A report helps, but it isn't everything
Insurers like police reports because they're written by someone neutral. Still, many claims move forward without one, especially when there's other evidence.
Without a report, the insurer may lean harder on the drivers' statements. That makes your own records and photos more important.
When the law required a call to police
In Arizona, a driver must notify police right away if anyone was hurt or killed (A.R.S. § 28-666). In Georgia, a driver must notify police if anyone was hurt or killed, or if property damage appears to be over an amount set in the law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273).
If police weren't called after a crash like that, it doesn't automatically mean you lose your claim. It's worth talking to an attorney about how to handle it from here.
The 3-Point Claim Check
- 1
An injury
You were hurt, even if it didn't seem serious at first.
- 2
Someone else at fault
Another driver or company caused the crash.
- 3
Insurance coverage
There's a policy that may cover what happened.
How to get a report that was made
- In Arizona, crashes worked by state troopers on an interstate or state highway are handled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety Records Unit. It suggests waiting at least 14 days before checking if the report is ready.
- In Arizona, for crashes on city, town or county roads, contact the police department or sheriff's office that responded.
- In Georgia, for crashes worked by the Georgia State Patrol, you can contact a State Patrol post or the Department of Public Safety Open Records Unit.
- In Georgia, for other crash reports, the Department of Public Safety points people to the Georgia Department of Transportation's crash reporting unit, or you can ask the local agency that responded.
- Georgia law limits who can get a crash report, and people hurt in the crash are generally among them (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72). You may be asked to sign a statement of need.
If no officer came to the scene
You can call the nonemergency line of the local police or sheriff and ask whether you can still make a report. Policies vary by agency, so ask what they need from you.
Even if a report isn't possible, write down your own account now, with the date, time, place and what each driver did.
Other evidence that can help
- Photos and video of the cars, the road and your injuries.
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses.
- Dashcam or doorbell footage, and cameras at nearby businesses, which may be erased after a while.
- Medical records that show when you were treated and for what.
- Repair estimates and photos taken by the body shop.
- Texts or messages with the other driver about the crash.