Guidance For Handling Your Vehicle Post-Accident

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Most accident reports can be found at https://ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov/CrashRetrieval

Follow the steps on Ohio Traffic Data's webpage to locate your accident report. If the report is not posted or you can locate the report, you can contact the records department at the police agency that handled your accident report. 

At Fault Claim: If your vehicle is listed as unit 1 on the accident report or you were involved in a single vehicle accident then you will need to file an at fault claim with your insurance company. 

Not At-fault Claim: If you vehicle is listed as unit 2, unit 3, unit 4, or unit 5 on the accident report. You will file a not at fault claim with the at fault party's insurance company. The insurance information can be found on page 2 under insurance company. 

Uninsured Motorist Claim: If the at fault party does not have insurance coverage, then you would file the claim under your uninsured motorist policy.

After the accident, contact the at-fault insurance provider as soon as possible. Some insurance companies have a limited window for reporting claims.

Be prepared to provide:

• Accident details: Date, time, location, weather conditions, and a brief description of what happened.
• Police report: If law enforcement was involved, provide the police report number.

Other driver’s information: Include their insurance details, contact information, and vehicle description. 

Once your claim is filed, your insurance company will assign a claims adjuster. They will:

• Investigate the accident and determine fault.
• Arrange for an inspection of the vehicle.
• Estimate the cost of repairs or determine if the vehicle is a total loss.

Choose Your Repair Shop: In Ohio, you have the right to choose any repair shop. Your insurance may suggest preferred shops, but the final choice is yours.

Replacement Vehicles: If your car is totaled, your insurance company will reimburse you for the car's actual cash value, minus your deductible.

If your vehicle is considered a "total loss" you will need to retrieve your personal items and license plates from your vehicle. Once you retrieve your personal items from your vehicle, you will need to release your vehicle to the insurance company. Once your vehicle is released it will be picked up by either Co-Part or Insurance Auto Auctions. The insurance company will reimburse you for the cars actual cash value minus any deductible. 

 In Ohio, you have the right to choose any repair shop. Your insurance may suggest preferred shops, but the final choice is yours.

If your vehicle is repairable and gets repaired at an auto body shop, you are most likely entitled to the "diminished value claim" due to the collision. 

Your Interests and those of the other persons insurance company are in conflict. Your interests may also be in conflict with your own insurance company. Even if you are not sure who is at fault, you should contact your own insurance company and advise the company of the incident to protect your insurance coverage. 

Legal Assistance may be appropriate- You may consult with an attorney before you sign any document of release of claims. A release may cut off all future rights against others, obligate you to repay past medical bills or disability benefits or jeopardize future benefits. If your interests conflict with your own insurance company, you always have the right to discuss the matter with an attorney of your choice. 

If you obtained an injury from an auto accident either at-fault or not-at-fault. 

Make and Keep Records- Keep copies of receipts of all your expenses and medical care related to the incident. 

You do not have to sign anything- You may not want to give an interview or recorded statement without first consulting with an attorney, because the statement can be used against you. If you may be at fault or have been charged with a traffic or other offense, it may be advisable to consult an attorney right away. However, if you have insurance, your insurance policy may require you to cooperate with your insurance company and provide a statement to the company.

Get it in writing- You want to request that any offer of settlement from anyone to be put in writing, including a written explanation of the type of damages they are willing to cover.