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What To Do After A Car Accident: A Comprehensive Guide

Whether in a car, truck, or motorcycle, living through a motor vehicle accident can be deeply traumatic. The emotional toll can be even greater if the crash happened through no fault of your own. In the days after a serious collision, it’s normal to feel scared, distracted, and unable to focus, especially if you’re in pain. For many, a serious car accident can lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty about the future.

As Cincinnati car accident attorneys with extensive experience in these cases, RKPT is proud to offer this comprehensive guide on what to do after an accident. Keep reading for answers to some of the most important questions you may have if you’ve been involved in a crash you didn’t cause.

Call Us: (513) 721-3330

What to Do After A Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

At the Scene of the Accident…

Assess the Scene. Take a deep breath and assess yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away, and stay at the scene unless staying would put you in danger. If there is a fender bender and no one is presenting injury symptoms, it’s typically best practice to move it to the shoulder or out of traffic for safety. Turn on your hazard lights; you may want to use cones or flares if you have them to alert other drivers. If anyone is seriously injured or the car can’t be moved, stay as you are and wait for first responders.
Call the Police. Ohio law requires contacting police for accidents involving any injury or death, and/or property damage greater than $1,000. Even for minor accidents, call 911 immediately; the operator will dispatch both medical personnel and police officers. The police report is critical, as it can be used later for your insurance claim, as well as any legal claims that may follow.
Exchange and Gather Information. As you are able, use the waiting time to exchange names, contact details, driver’s license numbers, insurance information, and vehicle details with all involved drivers. Get contact information for any witnesses. Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, injuries, and property damage. You should also make note of the accident scene, including road conditions, skid marks, debris, and traffic signs.
Collect Evidence at the Scene. Methodically document every detail that could help reconstruct what happened. Use your phone to take wide and close-up photos from multiple angles, capturing all vehicle positions, visible damage, debris, skid marks, traffic signs, and surrounding conditions such as weather, lighting, and road surface. Record short videos if possible to show the scene in context. If safe, make a quick sketch of the accident layout, noting lane markings and points of impact. Ask witnesses for brief recorded statements and confirm their contact details. Preserve any physical evidence, such as broken parts or personal items, that could be relevant later.

After You Leave the Scene ….

Seek Medical Attention. This is arguably the most important step: always get a thorough medical evaluation after the accident. Even if you feel fine, injuries like whiplash or concussions may take days to appear. Keep thorough records of all symptoms and medical visits.
Notify Your Insurance Company. Report the accident to your insurance adjuster as soon as possible, even if you aren’t at fault or don’t intend to file a claim right away. Provide all requested information and documentation. Ohio BMV requires a mandatory minimum of $25,000 per person, and $50,000 per accident, of bodily injury insurance, as well as; $25,000 in property damage insurance. Always file a report with the BMV within 6 months if the other driver is uninsured and damages/injuries apply.
Speak to an Ohio Car Accident Attorney. While you are not required to retain an attorney after a car accident, speaking to one may be helpful, especially if your accident involves contested liability, multiple drivers, or an unexplained delay in your claim resolution. RKPT offers free consultations for all car accident claims; call (513) 721-3330 to get started.

What NOT to Do After a Car Accident

Leave the scene
Forget to call 911, even if it seems minor
Admit fault
Lose your temper
Forget exchanging information with others involved.
Neglect to document the accident scene
Skip filing a police report
Delay contacting your insurance company
Talk to the other party's insurance company without consulting a lawyer
Decide not to see a doctor because you feel ok immediately after the crash
Post about the accident on social media or share unnecessary details.
Allow anyone access to your full medical records without advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need to call the police after a car accident?

You are required to call the police for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage in excess of $1,000. However, even if these thresholds do not appear to be reached, it’s a good idea to report the incident in case future damages come to light later. Calling the police creates an official record that can make insurance claims and proving fault much easier.

RKPT strongly discourages agreeing to settle privately with the other driver, as they might be uninsured or later deny what happened. Moreover, you may not know the extent of your injuries until much later.

Pro Tip: Save RKPT’s number, (513) 721-3330, in your phone as “Cincinnati Car Accident Attorney.” This way, you will have access to a qualified car accident lawyer when you need one

What information is included in a police report?

An Ohio police report for a car accident, formally known as the Ohio Public Safety Traffic Crash Report (form OH-1), is the official, detailed record of the crash. This accident report includes:

The simple facts about the crash, like date, time, location, officers’ arrival time, scene clearance, and whether EMS was called
Location details, including road, weather, and lighting conditions.
All owners’ and drivers’ names, addresses, and vehicle descriptions, license plate numbers, insurance information, injuries, and vehicular damage, as well as all driver, occupant, and witness contact information
Citations, charges, and drug or alcohol test results (if applicable)
Crash details the type of collision, each vehicle’s direction of travel, pre-crash actions, and contributing factors like distracted driving or impairment.

The police report will come in handy for both insurance and legal purposes; it captures not only the basic facts, but also the investigating officer’s interpretation of events. Adjusters, attorneys, and courts often rely heavily on it to determine fault and assess damages. While you can file an insurance claim without a police report, having one usually speeds up the process and strengthens your position if there’s a dispute.

If you have a police report and would like to view it, you can find it here.

Should I get a medical assessment after an accident, even if I feel okay?

Yes. Even if you think you’re uninjured, you should get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries don’t appear right away because of adrenaline and shock. Early evaluation ensures injuries are documented in your medical record, which can be vital for insurance claims and potential legal action to recover costs for treatment, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Delays in symptoms are common after traumatic events, which is why the statute of limitations for auto accident claims, in Ohio, is two (2) years after the event, allowing time to identify injuries. Getting prompt care protects both your health and your right to compensation later.

If you have experienced a delayed-onset injury, you may be able to collect compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Speak to a Cincinnati car accident lawyer to learn more: (513) 721-3330.

What do I do if I’m injured in a car accident?

If you or someone else is hurt in a car accident, the most important thing to do is: stay calm. A clear head will help you call the police, assist with medical needs, and document the scene. If you are seriously injured, call 911 (or have someone call for you) and remain where you are until help arrives. Your health comes first; focus on steady breathing, and limit movement unless absolutely necessary.

If another person is seriously injured, call 911 immediately. Give your location, describe what happened, and follow the operator’s instructions. Even if you were not personally involved in the accident, do not leave the scene. If the other driver flees, inform the police right away; in Ohio, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering injury-related costs.

Pro Tip: Avoid Admitting Fault

While it may be tempting to share the blame with other drivers, it’s crucial never to admit fault or make statements about who is to blame. Stay factual and polite, but do not speculate as to why the accident occurred. The fault will be determined during the insurance investigation.

If you need legal assistance to assist with the resolution of your case, call RKPT: (513) 721-3330.

What if the other driver leaves the scene of the accident?

If the other driver takes off after a crash, notify the police right away. Ohio is an “at-fault state,” which means that the driver who caused the accident is legally responsible for damages. For this reason, you’ll need their identity and insurance details to seek compensation.

Regardless of who caused the accident, remain at the scene until emergency responders arrive. Leaving is against the law, and staying helps ensure the incident is recorded correctly. Give the police all available information, and take photos or videos for your records; these may be important for your insurance or legal claim.

Can I collect damages if I share responsibility for causing the accident?

Yes. Ohio uses a “modified comparative fault” rule: as long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can recover compensation (reduced by your percent of fault). If you are 51%+ at fault, you cannot recover damages. If you are involved in a car accident that you believe was partially your fault, always work with a car accident attorney to help resolve your claim fairly.

How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Ohio?

In Ohio, you have two (2) years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury or property damage lawsuit related to the crash. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, applies whether you are seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or vehicle repairs. If you miss this deadline, you may lose the right to pursue your claim in court.

RKPT strongly advises car accident victims to research their legal options as soon as possible after the accident. Call us at (513) 721-3330 to begin the process.

When should I see a doctor after a car accident?

You should get medical attention as soon as possible after a car accident, even if you don’t feel hurt right away. Adrenaline and cortisol from the crash can hide pain or injury symptoms immediately after the incident. Some injuries, such as whiplash, concussions, or soft tissue damage, may only present days or even weeks later. A prompt medical evaluation helps catch hidden injuries early and can protect your health and your insurance claim.

Do I always need a car accident attorney after an accident?

While you are not legally required to use an attorney to manage your car accident case, consulting with a respected car accident law firm can help you decide if legal action is required. If so, an experienced lawyer can help you recover damages from both the at-fault driver’s insurance company as well as your insurer. Studies show that claims represented by personal injury attorneys settle faster and for larger sums than unrepresented claims.

Depending on your situation, especially if trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, or other vehicles are involved, it’s essential to work with a legal team familiar with your type of case. Your attorney should be ready to guide you through every step, from filing paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies to going to trial if necessary.

How do I recover after a car accident?

In the days and weeks after your car accident, taking care of your health is critical. As you wait for your claim to settle, follow your doctor’s advice, eat well, stay hydrated, and get plenty of rest. Prioritizing your physical and mental well-being will help you advocate for yourself throughout recovery.

Many people experience lingering physical pain or emotional challenges, like anxiety or depression, after a car crash. Always keep detailed records of your medical visits, prescriptions, therapy sessions, and diagnostic tests following your injuries; this can support your insurance claim and help you receive fair compensation for medical expenses.

I was injured in a hit-and-run accident. What happens now?

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drunk or intoxicated driver, it’s important to contact a Cincinnati car accident lawyer right away. These cases are often more complicated than they appear because they involve both criminal and civil aspects. Not only do they address criminal penalties for the drunk driver, but they also focus on securing fair compensation for your injuries and losses.