A Guide to Ohio Car Accident Laws in 2025

Car accidents can happen in an instant, but the aftermath can have long-lasting effects on your life. Understanding Ohio car accident laws can help you protect your rights, navigate the claims process, and secure the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

The first moments following a car accident are critical. Here’s what you should do:

Call Emergency Services

Always report the accident to the police, even if it seems minor. A police report provides an impartial account that can be essential for determining fault and pursuing compensation. Stick to the facts when speaking with law enforcement and avoid making assumptions or guesses.

Exchange Information

Collect the other driver’s name, insurance details, driver’s license number, and license plate number.

Document the Scene

Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles, your injuries, and the accident site. This evidence can be crucial for supporting your claim.

Seek Medical Attention

Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal damage, may not show symptoms immediately but can have lasting impacts.

Understanding Ohio’s At-Fault Insurance System

Ohio operates under an at-fault insurance system, which means the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for covering damages. Victims can seek compensation by:

Filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance.
Using Uninsured Motorist (UIM) or Underinsured Motorist (UMM) coverage from their own policy if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.

For more details on fault determination, visit: How Is Fault Determined in an Ohio Car Accident?.

How Fault is Determined in Ohio

Fault in a car accident is typically established using evidence such as:

Police Reports: Often the most reliable and impartial account of the accident.
Witness Statements: Testimony from bystanders can corroborate your account.
Physical Evidence: Photos, traffic camera footage, and damage assessments help reconstruct the event.

Ohio law also allows for shared fault, meaning multiple parties can share responsibility for the accident. If you’re partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility under Ohio’s comparative negligence rule.

What Damages Can You Claim?

Ohio law allows car accident victims to claim two main types of damages:

1. Economic Damages- These are tangible losses, including:

Medical expenses (e.g., hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy).
Lost wages or income due to injury.
Vehicle repair or replacement costs.

2. Non-Economic Damages – These include intangible losses such as:

Pain and suffering.
Emotional distress.
Loss of enjoyment of life or activities.

The Statute of Limitations in Ohio

The statute of limitations for car accident claims in Ohio is two years from the date of the accident. This deadline applies to both personal injury and property damage claims.

Important considerations:

Simply filing an insurance claim does not pause the statute of limitations. A formal lawsuit must be filed within the two-year period.
Some injuries may not become apparent immediately, which is why acting promptly is critical.

The Timeline of a Personal Injury Case

Every car accident case is unique, but most follow this general timeline:

Medical Treatment: Focus on your recovery. Once your injuries are stable, your attorney can fully evaluate your damages.

Filing a Claim: Your lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Many cases are resolved without going to court.

Litigation: If negotiations fail, a lawsuit may be filed. The litigation process includes discovery, depositions, and potentially a trial. However, many cases settle before reaching this stage.

The length of a case depends on its complexity but can range from a few months to several years.

When Should You Contact an Attorney?

Contacting an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible after a crash is crucial. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and having a lawyer ensures your rights are protected. An attorney can:

Communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Help you gather evidence to build a strong case.
Provide advice on how to handle all aspects of your claim.

Why Choose Tittle & Perlmuter?

Navigating Ohio car accident laws can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Tittle & Perlmuter, our team is dedicated to helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve. From investigating your case to negotiating with insurers and representing you in court, we’re with you every step of the way.