In an effort to best utilize the time of our deputies, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is adopting a new policy regarding private property accidents. Beginning Tuesday, September 17th, 2013, the RCSO will issue SR 13 forms to the drivers of vehicles involved in private property accidents. These forms will also be available on the RCSO website, www.RCSOGA.org. Most large agencies within the state of Georgia already handle private property accidents in this way in an effort to better utilize their limited law enforcement personnel.
As a responsible driver, you must never leave the scene of a private property or roadway accident prior to exchanging information with those involved, or those who have property that is damaged. When involved in an accident, be aware of the traffic situation, and any other potential dangers, such as fire. You should also activate your hazard lights or use any other suitable methods to warn other approaching vehicles. If the vehicles are operable and no one is complaining of injuries, move the vehicles out of the roadway to the closest safe location. If there are injuries or the accident occurs in a main roadway, please contact 911 and inform them of your accident.
If you are involved in an accident, you are required to provide certain information to the other parties involved. Likewise, fellow motorists, passengers or pedestrians involved in the accident must share similar information with you. Also, it is often wise to ask for the information of witnesses to the accident just in case you need to have them testify at a later date. The key information to exchange in the aftermath of an accident includes:
1. Name, address and contact details.
2. Driver license number.
3. License plate number of the vehicles involved.
4. Auto insurance information for the motorists involved.
It may also be useful to take photographs at the scene of the accident. If you hit an unattended vehicle, you must make an effort to find the owner or driver, and follow these same procedures. If you are unable to locate the owner of an unattended vehicle, you are required to leave a note indicating your name and contact information, and a brief description of the accident.
REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IS REQUIRED BY LAW UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:
1. If anyone is injured or killed as a result of the accident.
2. If damage to property exceeds $500.
3. If the accident occurs on a county or state roadway, highway or interstate and either party requests a police report.
REPORTING AN ACCIDENT THAT OCCURS ON PRIVATE PROPERTY WILL RESULT IN THE FOLLOWING:
1. You will be advised of how you can obtain a private property accident form online for single vehicle accidents.
2. A deputy will respond and issue drivers of the vehicles involved an SR 13 form which may be completed and submitted to your respective insurance companies. This form is also available online: Personal Report of Accident form
If any of the following charges are issued on private property at an accident, a state crash report will be completed:
1. 40-5-58 Habitual violator
2. 40-6-251 Laying drag
3. 40-6-390 Reckless driving
4. 40-6-391 Driving under influence
5. 40-6-392 Chemical tests for alcohol or drugs in blood
6. 40-6-393 Homicide by vehicle
7. 40-6-393.1 Feticide by vehicle
8. 40-6-394 Serious injury by vehicle
9. 40-6-395 Fleeing or attempting to elude
10. 40-6-397 Aggressive driving
