Cincinnati’s seven hills are awe-inspiring - just don’t take your eyes off the road to admire them. Our curvy, twisty roads may be beautiful, but they can also create a greater risk of auto accidents.
Couple this with the rise in distracted driving (not to mention drivers who speed) and the risk of having an auto accident climbs higher. In fact, a recent study conducted by Nationwide Insurance Agency showed that dangerous driving behavior is much higher this year than in 2022.
Even the most cautious drivers can be involved in a collision. While car accidents are often scary, knowing what to do if you’re involved in one can streamline the process and bring you peace of mind.
Follow these steps after an auto accident in Cincinnati
Make sure you and your loved ones are safe and uninjured
Nothing is more important than your health and safety. If you or your passengers have sustained injuries or feel unwell, stay calm and call 911.
Pull over to the side of the road
Whenever possible, drive your car to the side of the road, into a parking lot, or other area away from traffic. This will ensure your safety, as well as the safety of other drivers, and prevent a traffic backup. Turn on your hazard lights (if they are working), and use flares if you have them.
Contact the police, if needed
If you’ve haven’t yet called 911, do so now. Have your driver’s license and proof of insurance on hand so that the process moves quicker once the police arrive. When talking to law enforcement officers about the accident, state what happened clearly and request an accident report. You’ll need this to file a claim with your insurance provider.
Remember: Under Ohio state law, drivers involved in a minor car accident do not need to call and report the accident to law enforcement. If there are no injuries and damage to vehicles appears to be minor, you have the legal right to exchange contact information with the other driver and leave the scene of the accident.
Document the damage
Take photos of the damage to your car and, if possible, the damage to the other driver’s car as well. Write down the make, model, and color of the other vehicle, and make sure to exchange driver’s license numbers along with contact information. Talk to witnesses and get their contact information as well.
Start the claims process
Call your insurance provider or start your claim on the mobile app before you leave the location of the accident. This is necessary if your vehicle is too damaged to drive so your insurer can arrange to have it towed. It will also help get the claim in motion. If you talk to your insurance provider while you’re at the accident site, they can tell you exactly what they’ll need to get the process started.
Car accidents can be stressful, but they don’t have to be. The team at Roehr Insurance Agency keeps Cincinnati drivers safe on the road. We can match you with the best auto insurance carrier for your needs.
