Being involved in a car accident can leave you shaken, confused, and unsure of what to do next. Even a relatively minor collision can quickly become stressful when you’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, insurance companies, and questions about who was responsible.
What you do in the minutes, hours, and days after an accident can also be important if you later need to file an insurance claim or pursue compensation for your injuries.
If you’re involved in a car accident in Ohio, here are some important steps to consider.
This article is based on Ohio law, including the Ohio Revised Code, and is intended to provide general information about what to do following a motor vehicle accident.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Car Accident?
Your first priority should be everyone’s safety.
If possible, remain calm, check yourself and your passengers for injuries, and assess what has happened.
Stop and Stay at the Scene
Ohio law requires drivers involved in certain motor vehicle accidents to stop and provide identifying and vehicle information.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02, a driver involved in an accident on a public road or highway must stop at the scene and provide required information to those involved and to law enforcement at the scene.
Leaving the scene of an accident without fulfilling these responsibilities can result in criminal penalties.
Check for Injuries and Call for Help
Check yourself, your passengers, and others involved for injuries.
Call 911 when emergency assistance is needed. Even if an injury does not initially appear serious, symptoms can sometimes develop or become more noticeable after the accident.
Your health and safety should always come first.
Exchange Information
Exchange important information with the other driver, including:
- Name and contact information
- Driver’s license information
- Vehicle information
- Insurance company and policy information
- License plate number
Try to keep the conversation calm and focused on exchanging necessary information.
Document the Accident If You Can
If it is safe to do so, take a few minutes to document the scene.
Photos and other information can become important later if there are disagreements about how the accident occurred or the extent of the damage.
Consider taking photos or videos of:
- Damage to all vehicles involved
- Vehicle positions
- The surrounding roadway
- Traffic signs or signals
- Skid marks or debris
- Weather and road conditions
- Any visible injuries
If there are witnesses, you may also want to obtain their names and contact information.
Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Car Accident?
If you’re injured, seek appropriate medical attention.
Some injuries are immediately apparent, while others may not cause significant pain or symptoms until hours or even days later.
In addition to protecting your health, medical records can provide documentation of your injuries and treatment if you later need to pursue a personal injury claim.
Be honest and thorough when describing your symptoms to your healthcare provider, and follow the treatment recommendations you receive.
When Should You Notify Your Insurance Company?
Most automobile insurance policies require policyholders to report an accident promptly.
When you contact your insurer, provide accurate information about what happened. You don’t need to speculate about details you aren’t sure of or make assumptions about who was at fault.
You may also be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company.
Be Careful When Speaking With the Other Driver’s Insurance Company
An insurance adjuster may ask you to provide a statement or answer detailed questions about the accident and your injuries.
Remember that the other driver’s insurance company represents its insured and its own interests.
Before providing a recorded statement, signing documents, or accepting a settlement, consider speaking with an attorney so you understand your rights and how the decision could affect your claim.
Keep Records Related to the Accident
Keeping everything organized can make the claims process easier.
Consider saving:
- Medical bills and records
- Prescription receipts
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Towing and rental car receipts
- Insurance correspondence
- Photographs and videos
- Police or crash reports
- Documentation of missed work or lost income
You may also find it helpful to keep notes about your medical treatment, symptoms, and how your injuries are affecting your daily activities.
What If the Other Driver Was at Fault?
If another driver’s negligence caused the accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for losses related to the collision.
Depending on the circumstances, those losses may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and other damages.
Determining fault is not always straightforward. Evidence from the accident, witness statements, police reports, and other information may all play a role.
How Long Do You Have to File a Car Accident Injury Claim in Ohio?
Ohio law places time limits on certain legal claims.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, actions for bodily injury or injury to personal property generally must be brought within two years after the claim accrues, although exceptions can apply.
Because deadlines can vary depending on the circumstances, it is important not to assume that you have a specific amount of time without discussing your situation with an attorney.
When Should You Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
Not every car accident requires an attorney. However, speaking with one may be helpful when:
- You or a passenger suffered significant injuries
- Fault for the accident is disputed
- The insurance company denies or undervalues your claim
- You’re being asked to provide a recorded statement
- You’re unsure what your claim may be worth
- The accident involves multiple vehicles or parties
- You’re concerned about an approaching legal deadline
A personal injury attorney can review the circumstances of the accident, explain your options, communicate with insurance companies, and help you understand what steps to take next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Car Accidents
1. Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Ohio?
The requirements depend on the circumstances of the accident. Ohio law imposes specific duties on drivers following collisions, including requirements to stop and provide information. When there are injuries, significant damage, safety concerns, or disagreement about what happened, contacting law enforcement can also provide important documentation of the accident.
2. What if I feel fine immediately after the accident?
Not every injury is obvious right away. If you begin experiencing pain or other symptoms following an accident, consider seeking medical attention rather than assuming the symptoms will resolve on their own.
3. Should I admit that the accident was my fault?
Immediately after an accident, you may not know all the factors that contributed to what happened. Focus on everyone’s safety and providing accurate factual information rather than speculating about fault.
4. Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
A quick settlement may be tempting, especially when medical bills or vehicle repairs are adding up. Before accepting an offer, make sure you understand the extent of your injuries, your potential future expenses, and what rights you may be giving up by settling the claim.
Guidance After an Ohio Car Accident
The days following a car accident can be overwhelming. Between medical appointments, vehicle repairs, insurance calls, and everyday responsibilities, it can be difficult to know whether you’re making the right decisions.
At Smith & Webb, Attorneys, we help individuals injured in accidents understand their rights and options. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, our attorneys can review your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the appropriate next steps.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information based on Ohio law, including the Ohio Revised Code, and is intended for educational purposes only. It should not be considered legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and legal deadlines may change, and every situation is unique. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, consult with a qualified attorney.
