Ohio law requires reporting certain types of motor vehicle accidents to law enforcement, most importantly those leading to injuries or death. You must also notify the police of accidents that result in significant property damage. However, it is always advisable to report any car accident to the Columbus police, even if the circumstances do not meet the required criteria. Reporting accidents can help with insurance claims and provide a record for use in a personal injury case, should one arise.
If you’ve been in a car accident in Columbus, our Columbus car accident lawyer can discuss the circumstances of your case. They can provide you with guidance and support throughout the legal process and work to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Car Accidents Need To Be Reported in Columbus?
There are a few circumstances in which motor vehicle accidents must be reported. Specifically, Ohio Revised Code Section Section 4509.01 requires reporting an accident when the following occurs:
Injuries or Deaths Occur
Any motor vehicle accident resulting in an injury or death must be reported to local or state law enforcement. This includes non-fatal crashes where a person’s injuries are evident at the scene or discovered later. Furthermore, this includes accidents in which someone is fatally injured during the crash or dies later as a result. It is essential to report these accidents as soon as possible to ensure that anyone who is injured receives immediate medical care, investigations can be initiated, and legal action can be pursued.
Property Damage Occurs
Accidents that result in property damage of at least $400 must also be reported. This includes vehicle damage as well as other property. Reporting these accidents is necessary to enable timely damage assessment and the filing of insurance claims. This can expedite the process of repairing or replacing damaged property. If you file a personal injury claim, this will likewise be required to prove the various losses you’ve suffered.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Any accident involving a hit-and-run crash (also known as a hit-skip) should be reported to law enforcement. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences, as it may be mandatory in some jurisdictions. It is crucial to provide law enforcement with any available information, such as witness statements or surveillance video, to help in their investigation.
Prompt reporting increases the likelihood of identifying the responsible party, which is crucial for a legal case.
Leaving an accident scene is typically considered a misdemeanor, which can lead to fines of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. Penalties increase in severity depending on certain circumstances, with the potential for a fifth-degree felony or higher if serious personal injury occurs.
What Information Will I Need to Report a Car Accident?
When reporting an accident in Columbus, it’s vital to provide detailed information to assist in the investigation and documentation. Generally, you should provide the following details if you have them and know them to be accurate:
- Personal information, including your full name, address, phone number, and driver’s license number
- Vehicle information, including make, model, year, color, license plate number, and vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Insurance information, including your insurer’s name and your policy number
- Accident details, including date, time, location of the accident, and a brief description of how the accident occurred
- Other involved driver’s name, address, phone number, and insurance information if available
- Names and contact information for any witnesses to the accident
- Information about the nature and extent of injuries to yourself, passengers, or others involved
- Description of the extent of damage to vehicles (to the best of your ability) and any other property involved in the accident
- Photographs of the accident scene, if available
- Description of events leading up to the accident and any factors that may have contributed to the collision
If your accident occurred within Columbus city limits, you can find more information about reporting on the City of Columbus website and download actual crash report forms and instructions.
Do You Need To Report Your Accident To Help With an Insurance Claim?
Reporting your accident and providing all the necessary information is crucial to helping with an insurance claim. You can ensure your insurance company has a complete understanding of the incident and can properly evaluate any injuries or damage. This can significantly improve your chances of a successful insurance claim and receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
Do I Need To Report My Accident To Pursue a Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Claim?
Reporting your accident is not only necessary for an insurance claim but also for a personal injury lawsuit or a wrongful death lawsuit. By reporting the accident promptly, you can begin establishing grounds for your claim, ensuring that you have documented evidence to support your case. This is essential for negotiating with the responsible party or their insurance company if you choose to move forward with a lawsuit.
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How Do I Know When To Pursue a Car Accident Lawsuit?
You should consider pursuing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit if you suffered harm or lost a loved one in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing. A personal injury attorney can evaluate your case’s details and advise you on the best course of action. They can help determine if you have a solid claim and help you navigate the legal process to ensure your rights are protected.
Are There Penalties for Not Reporting a Car Accident in Ohio?
Failure to report a car accident as required by law can result in legal repercussions. This may lead to fines, license suspensions, or even criminal charges, depending on the severity of the consequences. For these reasons, it is crucial to comply with the reporting requirements to avoid potential penalties.
Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC Today for Help After a Columbus Car Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, it is critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The personal injury attorneys at The Fitch Law Firm LLC can provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. If you are seeking help with filling out an accident report or submitting an insurance claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Call us today to get started on a free, confidential consultation.