What to Do After a Car Accident in Columbus, Ohio | Buckeye Law Group

A car accident can change your life in an instant. One moment you are driving through Columbus on your way to work, school, or a night out, and the next you are left shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. In addition to dealing with the immediate shock of the crash, you may face medical bills, missed time at work, and pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly. At Buckeye Law Group, our Columbus car accident attorneys know how overwhelming this time can be. We created this legal guide to help accident victims in Columbus understand the steps they should take after a crash to protect their health, their rights, and their financial future.

Focus on Safety First

Immediately after a crash, your safety and the safety of others should come first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 911 right away. If your vehicle is blocking traffic on a busy Columbus road—whether it’s I-70, I-71, I-270, or a downtown street—move it to a safe area if possible and turn on your hazard lights. If the vehicle cannot be moved, remain inside with your seatbelt fastened until emergency personnel arrive. Remaining calm and taking quick action can prevent further accidents and ensure injured individuals get medical care right away.

Report the Accident to the Police

In Ohio, you are required to report accidents that result in injuries, deaths, or significant property damage. In Columbus, this usually means calling the Columbus Division of Police or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident happened. When officers arrive, they will document the scene, interview drivers and witnesses, and prepare an official accident report. This report often becomes a critical piece of evidence in your personal injury case, so be sure to ask the officer how you can obtain a copy.

Gather Evidence While You Can

If you are physically able, take the time to collect as much information as possible before leaving the scene. Use your phone to capture photos of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and traffic signs. Take pictures of any visible injuries as well. Exchange names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details with the other driver, but avoid unnecessary conversations or admitting fault. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers so your attorney can contact them later. Columbus roads are busy and evidence can quickly disappear, so gathering details immediately is one of the best things you can do for your case.

Seek Medical Attention Right Away

Even if you think you were only “shaken up,” it is critical to get medical care as soon as possible. Columbus has excellent medical facilities like The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Mount Carmel Health System, both of which see car accident victims regularly. Many injuries such as whiplash, concussions, or internal damage may not show symptoms immediately but can cause serious problems later. By seeking prompt medical treatment, you protect your health and create medical records that directly connect your injuries to the accident, which is vital for any future claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company Cautiously

After receiving medical care, you will need to notify your insurance company about the accident. Provide the facts, but avoid admitting fault or giving unnecessary details. Insurance adjusters may ask you to provide a recorded statement, but remember that their goal is to minimize payouts. Saying the wrong thing—even accidentally—can weaken your claim. Before you speak in detail with an adjuster, consider consulting with a Columbus car accident attorney at Buckeye Law Group. We can help you navigate these conversations and protect your rights.

Why You Need a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident on your own can be overwhelming. Insurance companies may pressure you into accepting a quick settlement that does not cover your long-term needs. Without an attorney, many victims walk away with far less compensation than they deserve. At Buckeye Law Group, our Columbus car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate your accident, gather police reports, medical records, and witness statements, and calculate the full value of your claim—including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. If negotiations with insurers fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

The Local Advantage of Buckeye Law Group

Columbus is Ohio’s capital and a city with unique traffic challenges. From heavy congestion on I-270 and I-670 to neighborhood collisions in areas like German Village, Clintonville, or the University District, our attorneys have the local experience to understand how accidents occur in the city. We also know the Franklin County courts and legal processes, giving us a strong advantage when representing clients in Columbus. Our team is committed to treating every client with compassion and personalized attention because we know that behind every case is a person or family trying to rebuild after a difficult experience.

Take Action Without Delay

The hours and days following a car accident are critical. Evidence can be lost, witnesses’ memories can fade, and insurance companies may try to settle your claim before you understand the full impact of your injuries. By contacting Buckeye Law Group immediately, you give yourself the best chance at a successful recovery. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us unless we win compensation for you. This allows you to focus on healing while we handle the legal details.

Contact Buckeye Law Group in Columbus Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Columbus, Ohio, you do not have to go through this alone. The attorneys at Buckeye Law Group are here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and fight for the justice you deserve. Call our Columbus office today or fill out our secure online contact form to schedule your free consultation. With Buckeye Law Group by your side, you can take the first step toward recovery with confidence.

👉 Schedule a free consultation with Buckeye Law Group today.