As a large, bustling city, Columbus, OH sees its fair share of car accidents. In 2022, there were over 21,000 car accidents. Here is the number broken down by month:
January 2022 – 1662
February 2022 – 1503
March 2022 – 1607
April 2022 – 1730
May 2022 – 1878
June 2022 – 2030
July 2022 – 1968
August – 2213
September 2022 – 1884
October 2022 – 2016
November 2022 – 1641
December 2022 – 1339
Yet, these numbers only tell part of the story. Of the 21,471 Columbus, OH car accidents that occurred in the year 2022:
117 were fatal
499 involved serious injuries
3,883 had minor injuries
2,621 had possible injuries
14,351 only involved property damage
If you’re one of the thousands of people who were recently involved in a car accident, you probably have many questions about how to move forward. A few common ones include:
What information do I need to exchange?
You will need to exchange contact information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. Get their name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Note the make, model, and license plate number of all vehicles involved. Request a copy of the police report for your records. This can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims. As well, collect contact information from any witnesses at the scene.
Do I need to do anything else at the scene?
Yes, document the scene as best as possible. Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, and any visible injuries. Make notes about the location, date, time, road conditions, weather, and any relevant traffic signs or signals.
Do I have to talk to the other driver?
No, and in fact you probably shouldn’t. Things can get very heated after a car accident. Be careful about what you say to the other driver(s) and witnesses. Avoid admitting fault or making accusations. Stick to the facts when talking to the police.
Do I have to tell my insurance company if it wasn’t my fault?
Yes. Contact your own insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident.
Provide them with the basic details of the accident and the other driver’s insurance information.
How can I prove my repair bills and injuries?
In order to file a personal injury claim and receive compensation, you’ll need proof of injuries and damages. Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical records, bills, insurance correspondence, and repair estimates. Maintain a record of all expenses and losses incurred as a result of the accident.
Do you have more questions? Understanding your rights and the relevant laws in Columbus car accident claims is essential in making the right step forward. Contact 1-8000-Injured, a medical and legal referral network, to connect with a Columbus car accident lawyer. This experienced attorney, one of many in our vast network, will be able to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and maximize your chances of obtaining fair compensation for your injuries.