Why Do I Need A Ohio Accident Report?
Why Do I Need An Accident Report?
If you have been involved in a collision on Ohio roads, one of the first things you should do is contact local law enforcement. Even if your accident was nothing more than a minor fender-bender, it’s important to have an officer at the scene to file an official Ohio Traffic Crash Report. This document will contain vital information used by the insurance company to investigate your claim and determine any settlement you receive.
Without access to a copy of your crash report, the insurance adjuster assigned to your claim will have no official record of your accident. This could create slow their investigation and even result in higher rates and a settlement lower than you expected and deserve. Protect yourself by getting your free Ohio accident report now.
Requirements for Obtaining a Ohio Traffic Crash Report
Under Ohio state law, you must stop and contact the police after any accident that results in the following:
● Injury requiring medical care
● Death
● Property damage totaling over $1,000
Keep in mind that fixing a few dents and chipped paint can easily add up to $1,000. Failure to contact the police after an accident that falls within these parameters could result in legal consequences. If you fail to stop after any type of accident, you could face a first-degree misdemeanor charge or worse.
Common Questions About the Ohio Traffic Crash Report
In your official Ohio Traffic Crash Report, the investigating officer will record the essential details of your accident at the scene, including:
● Date and time of the crash
● Precise location of the accident, including geographic coordinates
● Identifying information for all drivers involved
● Vehicle make, model, and year
● License plate and VIN numbers
● Injury and fatality information
● Property damage information
● Narrative and diagram of events
● Reporting officer information
Even though you aren’t required to contact police after a minor collision in the state of Ohio, you should always do so. If an accident report is not filed by an officer at the scene, you might not receive the compensation you deserve from the insurance company, and your monthly rates could increase significantly.
An official crash report filed by an unbiased law enforcement officer will contain nothing but the facts of your crash. This means the insurance adjuster will be able to make an accurate assessment of your claim and determine the settlement appropriate for your injuries, damages, and other expenses.
It’s illegal to drive in the state of Ohio without insurance. If the other driver involved in your crash is uninsured, you should contact the police immediately. The responding officer can document the other driver’s identity and help hold them personally accountable for your injuries and damages. That individual could potentially lose their license and face additional legal consequences for driving uninsured.
You could face significant legal repercussions should you fail to report a collision that resulted in injury, death, or property damage over $1,000. Without access to an official report of your crash, your insurance company may be unable to determine fault, causation, or the extent of your injuries.
We’re here to provide you with access to a FREE copy of your official Ohio accident report from the comfort of your own home. Just fill out our easy, 2-minute online questionnaire to get started. Click HERE to begin!
