In the state of Ohio, not every car accident needs to be reported to law enforcement. However, specific laws dictate that a driver must report the accident to the director of public safety if there’s a death, injury, or over $1,000 in damage. Reporting a crash to insurance companies, however, is something that you should do for numerous reasons.
It’s essential to report an accident and to do so quickly. Here’s why:
Any Delay Is a Reason for Insurance Adjusters to Deny Claims
When you take time after your crash and don’t report your accident, insurance adjusters may try to use this against you. They may claim that while you delayed, you suffered injuries because of a separate incident. They’ll try to exclude certain damages from your claim.
If you don’t report your accident, you may not be able to file a claim to pursue compensation. In this case, you may have to pay for your losses out of your pocket.
Failure to Report a Crash Can Have Legal Ramifications
If state law requires you to report the crash and you don’t, it can be detrimental. The law may view this as failing to stop, which is a first-degree misdemeanor. If an injury occurs, the charges and penalties can worsen.
When you need to report the crash, but the other driver flees without providing you information, make sure you speak with a lawyer. You may need to go through your insurance provider to get compensation, and an attorney can help you!
At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP, we prioritize your rights. Our Cleveland car accident lawyers go above and beyond to help safeguard your rights during a challenging time. We’re ready to be your advocates and pursue compensation when you need it most. In any negligence-related case, we’ll be your voice and work to hold the responsible party accountable.
