After a car accident in Ohio, you should make sure you are safe, call 911, and document the scene to the best of your ability. Comply with emergency personnel if they wish to take you to the hospital. Get medical attention later if they don’t, even if you believe you feel fine.
If you were hurt in the crash, it’s smart to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney who works with car accident claims can protect your legal rights and help you recover compensation for a crash that wasn’t your fault.
Our Cleveland car accident lawyers have recovered more than $250 million for injured accident victims in Ohio. Call to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your case.
Get to Safety
Safety should be your top priority immediately after a car accident in Ohio. Move your vehicle to a safe location, put on your flashers, and check yourself for injuries. Take a minute to collect your thoughts and composure so that you can decide what to do next with a clear head.
Call 911
Once you are in a safe location, call 911 if the accident resulted in injuries or serious damage to your vehicle, or if one of the vehicles is still blocking traffic. This will dispatch police and emergency medical personnel to the scene of the crash.
Comply With Emergency Personnel
Police will arrive and complete a report. Give your statement honestly and directly, without embellishment or speculation. Go to the hospital if emergency medical personnel wish to take you. Even if you think you’re fine, they may notice signs of injury that your adrenaline is masking.
Exchange Information
Ohio is an at-fault auto insurance state, meaning the at-fault driver is liable for damages in an accident. Trade insurance information with the other motorist if it is possible, but do not make any statements relating to fault or blame.
Document the Scene
If you are able and if it is safe to do so, document the scene by taking photos and videos of the accident site. This may later serve as evidence for an insurance claim or if you must pursue legal action against the other driver after your car accident.
Do Not Admit Fault
You will give a statement to the officer who arrives on the scene, but do not admit fault or apologize for the accident. Even if you believe your actions played a role in the crash, an investigation may reveal a different story.
Get Medical Attention
If you didn’t go to the hospital after the crash, see a doctor afterward as soon as you can, even if you think you are feeling okay. Most importantly, this ensures your health is taken care of, but it also establishes medical records in the event you must prove damages in a legal case.
Contact an Attorney
Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you were hurt in the crash. Our legal team can help you understand what to do after a car accident, investigate the circumstances of your accident, and work to recover the compensation you deserve.
Inform You Insurance Company
Even if the accident wasn’t your fault, you’ll need to contact your insurer about the accident. This is a requirement of most insurance policies, and it keeps your insurer in the loop. Follow your attorney’s advice for reporting your accident.
Write a Narrative
Write down a thorough description of how the accident happened, from your perspective. While this is only your point of view, it may play a role in a legal case later on. It can also help your attorney better understand what happened.
Keep Detailed Records
Hold on to receipts and invoices that show the financial costs you’ve incurred because of the accident. Damages in a personal injury case are based largely on your financial expenses, current and future, as well as the extent of your injuries.
Protect Your Information
Resist the urge to share every detail about your accident, especially on social media. Insurance companies often review social media accounts to look for ways to show you are at fault and reduce your compensation under Ohio’s contributory fault rules.
Get Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer if You’ve Been Hurt in a Car Accident in Ohio
If you are wondering what to do after a car accident in Ohio, the first step is to stay safe. Then call 911 if you or someone else is injured, or if there is major vehicular damage. Knowing the right steps helps you to be prepared when disaster strikes.
If you have already been in a crash, get medical treatment as soon as possible, even if you feel fine. Then, contact a personal injury lawyer who can investigate your crash, offer guidance, and protect your legal rights.
Our team of attorneys at Shore Law has more than 40 years of combined legal experience advocating for those who were injured in accidents through no fault of their own. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get the help you need with your car accident case.
