Knowing where and how to file a police report for an Ohio car accident is essential to pursuing compensation in an insurance claim or legal proceedings. Even if you are not legally required to do so, file an accident report to protect yourself.
In Ohio, failing to stay on the scene and report your accident to the police is a criminal offense. Depending on the severity of the crash and injuries, leaving the scene could result in a misdemeanor or felony charge and a license suspension.
When Should You File a Police Report in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 5502.11, Ohio police officers must file reports for accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage over $1,000. Police reports provide vital evidence for insurance claims and lawsuits, so call 911 after an accident, even if you aren’t sure you need emergency care.
It’s also critical to file a police report even if you are not legally required to do so. Police may not come to a minor accident, but if you have $900 in damage and the other driver was at fault, you and your family shouldn’t have to bear that financial burden. You need the report for a claim.
Report hit-and-run accidents to the police as well. If you are injured or have damages, call 911. Otherwise, report your accident to local law enforcement or the Ohio State Highway Patrol. You also can complete an Uninsured Accident Report.
Where To File a Police Report for an Ohio Car Accident
Where you file a police report depends on factors such as the accident’s severity and location. Be sure to note all emergency personnel on the scene, so you know whom to contact later to get a report.
At the Scene
Always call 911 for accidents with injuries or suspected injuries. Either the local or state police will respond, depending on your accident location. Answer all the officers’ questions regarding the accident facts, but do not admit any responsibility.
Local Police Department
Local police departments are the primary authority for accidents in their jurisdictions. Some allow for online reporting. For example, you can submit a Columbus, OH, crash report online or complete it and send it through the mail.
Other cities require that you call or visit the station to file a report. A city may have multiple police stations. Some of the larger departments:
- Toledo Police Department: Station locations and phone numbers
- Dayton Police Department: 937-333-2677 to determine which station will take your report
- Akron Police Department: 330-375-2311
- Cleveland Division of Police: 216-664-2000
County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s officers respond to accident scenes in unincorporated areas or townships. The Ohio Attorney General maintains a list of Ohio sheriff’s offices. File a report in the area where your accident occurred, such as:
- Franklin County: 614-525-3360
- Lucas County: 419-213-4941
- Summit County: 330-643-2154
- Cuyahoga County: 216-443-6000
- Montgomery County: 937-225-4192
Ohio State Highway Patrol
The Ohio State Highway Patrol, or OSHP, is responsible for investigating accidents on state highways and interstates. To report your crash, find the OSHP local post where your accident occurred on a clickable map. You can also find the appropriate contact information in the OSHP post locations and telephone numbers brochure.
How To File a Police Report For an Ohio Car Accident
Health and safety come first, so always prioritize the injured. Do not leave the scene other than to get to a safe place off the road and away from dangerous debris. Take action including:
- Call 911: This is your first step if there is an injury or fatality. If the police don’t respond, visit the local police department to file a report.
- Remain at the scene: In Ohio, you must remain at the accident scene and exchange information with the other driver, anyone hurt in the crash, and law enforcement.
- Cooperate with officers: Provide accurate information and answer their questions truthfully. If you were involved in a hit-and-run, give as much information as possible about the driver and vehicle.
Information To Gather at the Scene
If possible, take several steps to gather information for a police report to bolster your chances of recovering compensation. Information to collect includes:
- Contact information: Exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved.
- Witness information: Obtain contact information from those who witnessed the accident or can attest to the road conditions that may have contributed to your crash.
- Document the accident: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicles involved, any injuries, skid marks, and road conditions.
- Evidence: Collect any physical evidence, such as debris, but ask law enforcement first if it is OK to remove it.
If you cannot get all this information, our accomplished Ohio car accident lawyers can still assist you by determining where to file a police report or if one already exists. Our skilled attorneys also can advise you of your potential compensation options.
How To Get a Copy of Your Ohio Car Accident Report
A police report provides essential evidence for a car insurance claim or a lawsuit. Depending on which agency responded to your crash, you may be able to request it online, through the mail, or by phone.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety has copies of car accident reports from all Ohio law enforcement agencies. Mind several things before you search for your report, including the following:
- It may take up to six weeks for your report to be available.
- If your report still isn’t in the system, contact the agency that responded to your crash.
- These are not official documents. You must get official reports from the agency that created them.
Local agencies that allow you online access include the following:
- Toledo Police
- Akron Police
- Columbus Police
- Cleveland: Available through the Ohio Department of Public Safety or in person on the third floor of the Justice Center at 1300 Ontario St.
- Dayton: Available through the Ohio Department of Public Safety
The police must adhere to strict Ohio crash report requirements that can confuse accident victims. Learn how to read your crash report and note any errors so you can request a correction.
Why Filing a Police Report Helps Your Personal Injury Case
The answer to whether you need a police report for a car accident in Ohio is almost always yes. Crash reports strengthen insurance and legal claims by documenting accident details. The police are unbiased third parties, and many officers have accident investigation training. These credentials give their reports more weight than the involved parties’ narratives.
Some accident cases are straightforward. However, liability is heavily contested in others, especially when parties offer conflicting accounts. A police report may resolve an insurance dispute or turn a legal case.
If you decide to pursue compensation, your crash report assists our experienced attorneys in building a strong case. We can use it to identify witnesses and better understand how your accident occurred and the next steps.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
At Gervelis Law Firm, we understand how a car accident can impact victims and their families. Our personal injury attorneys have proudly assisted accident victims in Ohio for 25 years. We have a proven record of results, including $495,000 for a client with severe injuries after a car accident. To learn more about our positive impacts on our clients’ lives, read our client testimonials.
Car accident claims often hinge on police reports, witness testimony, and crash site evidence. We jump into action immediately by deploying our Rapid Investigation Team to your accident scene within 24 hours.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm today for a free consultation by calling 866-792-2728 or completing our online contact form.
