How Do You Get a Truck Accident Report in Ohio? – A Detailed Overview
Visit the website of the Ohio Department of Public Safety to get a copy of your truck accident report. All you have to do is search for your accident report, providing your crash and document numbers or your last name, the date and county the truck accident occurred, and the investigative agency. The site offers valuable information under crash reports.
You can also obtain a copy of your truck accident report by mail or in-person by visiting the Public Records Office in your city. Remember that it may take about six weeks for the Department to upload your truck accident report into its database.
An Overview of Truck Accident Reports in Ohio
Accident reports in Ohio are usually referred to as OH-1 Traffic Accident Reports. After an accident, law enforcement officers usually draft an accident report that describes what happened, where the accident occurred, and any other details that may be important. They may also list the names of any witnesses who saw what happened and record their statements. Having your truck accident report is one way to strengthen your case, as the document contains plenty of information that might be useful in determining liability and your claim’s worth. Therefore, if you were involved in a truck accident and would like to be compensated, you need to know how to get this crucial document.
What Information Does a Truck Accident Report Contain?
These accident reports usually include important information, so you should confirm that everything is accurate.
This information typically includes:
- The date the truck accident occurred. This is important because the duration you have to file a claim may depend on when the truck accident took place.
- Location of the accident. You should ensure that this is correct to prevent the fault from being assigned incorrectly.
- Your personal information. This should be accurate, as, in some cases, a party’s driving record may be relevant to the incident.
- Photographs. Law enforcement officers who report to the accident scene are required to take photos. If no pictures exist in your accident report, you should request copies from your law enforcement agency.
- Witness statements and information. These statements may add important information regarding the events of the truck accident.
If you identify any inaccurate details in your truck accident report, you should contact your truck accident lawyer to review the document and request to edit it on your behalf.
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What Is the Importance of a Truck Accident Report?
The information included in the report will be used as crucial evidence when your lawyer advocates for you during your personal injury case. This document may help ensure that you receive full compensation for any injuries or losses you may have sustained.
After you retain the services of a lawyer, you’ll get to use the truck accident report and other types of evidence to prove that you were wrongfully injured and hold the liable party accountable for their actions, whether it’s the truck manufacturer or company or the driver.
When Should You File a Truck Accident Report?
In the event of a fatality or injury, the parties involved in the accident must call 911. If neither party has sustained any injuries or property damage, police aren’t required to report to the accident scene.
However, even if the police don’t file an accident report, the parties involved are required to pull over and exchange their contact information, including the registration numbers for their vehicles, their phone numbers, address, and names. This is in addition to exchanging their insurance information, including their policy numbers and carrier information.
While Ohio doesn’t require law enforcement to draft accident reports unless the collision resulted in injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage, you should file a report within five days of the crash. Working with a lawyer will help you understand all the legal processes entailed in filing your claim.
