Why You Should Always Get a Police Report After a Car Accident in Savannah — Even If You’re Told It’s Not Necessary

Car accidents can be disorienting, even in the best of circumstances. When you’re rear-ended, dealing with injuries, damage, and insurance questions is overwhelming enough — but imagine being told by a responding officer that you don’t need a police report.

That’s exactly what happened to a recent client of ours here in Savannah, GA. After being rear-ended on a busy local roadway, the responding Savannah Police Department officer advised that a police report wasn’t necessary since the drivers were “just exchanging information.”

Fortunately, our client made the right call: she requested a report anyway.
Here’s why that decision could protect her case — and why you should always do the same.

Why a Police Report Matters After an Auto Accident

A police report is more than just paperwork. It’s a third-party, official record that documents the facts of the crash. This becomes critical when dealing with:

• Insurance claims
• Personal injury cases
• Disputes about fault
• Future legal action

Without a report, it’s your word against the other driver’s — and if their story changes later, you’ll have little evidence to back yours up.

But the Officer Said I Didn’t Need One…

We’re seeing this more often in Savannah auto accidents — particularly with the Savannah Police Department officers at scenes of rear-end collisions or minor crashes. If no one is being transported to the hospital and both parties are cooperative, an officer may suggest that a formal report isn’t required.

While that may seem reasonable at the time, it’s risky.
In Georgia, insurance companies often require a police report to process a claim or determine liability. What feels “minor” at the scene could evolve into a larger issue — from delayed injuries like whiplash to unexpected repair costs or even denial of liability.

Always politely insist on having a report prepared. It’s your right, and it may be the difference between a denied claim and a successful one.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident in Savannah

If you’re involved in a crash anywhere in Chatham County or the City of Savannah, here are a few steps to protect yourself:

1. Call 911 and request police response — even for minor fender benders.
2. Politely request a police report, even if the officer says it may not be necessary.
3. Exchange information with the other driver, but don’t rely on that alone.
4. Photograph everything — vehicle positions, damage, street signs, and any injuries.
5. Document evidence of seatbelt usage. Under Georgia’s new tort reform statute, SB 68, whether you were wearing a seatbelt is a major piece of evidence. It is your burden to prove you were wearing a seatbelt, so always document it.
6. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help protect your rights.

You can find more information on accident response and police procedures by visiting the Savannah Police Department website.

Protect Your Rights. Preserve Your Claim.

In the aftermath of an accident, it’s tempting to go with the flow — especially if you’re told everything seems “simple” or “routine.” But there’s nothing routine about protecting your health, your property, and your future.

At Jarrett & Price, we’re proud to represent injury victims across Savannah and coastal Georgia. We know the law, we know the local procedures, and we know how quickly a straightforward claim can become a legal challenge without the right documentation — like a police report.

If you’ve been in an accident in Savannah, give us a call at 855-909-7721 or contact us through our website for a free case review. We’re here to help — and we’ll fight to make sure you’re treated fairly every step of the way.