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Car accidents don’t only happen on public roads. In Georgia, many collisions occur in parking lots, apartment complexes, and privately owned spaces open to the public. Understanding how “private property” accidents are handled — including reporting requirements, insurance claims, liability and evidence — is essential. This post explains what Georgia drivers need to know about private-property accident reports and how Kevin Patrick Law can help protect your rights after a crash.
A private-property car accident is any collision that occurs on land not designated as a public roadway. Common locations include:
Shopping center parking lots
Residential or apartment-complex parking areas
Private driveways
Private access roads
Although Georgia’s traffic code largely governs vehicles “upon highways,” accidents on private property still involve liability, insurance and sometimes law-enforcement reporting.
Georgia law requires drivers to immediately notify police if an accident results in:
Injury or death, or
Property damage of $500 or more
Georgia law authorizes — but does not always require — law enforcement to issue reports for crashes occurring on private property. Some local jurisdictions also provide “Private Property Accident Report” forms for non-emergency incidents.
Because damage estimates can be uncertain and injuries may develop later, calling the police is usually the safest option. A police report strengthens your insurance claim and helps prevent disputes about fault.
After a private-property collision:
Liability insurance may cover damage you cause to another vehicle or property.
Collision coverage may help pay for your own repairs.
Property-owner liability may also come into play if dangerous conditions (poor lighting, bad design, potholes) contributed to the crash.
Insurance companies often look for an official report before paying claims.
Private-property accidents can involve several sources of negligence:
Driver negligence (e.g., backing up carelessly, inattention, failing to yield).
Property-owner negligence (e.g., unsafe layout, poor signage, lighting issues).
Georgia follows a comparative negligence system (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), which means you can recover damages so long as you are less than 50% at fault.
Whether or not police respond, drivers should obtain:
Photos of damage, vehicle positions and surroundings
Contact and insurance information of all drivers
Witness information
Video footage from security cameras
Medical documentation if injuries occurred
This documentation is essential for proving liability.
Check for injuries & call 911 if anyone is hurt.
Gather driver and witness information.
Photograph the scene, including vehicles, damage, roadway conditions, and signage.
Notify the property owner/manager, who may have security footage.
Request police assistance when injury, major damage or disputed fault is involved.
Notify your insurance company promptly.
Consult an experienced Georgia attorney like Kevin Patrick Law to protect your rights.
Preserve evidence quickly — video footage and witnesses may become unavailable later.
Assuming no report is needed because it happened in a parking lot
Relying on a handshake agreement with the other driver
Delaying medical treatment
Forgetting to ask for surveillance video
Waiting too long to call a lawyer
Failing to document everything at the scene
These missteps frequently lead to denied claims and reduced compensation.
Kevin Patrick Law is experienced in handling private-property car accidents throughout Georgia. They can help you:
Determine liability and investigate property-owner negligence
Communicate with insurance companies
Preserve critical evidence
Navigate Georgia statutes such as O.C.G.A. § 40-6-273 and § 40-6-3
Maximize your compensation for injuries, medical bills, lost wages and property damage
Having an experienced attorney ensures your rights are protected from the very start.
Crashes on private property in Georgia — especially parking-lot collisions — can be surprisingly complicated. Understanding when to report the accident, how to document it, and what laws apply can significantly impact your insurance claim and legal rights. By taking immediate action, gathering evidence and consulting a skilled attorney like Kevin Patrick Law, you can position yourself for the best possible outcome.
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