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What should I do after a car accident in Ohio?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-04-30

Ohio is a traditional at-fault (tort) state under the Ohio Revised Code Title 45 (Motor Vehicles) and Title 23 (Civil Procedure).

1. Immediate Steps at the Scene

  • Stop and exchange information (R.C. § 4549.02). Failure to stop after an injury accident is a felony.
  • Render aid; do not move injured persons unless danger is imminent.
  • Call 911 for injuries.
  • 2. Mandatory Reporting

  • Police: Required for injury, death, or damage exceeding $400 (R.C. § 4509.06; Highway Patrol practice).
  • BMV Crash Report (Form BMV 3303): Required if no police report was filed and injury or property damage exceeds $400; submit within 6 months to the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Failure to maintain proof of financial responsibility leads to license suspension under R.C. § 4509.40.
  • 3. Minimum Liability Insurance

    25/50/25 ($25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident / $25,000 property damage) under R.C. § 4509.51.

    4. Modified Comparative Negligence — 51% Bar

    Under R.C. § 2315.33, the plaintiff cannot recover if their proportionate fault is greater than 50%. At 50% or less, damages are reduced by the plaintiff's share.

    5. Statute of Limitations

  • Personal injury: 2 years (R.C. § 2305.10).
  • Property damage: 2 years (R.C. § 2305.10).
  • Wrongful death: 2 years (R.C. § 2125.02(D)).
  • Claims against political subdivisions: 2 years (R.C. § 2744.04). Claims against the State require filing in the Court of Claims within 2 years (R.C. § 2743.16).
  • 6. Damages Caps

    Ohio caps non-economic damages at the greater of $250,000 or 3× economic damages, up to $350,000 per plaintiff/$500,000 per occurrence (R.C. § 2315.18) — exceptions for catastrophic injuries.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Insurer claims you were more than 50% at fault
    • Damages may exceed Ohio's non-economic cap ($250K/$350K)
    • Claim involves a state agency or political subdivision
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • R.C. § 4509.51
    • R.C. § 4549.02
    • R.C. § 2305.10
    • R.C. § 2315.18
    • R.C. § 2315.33
    • R.C. § 2744.04

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.