What To Do After a Crash in Atlanta, GA: Local Guide for Drivers and Visitors

A car crash in Atlanta, GA can be overwhelming, whether it happens on the Downtown Connector, I‑285, Peachtree Street, or a neighborhood road. Knowing what to do right away, who to contact, and how the process works locally can make a stressful situation more manageable.

This guide walks through step-by-step actions, explains Atlanta- and Georgia-specific rules, and points you to local agencies and offices that handle crashes, reports, and related issues.

First Steps Right After a Crash in Atlanta

1. Move to Safety (If You Can)

On busy Atlanta roads, staying in active lanes can be extremely dangerous.

• If your vehicle is drivable, move it to the shoulder or a safe nearby spot (parking lot, side street).
• Turn on hazard lights.
• If the car can’t be moved and it is safe to do so, stay inside with your seatbelt on until help arrives, especially on highways like I‑75/85, I‑20, or GA‑400.

2. Check for Injuries

• Check yourself, passengers, and others involved.
• Call 911 immediately if anyone appears injured, is unconscious, or complains of pain.
• In Georgia, you are generally expected to render reasonable aid (such as calling for emergency services) if someone is hurt.

Avoid giving medical advice or moving someone with serious injuries unless there is immediate danger (like fire).

3. Call 911 in Atlanta

In Atlanta, you can reach emergency services by dialing:

• 911 (for emergencies)
• (404) 658‑6666 (City of Atlanta non-emergency police line; use only if there’s clearly no urgent danger)

When you call 911:

• Give your exact location (nearby cross streets, mile markers, or landmarks like “near Georgia State Stadium” or “by Lenox Square”).
• Tell the dispatcher how many vehicles are involved and whether there are injuries.
• Follow instructions from the dispatcher and stay on the line if asked.

Do You Have to Call the Police for a Crash in Atlanta?

In Georgia, you are generally required to report a crash to law enforcement if:

• Someone is injured or killed, or
• There appears to be $500 or more in property damage (which most modern fender-benders can reach quickly).

Within the City of Atlanta, this usually means an officer from the:

• Atlanta Police Department (APD) – for crashes inside city limits
  • Main number (non-emergency): (404) 614‑6544
• Georgia State Patrol (GSP) – often handles crashes on state highways and interstates in the metro area

If you’re unsure, call 911 and they will route the call appropriately.

What To Do While You Wait for Police or Help

1. Exchange Information

In Georgia, drivers involved in a crash are expected to exchange:

• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Driver’s license number
• License plate number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle make, model, and color

Be polite and calm. Do not argue, admit fault, or accuse others. Fault is generally determined later based on evidence, laws, and insurance review.

2. Document the Scene

The Atlanta area’s heavy traffic makes details important later.

Take clear photos of:

• All involved vehicles (close and wide shots)
• License plates
• Visible damage
• Skid marks, debris, or fluid on the road
• Traffic lights, signs, and lane markings
• Surroundings (e.g., construction zones, blocked views, weather conditions)

If there are witnesses:

• Ask for their names and contact information.
• You can politely ask if they’re willing to describe what they saw, but don’t pressure anyone.

3. Stay Calm and Avoid Blame

In busy areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown, or around Hartsfield‑Jackson Atlanta International Airport, people may be in a hurry. Still:

• Avoid discussing who is at fault.
• Don’t apologize in a way that implies fault.
• Stick to facts if you speak with others or the officer.

When Police Respond: Crash Reports in Atlanta

If an officer comes to the scene:

• They will usually inspect vehicles, take statements, check insurance, and may issue citations.
• Ask how you can get a copy of the crash report and write down:
  • Officer’s name
  • Badge number
  • Case/report number

Where to Get Your Crash Report (Atlanta and Georgia)

Crash reports in Atlanta are typically filed using Georgia’s Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report form and can be obtained through:

1. Atlanta Police Department (if APD responded)

• Atlanta Police Department Headquarters
  • 226 Peachtree St SW
  • Atlanta, GA 30303
  • General info: (404) 546‑5600
• Reports are often available through APD’s Central Records Unit; check availability by phone before visiting.

2. Georgia State Patrol (if a trooper responded)

• You can contact the GSP Post that covers the crash area or the central office.
• Georgia Department of Public Safety main line (for direction): (404) 624‑7700

3. Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) / Online Portals
Crash reports are often accessible through state-approved online systems. You may need:

• Crash date
• Driver’s name
• Case/report number

Quick Summary: Who Handles What?

If Police Don’t Come to the Scene

Sometimes, especially for minor crashes without injuries, you may be told to complete a “self-report” or private incident report.

In Georgia, if officers do not arrive:

• You may need to fill out a Georgia SR‑13 (Personal Report of Accident) for your own records and insurance.
• This is not the same as an official police report, but it documents key details.

Contact:

• Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS)
  • Customer Contact Center: (678) 413‑8400
  • For questions about reporting requirements and forms

Georgia Law Basics for Crashes in Atlanta

Duty to Stop and Remain at the Scene

Under Georgia law, if you are involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or damage, you typically must:

• Stop as close to the scene as safely possible
• Remain at or return to the scene
• Provide identifying and insurance information
• Render reasonable assistance (such as calling for medical help)

Leaving the scene without doing this can be considered a hit-and-run, which can carry serious consequences.

Hit and Run / Leaving the Scene in Atlanta

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run:

1. Do not chase the other driver; this can be dangerous.
2. Try to get as much information as possible:
   • License plate number
   • Vehicle description (make, model, color)
   • Direction the vehicle went
3. Call 911 immediately and report:
   • Time and place
   • Description of driver, if seen
   • Witness names and phone numbers, if available

APD or GSP may investigate and note the hit-and-run on the crash report.

Dealing With Insurance After a Crash in Atlanta

1. Notify Your Insurance Company

Georgia is an “at-fault” state, meaning the driver who is found responsible typically pays for damages (often through their insurance).

• Contact your auto insurance company as soon as possible.
• Provide:
  • Date, time, and location of the crash
  • Other driver’s information
  • Photos and witness details
  • Police report number, once you have it

2. Understanding Georgia’s Minimum Insurance Requirements

To legally drive in Atlanta, Georgia law generally requires at least:

• Bodily injury liability (per person and per accident)
• Property damage liability

Many drivers carry more than the minimum. Insurance companies can clarify what your specific policy covers, including:

• Repairs or replacement of your vehicle
• Rental car coverage
• Medical payments coverage (if you added it)

Crashes Involving Rental Cars or Rideshares in Atlanta

Rental Cars (Hartsfield‑Jackson and In‑City Rentals)

If you crash a rental car in Atlanta:

• Follow the same safety, police, and documentation steps.
• Call the rental company’s emergency or accident number (usually on the rental agreement or key tag).
• Your own auto policy may still apply; some credit cards also offer rental coverage—confirm with your card issuer directly.

Rideshare Vehicles (e.g., Uber, Lyft) in Atlanta

If you are a passenger in a rideshare crash:

• Call 911 if needed.
• Screenshot or note trip details (driver name, time, pickup/drop-off).
• Report the crash through the rideshare app.
• Exchange information with other drivers, just as you would in a regular crash.

If you are a rideshare driver, you will need to notify:

• Your personal auto insurer, and
• The rideshare company, following their procedures

Common Crash Locations and Local Considerations in Atlanta

Many Atlanta crashes occur in or near:

• The Downtown Connector (I‑75/85)
• I‑285 perimeter (especially interchanges with I‑20, I‑75, I‑85)
• GA‑400 through Buckhead and Sandy Springs
• Busy surface streets like Peachtree St, Ponce de Leon Ave, and Moreland Ave

Things to keep in mind:

• Traffic backups are common; moving vehicles out of lanes when safe helps prevent further crashes.
• In construction zones (e.g., around major interchange projects), signage and lane shifts can be confusing. Photos of signs and barrels can be particularly helpful later.
• During events (Falcons, Hawks, concerts, festivals), allow extra time for police and tow trucks to reach you.

Towing and Vehicle Removal in Atlanta

If your car can’t be driven:

• The responding officer may call a rotation tow truck (a tow company from the city’s or GSP’s approved list).
• You can request your preferred tow company, but on busy highways, officers may need to use the rotation system to clear lanes quickly.

Your vehicle may be taken to:

• A private tow yard, or
• A body shop you specify (if allowed at that time)

Ask for:

• Tow company name
• Phone number
• Location of the lot or shop

If You Are Visiting Atlanta and Have a Crash

If you’re from out of state and crash in Atlanta:

• Georgia’s traffic laws apply to your crash, even if your license is from another state.
• Your home-state insurance usually still applies; contact your insurer and let them know the crash occurred in Georgia.
• Keep copies of:
  • Crash report
  • Medical records, if you were treated
  • Repair estimates
• If you receive a traffic citation, you must address it according to instructions on the ticket (often through the City of Atlanta Municipal Court or another local court, depending on where the crash occurred).

City of Atlanta Municipal Court

• 150 Garnett St SW
• Atlanta, GA 30303
• Main phone: (404) 658‑6940

When a Crash Involves Public Transportation or City Vehicles

Crashes sometimes involve:

• MARTA buses or trains (near crossings or stations)
• City of Atlanta vehicles
• County vehicles (e.g., work trucks)

You should still:

• Call 911
• Obtain information from the driver and any official ID they provide
• Ask how to contact their agency or risk management office for claims

MARTA Customer Service (for follow-up on incidents involving MARTA vehicles):

• Phone: (404) 848‑5000

Keeping Records After a Crash in Atlanta

Organize everything in one place:

• Photos from the scene
• Contact and insurance info for all parties
• Crash report or case number
• Receipts for towing, storage, and repairs
• Notes on conversations with insurance companies or agencies (dates, times, names)

Good documentation helps you navigate:

• Insurance claims
• Vehicle repairs
• Any disputes about what happened

Key Takeaways for Handling a Crash in Atlanta, GA

• Safety first: Move out of traffic when possible and check for injuries.
• Call 911 for most crashes, especially those with injuries or likely significant damage.
• Exchange information with all drivers and document the scene thoroughly.
• Obtain the crash report from APD, GSP, or the appropriate agency if officers respond.
• Report the crash to your insurance company as soon as you can.
• Keep organized records to make dealing with repairs, insurance, and any follow-up easier.

Being in a crash in Atlanta can be stressful, but understanding local procedures, agencies, and expectations can help you take clear, confident steps from the moment it happens through the final resolution.