. Capture all vehicles from multiple angles, the damage, the overall scene, skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
• Find witnesses. Write down names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
• Note the details. Record the date, time, location, weather, and a description of how the collision occurred.

For example, after a fender bender on I-285 near Atlanta, a driver who takes a dozen photos, exchanges full insurance details, gets a witness’s phone number, and waits for the police report is in a far stronger position than one who exchanges only a first name and moves on. When disputes arise later, that documentation often decides the outcome.

Should I admit fault or apologize at the accident scene?

No. Admitting fault or apologizing at the scene can shift how liability is assigned, even in situations where the actual fault may be shared or contested. Stick to factual descriptions when speaking with the other driver and the police. Describe what happened without characterizing who caused it, and let the investigation and your carrier sort out liability based on the evidence.

What temporary steps can I take before the adjuster arrives?

Do not begin permanent repairs until the claims adjuster has documented the damage. Making permanent repairs before inspection can give the insurer grounds to dispute the original scope of the loss. Temporary protective measures, such as securing a broken window or covering exposed components, are appropriate and generally reimbursable. For example, a driver whose side window was shattered in a collision taped a temporary plastic cover over the opening to protect the interior from rain. The insurer reimbursed the cost of the temporary cover and accepted the photos taken at the scene as the baseline for the repair estimate.

What auto coverage details should I confirm before I need them?

Georgia’s minimum auto liability limits are 25/50/25, meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. Many accidents, especially those involving medical costs, exceed those minimums quickly. Uninsured motorist coverage is also available in Georgia and covers losses when the at-fault driver carries no insurance or insufficient insurance to cover your damages. A free coverage review confirms whether your auto insurance limits and coverages are in place before you need them.