What should I do after a car accident in Georgia?

Georgia is an at-fault (tort) state governed by Title 40 (Motor Vehicles) and Title 51 (Torts) of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

1. Immediate Steps at the Scene

Stop and exchange information (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-270). Hit-and-run with injury is a felony.

Render reasonable aid.

Call 911 for any injury or significant damage.

2. Mandatory Reporting

Police: Required for injury, death, or apparent damage exceeding $500 (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273).

The investigating officer files Form SR-13; the driver may file SR-13 personally if police did not investigate.

Notify your insurer promptly.

3. Minimum Liability Insurance

25/50/25 ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage) under O.C.G.A. § 33-7-11.

4. Modified Comparative Negligence — 50% Bar

Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33, a plaintiff is barred from recovery if their fault is 50% or more. Recovery is allowed at 49% or less, reduced by the plaintiff's share. Note: this is the stricter "50% bar," not the "51% bar" used in TX/IL.

5. Statute of Limitations

Personal injury: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).

Property damage: 4 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32).

Wrongful death: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).

Claims against the State: Ante litem notice within 12 months under the Georgia Tort Claims Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-21-26).

Claims against municipalities: 6-month ante litem notice (O.C.G.A. § 36-33-5).

6. Direct Action Against Trucking Insurer

Georgia previously allowed direct action against motor-carrier liability insurers; SB 426 (2024) modified this rule, generally now requiring suit against the carrier first.

This is legal information, not legal advice.