If you’ve just been in a wreck, one of the first things you need is your incident report. But if you’ve never dealt with this before, it can feel overwhelming. Where do you get it? What do all those confusing boxes mean? And how can it affect your personal injury claim?
Let me walk you through it step by step.
Where to Get Your Georgia Car Accident Report
There are two main ways to get your report:
- Go to the police department that responded to your crash. It usually costs around $5.
- Visit BuyCrash.com. Just select Georgia and enter your info—your name, the VIN of your vehicle, and the date of the wreck. Your report should pop right up.
If you’re pressed for time, BuyCrash is the easier route.
Understanding the Incident Report
Once you have your report, it may look like a wall of boxes and numbers. Don’t worry—I’ll break it down.
Driver 1 vs. Driver 2
You’ll see two large boxes—one for each driver. The left box is Driver 1, and the right box is Driver 2.
Now, locate the section labeled “Operator Contributing Factors.” This section contains numbers that indicate what caused the crash. You won’t see words—just codes, like 22 or 10.
To decode them, do a quick Google image search for “Georgia incident report legend.” That’ll tell you what each number means.
If Driver 1 has codes listed and you’re Driver 2, that’s good news. It means the officer thinks the other driver contributed to the crash.
Citation Info
Underneath Driver 1’s section, look for a citation number. If they got a ticket, that could strengthen your case. But you’ll want to know more than just whether a ticket was written—you’ll want the disposition, or the final outcome.
Getting the Disposition
After about a month, you can file an Open Records Request to get the certified disposition from court. If the other driver pled guilty, that can be used against them in your case.
However:
- A nolo contendere (no contest) plea can’t be used against them.
- If they fought it and lost in court, you still can’t use that guilty verdict unless it was a plea.
It must be a certified guilty plea to be admissible.
Why Certification Matters
You’ve probably heard the term “hearsay.” Basically, if you can’t cross-examine the person who made the statement, it might not be allowed in court.
That’s why both the incident report and the disposition need to be certified. The certification proves the document was kept in the ordinary course of business—a requirement under the hearsay exception rule (Rule 803(6)).
Without that certification, you won’t be able to use the report or citation as evidence.
At our firm, we provide examples of properly certified documents, so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Understanding your car accident report is the first real step in building your case. It tells a story—about who was at fault, what the officer saw, and what citations were issued. With the right information and certified documentation, you’re in a much better position to pursue justice.
If you need help interpreting your report or getting certified documents, we’re here to guide you.
FAQ: Georgia Car Accident Reports
How long does it take for a Georgia accident report to become available?
Usually within 3–5 business days after the wreck.
Can I access another driver’s report?
Yes, if you’re involved in the accident or represent someone who is, you can request it through BuyCrash or directly from the police.
What if my report has incorrect information?
You can contact the responding officer or submit a supplement, but it’s often difficult to get changes made. A strong case may require gathering independent evidence.
Does the officer’s opinion always determine fault?
No, but it strongly influences insurance companies. Disputes over fault may need video footage, witness statements, or expert analysis.
Need Help Reading Your Georgia Car Accident Report?
We’ve reviewed thousands of these reports and know what to look for. If you want guidance on what your report means—or how to get the right certified documents—contact The Awad Law Firm today. Let’s protect your rights and build your case the right way.
