Who’s At Fault in a Car Accident? A Guide to Liability in Ohio
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Knowing what to do after a car crash in Ohio can be challenging. Adrenaline is pumping, and your mind is likely racing through the physical, financial, and emotional effects.
The details of an accident might become a blur in the immediate aftermath, but a Franklin County crash report can provide clarity when you need it most.
A crash report is an official record of a motor vehicle accident intended mainly for data purposes. However, you may wish to use a crash report as evidence in a car accident claim or lawsuit.
Crash reports detail an Ohio car accident, providing necessary information such as:
In some cases, the officer gives an unbiased description of what caused the crash. Their input can help you establish fault in your Franklin County car accident and pursue compensation.
Responding officers must file a crash report with the Ohio Department of Public Safety. If the police did not arrive at the scene, you might not have a report.
If your crash falls under these guidelines and there is no responding officer, you must file a report yourself.
The best way to order your crash report is through the Ohio Department of Public Safety website. Be prepared to include the accident date, your license and registration number, and other personal information. The report will not be an official document, but it can still provide helpful details for your case.
You can also contact the law enforcement agency that responded to your accident for their report.
If your accident was investigated by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, you could purchase an OSHP crash report copy.
If you need to file your own crash report and the accident was within Franklin County limits, you can go through the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. For car accidents in Columbus, you can file a crash report with the City of Columbus Police Division.
Read here for more information on submitting a crash report near you.
A copy of your accident report could make a difference in your case. These documents can help establish fault, prove damages, and reduce the risk of someone fabricating a story.
If you did not cause your Franklin County car accident, an officer’s crash report could help support your case for compensation. Other parties might try to dispute your claims, but solid evidence from a crash report can help you fight back and hold the at-fault party liable for your damages.
Be sure to call an experienced car accident attorney before an at-fault driver and their insurance take advantage of you.
If the other driver involved in your crash is underinsured or uninsured, you can file a report using Form BMV 3303. The following criteria must be met:
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, crash reports are not considered public records since certain private information, such as your driver’s license number, is routinely redacted. To access the report, you must input your personal information, the county where the accident occurred, the date, and the provided document number.
The Ohio Department of Public Safety may take up to six weeks to process your traffic crash report. In the meantime, seek out the help of an experienced Ohio car accident attorney to begin building your case and defend you against greedy insurance tactics.
After a car accident in Franklin County, the Ohio injury lawyers at Kisling, Nestico, & Redick, LLC are here to guide you through recovery. We can collect evidence to prove the full value of your case, from crash reports to medical bills. Our team can answer your questions regarding accident reports, filing your car crash claim, recovering compensation, and more.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident attorneys, call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW or use our online contact form today.