Richmond County Sheriff's Office

Phone: 706-821-1000 911 for Emergencies

Private Property Accident Report

 

REPORTING AN ACCIDENT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY INVOLVING ONLY YOUR VEHICLE AND NO OTHER DAMAGE

Example – striking a concrete light pole, or another stationary object

  • A State SR13 Form is available here to be filled out by the vehicle owner/driver and will serve as documentation of the accident: 

 

REPORTING AN ACCIDENT TO LAW ENFORCEMENT IS REQUIRED BY LAW UNDER THE FOLLOWING CIRCUMSTANCES:

  • If anyone is injured or killed as a result of the accident. 
  • If damage to property exceeds $500.
  • If the accident occurs on a county or state roadway, highway or interstate and either party requests a police report.

 

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:

  • Name, address and contact details.  
  • Driver license number.
  • License plate number of the vehicles involved.
  • 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.

Should you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to ask.