What to Do After a Car Accident in Ohio
Being in a car accident is stressful and disorienting. Knowing what steps to take can protect your health, your rights, and your ability to recover damages. Here’s a practical guide for Ohio residents.
At the Scene
1. Check for Injuries
Your first priority is safety. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline can mask pain — many accident injuries don’t fully present until hours or days later.
2. Move to Safety
If possible and safe to do so, move vehicles out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights. If the vehicles can’t be moved, get yourself and passengers to a safe location away from traffic.
3. Call Law Enforcement
Under Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02, drivers involved in an accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage are required to stop, provide information, and report the crash. The responding officer will create an official crash report — this document is crucial for insurance claims and any legal proceedings.
4. Exchange Information
Get the following from all involved parties:
- Full name and contact information
- Driver’s license number
- Insurance company and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, and license plate
5. Document Everything
Use your phone to:
- Take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and road conditions
- Note the time, weather, and road conditions
- Get contact information from any witnesses
After the Scene
6. Seek Medical Attention
This is the most important step many people skip. See a doctor or chiropractor within 48 hours, even if you feel fine. Common accident injuries like whiplash, soft tissue damage, and concussions can take days to manifest. A systematic review published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that whiplash symptoms frequently present 24–72 hours after the initial trauma.
Early documentation of injuries also strengthens any insurance or legal claims.
7. Obtain Your Crash Report
Ohio crash reports are typically available within a few business days. You can obtain yours from:
- The responding law enforcement agency
- The Ohio Department of Public Safety Crash Report Search
8. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company promptly. Provide factual information but avoid speculating about fault or the extent of your injuries.
9. Keep Records
Maintain a file with:
- Medical bills and records
- Repair estimates and receipts
- Lost wages documentation
- The crash report
- Photos from the scene
10. Consult a Professional
Consider speaking with:
- A chiropractor or physical therapist — For injury assessment and treatment, especially for common accident injuries like whiplash and back pain
- Additional specialists — If your injuries are significant, your healthcare provider can guide you on next steps
Ohio-Specific Legal Considerations
Statute of Limitations
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars you from recovering damages.
Comparative Fault
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33. You can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering compensation.
Minimum Insurance Requirements
Ohio requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance (Ohio Revised Code § 4509.01):
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
How Gameplan Network Can Help
Gameplan Network connects accident victims with healthcare providers in their area. We process crash report data daily across all 88 Ohio counties to identify people who may need care and help them find the right professionals quickly.
Fill out our contact form and we’ll connect you with a healthcare provider in your area — completely free.
Sources: Ohio Revised Code § 4549.02, Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33, Ohio Revised Code § 4509.01, Whiplash-Associated Disorders systematic review (PubMed)