The Effects Of Having A Car Accident On Your Record In Georgia

After settling your car accident claim, you may feel ready to start driving again, having achieved financial recovery, mental healing, and physical readiness.

However, as you return to the road and resume your daily activities, you may encounter challenges when discussing your insurance rates with your provider.

A car accident can significantly impact your record, leading to lasting effects that influence various aspects of your life.

In this article, we will explore how an auto accident on your driving record affects your insurance rates and other potential repercussions it may have - and how an experienced car accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process. 

Table of Contents

1. Why Does Having a Car Accident on Your Record Matter?

2. What Does Having a Car Accident on Your Record Affect?

3. How Long Will a Car Accident Be on Your Record?

4. Contact Cotto Law Group Today!

Why Does Having a Car Accident on Your Record Matter?

The consequences of having a car accident on your driving record can be substantial and costly in the long run.

Auto accidents can be inconvenient for both you and the responsible party, as they result in new discrepancies in your driving records, potentially affecting your insurance rates and driving privileges.

However, there is some good news: there are ways to mitigate the impact of this on your future, making it seem a little less detrimental.

By taking proactive steps, such as attending defensive driving courses, maintaining a clean driving record post-accident, and exploring insurance discounts and forgiveness programs, you can help minimize the long-term effects of the accident on your driving record and insurance costs.

What Does Having a Car Accident on Your Record Affect?

Insurance Rates

Whether you drive a few times a week or work as an Uber driver, having insurance in Georgia is essential in case of a motor vehicle accident. Georgia law requires you to carry at least liability insurance, which covers bodily injuries and vehicle damage.

While opting for only the minimum coverage can make your auto insurance more affordable, it may leave you vulnerable in certain situations. Making informed decisions, like adding uninsured motorist insurance to your policy, can protect you if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

However, if you are the at-fault driver, your insurance rates could increase by up to 60% after filing a claim for an accident on your record. This substantial hike can have long-term financial implications.

On the other hand, if you are the victim and your fault is determined to be less than 50%, your insurance rates may remain unaffected, allowing you to avoid additional financial strain.

Therefore, understanding the nuances of your insurance coverage and the potential impacts of an accident can help you make better decisions and protect yourself financially.

Public Record

Similar to insurance rates, your public record may remain unaffected if you sustained no injuries and property damages are less than $500.

In such cases, other than receiving points for a traffic violation, the accident itself will not appear on your record, and you may not need to file a police report, thereby maintaining a clean driving history.

However, if those points do apply to the car accident, it will be recorded on your public record. This can be harmful to maintaining a clean driving history, especially when seeking employment that requires a pristine driving record.

Maintaining a clean public record is essential not only for personal peace of mind but also for professional opportunities. Employers often check driving records as part of their hiring process, particularly for positions that involve driving. A record without accidents or traffic violations can enhance your employment prospects and demonstrate responsible driving behavior.

Therefore, understanding the circumstances that require a police report and how traffic violations are recorded can help you better manage your driving record and avoid potential repercussions.

How Long Will a Car Accident Be on Your Record?

The length of time an accident remains on your insurance record varies depending on your auto insurance provider. While most insurers have a long lookback period, some companies only consider the past 24 months. This underscores the importance of fully understanding the components of your insurance policy.

During this period, your insurance rates may increase, reflecting the recent accident. However, these rates are likely to gradually decrease and return to a more affordable level once the lookback period ends.

An accident typically stays on your public record for up to seven years unless you were determined to be less than 50% at fault.

In such cases, the accident may not be reported on your public record, which can be advantageous for maintaining a clean driving history.

Understanding these timelines and how fault is determined in a car accident can help you navigate insurance claims and protect your driving record effectively.

Contact An Experienced Car Accident Lawyer

Navigating a car accident claim in court requires the expertise of a car accident lawyer who can outline effective legal strategies and guide you through every step of the legal process.

At Cotto Law Group, our firm is equipped with skilled auto accident attorneys specializing in assisting clients with their accident claims.

Contact us today to safeguard your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve!