What should I do after a car accident in Ohio?
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
2. Mandatory Reporting
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
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.
- 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
- 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.