What to Do After a Car Accident That is Not Your Fault

Motor vehicle accidents happen. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there were 269,282 collisions reported in the state in 2021 alone. If you were involved in a crash that was not your fault, it is crucial that you know what to do to protect your health, well-being, rights, and ability to recover compensation. In this article, our Toledo car accident attorneys explain the key things you should know about what to do after a traffic collision that was not your fault in Ohio. 

Five Steps to Take After a Car Crash That Was Not Your Fault

The immediate aftermath of a car accident is often stressful and chaotic. Knowing what to do can bring clarity and relieve a lot of stress. Here are five steps to take if the accident was not your fault: 

1. Stop Your Car, Exchange Information: Under Ohio law, all motorists involved in a crash have a legal duty to stop their vehicle, remain at the scene, and exchange information.
2. Seek Medical Treatment for Injuries: Medical needs come first. Make sure you seek immediate attention for any injuries. You can only bring a personal injury claim if you have medical records.
3. Report the Accident: Serious collisions should be reported to state or local law enforcement. Doing so will establish an important record of the incident. The other driver may even be assigned fault in the police report.
4. Notify Your Insurer—But Avoid a Recorded Statement: You should notify your own insurance company of the crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement at this point in the process.
5. Seek Professional Legal Help: Were you hurt in a crash that was not your fault? Do not go up against the insurance company alone. Seek help from an experienced Toledo car accident attorney as soon as possible after such a crash.

Why it Matters: Ohio is a Fault-Based Car Accident Liability State

Fault matters. Ohio is an at-fault motor vehicle accident jurisdiction. All cases are handled in reference to the state’s comparative negligence statute (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2315.33). Being unfairly blamed for a crash could take money out of your settlement or verdict. Make sure that your crash is thoroughly investigated by an experienced Toledo car accident lawyer. 

Set Up a Free Consultation With a Top Toledo, OH, Auto Accident Attorney

At Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC, our Toledo car accident lawyers provide award-winning legal representation. We have helped injured victims secure more than $100 million in compensation across our practice areas. If you were hurt in a crash that was not your fault, we can help. Contact us today to set up a free, no-commitment case review.