Getting an Accident Report After a Crash in Ohio
When you have been involved in an automobile accident in Ohio, it is always in your best interest to obtain a copy of the accident report. Not only is it wise to keep a copy for your records, but such a report is invaluable for use in a potential insurance claim or legal action. The process for obtaining an accident report in Ohio generally involves the following steps:
- Obtain the relevant information: To obtain a copy of the accident report, you will need to provide certain information to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. This includes the date, the county of the accident, the responding law enforcement agency, and any names that you know of.
- Provide identification and payment: To obtain a copy of the accident report, you will need to provide identification, such as a driver’s license or state ID card, and payment for any associated fees. The fees for accident reports in Ohio vary by agency and may be subject to change, so it is important to check with the appropriate agency for the most up-to-date information.
- Wait for the report to be processed: Once you have submitted your request for an accident report, you will typically need to wait several days or weeks for the report to be processed and made available. During this time, the investigating police agency may contact you if additional information or documentation is required.
- Obtain a copy of the report: Once the accident report is available, you can obtain a copy either in person, by mail, or online, depending on the policies of the agency that processed the report. Most agencies in Ohio make their reports available online Some agencies may require additional identification or documentation to be presented to obtain a copy of the report.
Importantly, accident reports in Ohio may contain sensitive information, such as personal identification numbers, insurance information, addresses, and dates of birth. As a result, access to accident reports may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when the report is subject to an ongoing investigation or is being used in a legal proceeding.
For ease of access, we have provided the most common websites used to access traffic crash reports in Ohio.
https://ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov/CrashRetrieval This first link tends to be the easiest to navigate and requires the least information to obtain a report.
https://ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov/CrashOrdering/Home Additional reports and photos from the scene of the accident can be accessed at this site.
https://tpdaccidentreports.noris.org/ Specific to the Toledo area, crash reports created by the Toledo Police Department can be accessed here.
Contact Our Ohio Firm for Help Obtaining an Accident Report After a Crash
Overall, obtaining an accident report in Ohio can be a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to be prepared with the necessary information and documentation and to allow sufficient time for the report to be processed and made available. Reach out to our team if you have any questions or need assistance obtaining your accident report.