What Documentation Do You Need When You Get Into an Accident? 

Being involved in a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, but knowing what documentation to gather can help make the process much smoother. At Etler-Kettenacker Agency, we want to help Ohio drivers feel prepared and confident if they ever find themselves in this situation.

Essential Documentation After an Ohio Car Accident

After ensuring everyone’s safety and contacting emergency services if needed, it’s important to gather the following documentation to help protect your rights and support any insurance claims:

• Contact and insurance information—Collect the names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers involved in the accident. Be sure to exchange insurance details, including the names of the insurance companies and policy numbers.
• Accident details—Write down the date, time and location of the accident. Include a brief description of how the accident occurred, and make note of relevant road conditions, traffic signals and weather at the time. Take photographs of the accident scene, the damage to all vehicles involved and any visible injuries.
• Police report—If law enforcement responds to the scene, request the responding officer’s name, badge number and accident report number.
• Witness statements—If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to get their names and contact information. When possible, ask them to provide a written or recorded statement describing what they saw.
• Medical records—Be sure to save copies of medical bills, discharge summaries and doctors’ notes. These records help substantiate injury claims and may be necessary for potential reimbursement.

Having thorough accident documentation helps the team at Etler-Kettenacker Agency process your auto insurance claim efficiently. It may also protect you if there are questions about fault or damages. In Ohio, accurate records are especially important due to state insurance laws and the potential for comparative fault.

Learn More

If you have questions about accident documentation or need help with an auto insurance claim, contact us today. We’re here to support drivers before, during and after an accident.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.