Being involved in a car accident in Georgia can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Between medical appointments, missed work, vehicle repairs, and nonstop calls from insurance adjusters, the process of setting up an insurance claim can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to heal.
Knowing how to properly set up your claim from the very beginning can make a major difference in whether you receive fair compensation or end up shortchanged. Below is a step-by-step guide to setting up an accident claim in Georgia, along with common mistakes to avoid and when to involve an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney like Kevin Patrick Law.
Step 1: Call 911 and Make Sure a Police Report Is Filed
In Georgia, you should always call 911 after an accident involving injuries, death, or significant property damage. The responding officer will create a Georgia Uniform Motor Vehicle Accident Report, which becomes one of the most important documents in your claim.
Why this matters:
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Insurance companies rely heavily on police reports
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The report documents fault, witness statements, and conditions at the scene
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It helps protect you if the other driver later changes their story
Without a police report, insurers may question whether the accident even happened the way you claim.
Step 2: Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Even if you feel “okay,” get medical care as soon as possible. Many serious injuries—like concussions, herniated discs, or internal injuries—don’t show symptoms right away.
From a legal standpoint:
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Delaying treatment gives insurers ammunition to argue you weren’t really hurt
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Medical records create the foundation of your injury claim
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Georgia law allows recovery for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages—but only if they’re documented
Kevin Patrick Law frequently sees cases where delayed treatment drastically reduced claim value, even when injuries were legitimate.
Step 3: Notify Your Own Insurance Company
Most auto insurance policies require you to notify your insurer promptly after an accident—even if the other driver was clearly at fault.
When you call:
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Stick to basic facts (date, time, location)
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Do not speculate about fault
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Do not give a recorded statement without legal advice
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33. If an insurer can pin 50% or more fault on you, you recover nothing—so early statements matter more than people realize.
Step 4: Identify All Applicable Insurance Coverage
Setting up a claim in Georgia often involves more than just one insurance policy. Potential sources of coverage may include:
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The at-fault driver’s liability insurance
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Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
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Medical payments (MedPay) coverage
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Commercial or employer policies (if a work vehicle was involved)
An experienced firm like Kevin Patrick Law looks beyond the obvious policy to identify all available coverage—often uncovering compensation most people never knew existed.
Step 5: Open a Claim With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurer
Once you know the other driver’s insurance information, you can open a third-party claim. The insurer will assign an adjuster who may sound friendly—but their job is to minimize payouts.
Be cautious:
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Adjusters are trained to get statements that hurt your claim
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Early settlement offers are almost always low
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Anything you say can be used to reduce your compensation
Before providing recorded statements or signing medical authorizations, it’s wise to consult a Georgia accident lawyer who understands insurer tactics.
Step 6: Document Everything
Strong claims are built on strong documentation. Start a file (physical or digital) that includes:
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Medical records and bills
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Prescription receipts
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Photos of injuries and vehicle damage
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Repair estimates
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Lost wage documentation
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Communications with insurers
Georgia allows recovery for both economic and non-economic damages, but you must prove them. Thorough documentation can significantly increase claim value.
Step 7: Understand the Timeline and Deadlines
In Georgia, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). Miss that deadline, and your claim is gone—no matter how strong it was.
There may be shorter deadlines if:
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A government vehicle or employee was involved
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A wrongful death claim applies
Kevin Patrick Law regularly steps in when clients are approaching critical deadlines that insurers conveniently fail to mention.
Common Mistakes That Can Kill a Georgia Accident Claim
Some of the most damaging mistakes include:
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Giving recorded statements too early
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Posting accident details on social media
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Accepting quick settlement offers
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Failing to follow medical advice
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Trying to “handle it yourself” against a seasoned insurance company
Insurance companies do this every day. Most accident victims don’t.
When to Call Kevin Patrick Law
While minor property damage claims may not require legal help, any accident involving injuries, disputed fault, or significant damages should be reviewed by an attorney.
Kevin Patrick Law focuses on representing injured Georgians—not insurance companies—and understands how claims are evaluated, defended, and undervalued. From the moment a claim is set up, strategic decisions can dramatically affect the final outcome.
Having an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney involved early:
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Prevents costly mistakes
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Levels the playing field with insurers
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Maximizes compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
Final Thoughts
Setting up an insurance claim after an accident in Georgia isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of your financial recovery. What you do (and don’t do) in the days following a crash can determine whether you’re fairly compensated or left paying the price for someone else’s negligence.
If you’ve been injured and want guidance from a law firm that understands Georgia accident claims from start to finish, Kevin Patrick Law is a trusted resource for injured victims across the state.