How to get an accident report in Ohio

How to get an accident report in Ohio

October 5, 2023

 

To obtain an accident report in Ohio after a car accident, you can follow these steps:

 

  1. Identify the Jurisdiction: Determine which law enforcement agency responded to the accident. Accident reports are typically filed with the agency that has jurisdiction over the location where the accident occurred.

  2. Wait for Processing: Accident reports may not be immediately available. It may take a few days or even weeks for the report to be processed and made available for request. Be patient and allow sufficient time for this process.

  3. Request Online:

    • Ohio has an online database where many (but not all) crash reports are available: https://ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov/crashretrieval.

    • Visit the website of the law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. Look for a section related to accident reports or records request.

  4. Request by Mail or In Person:

    • If online access is not available or if you prefer a different method, you can request an accident report by mail or in person. To do this, you'll typically need to visit the police department or law enforcement agency that responded to the accident.

    • Check the agency's website for their specific requirements and fees, if any, for obtaining accident reports by mail or in person.

  5. Provide Required Information:

    • When requesting the accident report, you may be asked to provide certain information, including the date and location of the accident, the names of the involved parties, and the case number if available. Be prepared to provide accurate details to help locate the report.

  6. Pay Fees: There may be fees associated with obtaining a copy of an accident report. The cost can vary depending on the law enforcement agency and whether you request it online, by mail, or in person. Check with the specific agency for their fee schedule.

  7. Wait for Processing: Once you've submitted your request and any required payment, you may need to wait for the agency to process your request and provide you with the accident report. The time it takes to receive the report can vary.

  8. Review and Use: Once you have the accident report, review it carefully. It contains important information about the accident, including details about the parties involved, witnesses, and the circumstances of the collision. You may need this information for insurance claims or legal purposes.

Remember that the specific process and requirements for obtaining an accident report may vary by jurisdiction and law enforcement agency. It's essential to visit the website of the agency that handled the accident or contact them directly to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on how to obtain the report.

SPEAK WITH AN OHIO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY TO DISCUSS YOUR CLAIM

When a car accident causes you to suffer injuries and damages, hiring the right Ohio car accident lawyer and having them on your side is crucial. The assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced attorney can be the deciding factor in whether you achieve a fair settlement.

Luckily, you can find such an attorney at The Eric Henry Law Firm. Our car accident lawyer has worked on hundreds of cases and can help you build a case to better your chances of achieving a successful claim outcome. When you’re ready to have your case heard, you can contact us here, and we’ll be in touch.

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