I caused a car accident in Ohio: what to do

Stop. If anyone is hurt, call 911 and help as you safely can.

Why: State laws require drivers to stop after a crash, and leaving the scene can be a crime.

Give your name, address, plate number and insurance information to the other driver (and to police). If you hit an unattended car, find the owner or leave a note with your name and contact details.

Why: State laws require this exchange; North Carolina, for example, requires you to tell a parked car's owner within 48 hours.

Report the crash the way your state requires (see your state below).

Why: Some states require a police call or a written report to the DMV within days, and missing it can lead to a license suspension.

Stick to the facts with police and the other driver. You do not have to argue about who was at fault at the scene.

Why: Fault is decided later from the evidence; your insurer handles that discussion.

Take photos of the scene and all vehicles and get witness names.

Why: Evidence helps your insurer if the other side exaggerates damage or injuries.

If you answered “Yes” to “Did you have auto insurance at the time?”

Report the crash to your insurance company and give them the other driver's information.

Why: Your policy requires prompt notice; late notice can put coverage at risk.

If you answered “Yes” to “Did you have auto insurance at the time?”

If you get calls from the other driver's insurer, you can refer them to your own insurer.

Why: Your insurer speaks for you on the liability claim.

If you answered “No” to “Did you have auto insurance at the time?”

If you had no insurance, check your state DMV's rules: some states require uninsured drivers to file a report and may suspend your license until damages are paid or settled.

Why: For example, Missouri requires a report within 30 days when an uninsured driver is in a crash with injury or over $500 damage.

If you answered “No” to “Did you have auto insurance at the time?”

If you had no insurance and the other driver asks you to pay, ask for written repair estimates and receipts before agreeing, and put any payment deal in writing.

Why: A written agreement shows what you paid and that the claim is settled.

If you answered “A demand letter” to “Have you received a demand letter or court papers?”

If you get a demand letter, send a copy to your insurer right away.

Why: Insurers need time to respond before any deadline.

If you answered “Yes” to “Was anyone hurt?”

If you were hurt or someone else was, also check your state's insurance system below: in no-fault states each person's own personal injury protection pays medical bills first.

Why: This changes who pays medical bills and whether the other side can sue you for pain and suffering.

If you answered “Court papers” to “Have you received a demand letter or court papers?”

If you are served with court papers, note the deadline to answer and send the papers to your insurer the same day.

Why: If you do not respond in time, the court can enter a default judgment against you.

If it is a small claims case, go to the hearing with your photos, the police report, and any repair estimates of your own.

Why: In small claims you tell your side directly to the judge.

If there is a judgment you cannot pay at once, ask the court or the other side about a payment plan.

Why: Courts and creditors often accept payment plans, and unpaid judgments can lead to wage garnishment.