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How to File a Police Report After a Car Accident in Columbus, OH | Buckeye Law Group

Filing a police report after a car accident in Columbus, OH is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights, document the crash, and ensure the evidence is properly recorded for your insurance claim or any future legal action. At Buckeye Law Group, we help injured drivers, passengers, and pedestrians through every step so they can focus on recovery while we handle the legal details.

Step 1: Call 911 Immediately

After any crash, call 911 right away. In Columbus, OH, officers from the Columbus Division of Police respond to document the accident, evaluate injuries, and create an official police report. Even minor collisions should be reported.

Step 2: Ensure Safety While You Wait

Move vehicles out of traffic if possible, turn on hazard lights, and assist anyone who is injured. Avoid admitting fault, apologizing, or making assumptions about what happened.

Step 3: Gather Essential Information

While waiting for the police to arrive, collect the following details:

  • Names and contact information of drivers
  • Insurance policy details
  • Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers
  • Witness names and contact information
  • Photos or videos of the scene, property damage, and injuries

This information becomes part of your official police report.

Step 4: Provide a Clear Statement to Police

When officers arrive, calmly and clearly explain what happened. Describe the direction each vehicle was traveling, what you observed, and any injuries you have. Stick to facts and do not speculate or guess.

Step 5: Ask for the Crash Report Number

Before leaving the scene, ask the responding officer for the incident or crash report number, as well as the officer’s name and badge number. This makes retrieving your Columbus crash report much easier later.

Step 6: Get Your Columbus Police Report

You can obtain your official crash report through several methods:

Online

Columbus crash reports are typically available through the Ohio Department of Public Safety Crash Report Portal.

In Person

Columbus Division of Police
Records Unit – 120 Marconi Blvd, Columbus, OH

By Mail

Report requests may also be mailed to the Columbus Police Records Unit.

Once your police report is filed, it’s important to speak with an experienced attorney—especially if you were injured, the other driver lacked insurance, your vehicle sustained major damage, or there is a dispute about who was at fault. Buckeye Law Group uses the police report, witness statements, medical documentation, and crash evidence to build a strong claim and seek the compensation you deserve.

Talk to a Columbus Car Accident Attorney Today

A police report is only the first step. Our team ensures the rest of your case is handled correctly from the beginning. Contact Buckeye Law Group today for a free case review and immediate legal support after your car accident in Columbus, OH.

👉 Schedule a free consultation with Buckeye Law Group today.