A crash on I-285 or the Downtown Connector can leave you shaken and unsure what to do next. These steps protect your health and any injury claim you may have.
At the scene
- Check for injuries and call 911. Georgia law requires reporting a crash that causes injury, death, or significant property damage.
- Move to safety if the cars can be moved and no one is seriously hurt.
- Get the police report number. In Georgia, you can usually request the report online after it is filed.
- Exchange information: names, phone numbers, insurance companies, policy numbers, and plate numbers.
- Take photos and video of the vehicles, the road, traffic signals, skid marks, and your injuries.
- Get witness contact information before people leave.
- Do not admit fault or guess about what happened. Stick to the facts.
In the first few days
- See a doctor, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, like concussions and soft tissue injuries, show up later. A gap in treatment is often used by insurers to argue you were not really hurt.
- Notify your own insurer as your policy requires.
- Be careful with the other driver’s insurer. You do not have to give a recorded statement, and early offers are often low.
In the weeks that follow
- Keep every medical bill, receipt, and record.
- Track missed work and lost income.
- Keep a short daily journal of pain and limits on activities.
- Stay off social media about the accident.
- Remember the two-year filing deadline. See our guide to the Georgia statute of limitations.
Georgia is an at-fault state
The driver who caused the crash, and their insurer, are responsible for damages. Fault can be shared, which affects how much you recover. Learn more in our guide to Georgia comparative negligence.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. Talk with a licensed Georgia attorney about your situation.