What to Do After a Car Accident in Cleveland or Akron

1) Start with safety and a 911 call

Ohio crashes can unfold fast, especially on I-90, I-480, I-271, I-77, I-76, Route 8, and busy surface roads like Euclid Avenue, Carnegie, or Market Street.

If anyone is hurt, feels dizzy, or complains of head, neck, or back pain, treat it as serious:

• Move out of traffic if you can do so safely.

• Turn on hazards.

• Call 911 and request police and EMS.

If the crash is minor, you still may want police to respond or at least to document the incident. A short, neutral report can prevent a lot of later confusion.

2) Take the right photos (most people miss these)

Use your phone and take more pictures than you think you need. Aim for wide shots plus close-ups.

Get:

• Both vehicles from multiple angles

• License plates

• Damage close-ups

• The intersection or roadway layout

• Skid marks, debris, and fluid trails

• Traffic lights, stop signs, or lane markings

• Weather conditions (rain, snow, ice)

• Any visible injuries (if appropriate)

If your crash happened near a business, gas station, or intersection camera, note the exact location. Video footage often gets overwritten quickly.

3) Exchange information and identify witnesses

You need:

• Full name, phone, address

• Driver’s license number

• Insurance company and policy number

• Vehicle owner information (if different from the driver)

Then find witnesses. A witness who provides a name and phone number can matter more than a dozen opinions about what “must have happened.”

4) Get medical care and track symptoms

Not all injuries show up immediately. It’s common to feel “fine” and then wake up sore the next day. This is especially true for:

• Whiplash and back strains

• Concussions and “mild” head injuries

• Shoulder or wrist injuries from bracing

• Numbness and tingling

If you notice symptoms later, write down:

• When they started

• What makes them worse

• Any work you missed

• Activities you can’t do

This isn’t about exaggerating. It’s about creating a clean timeline that matches your medical records.

5) Be careful with what you say at the scene

It’s normal to feel adrenaline, embarrassment, or shock. But avoid:

• Guessing speeds (“I was probably going 45…”)

• Apologizing as a reflex (“I’m sorry!”)

• Debating fault with the other driver

• Posting about the crash online

Keep it simple:

• Confirm everyone’s okay (or request help)

• Stick to basic facts with police

• Let the evidence tell the story

6) Insurance calls: what to do with recorded statements

Insurance adjusters may call within a day or two. Sometimes it’s your own carrier; sometimes it’s the other driver’s. Either way, be cautious about recorded statements.

It’s usually fine to confirm basics:

• Date, time, location

• Vehicles involved

• Whether police responded

• Where your car is located for inspection

But you should not guess about injuries or blame. If you’re still treating, you may not know the full picture yet.

7) Build a simple “crash file”

Create a folder (paper or digital) with:

• Crash photos and videos

• Police report info and report number

• Names and witness info

• Tow and repair records

• Medical visits, work notes, and receipts

• A short symptom log

This is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself from delays and disputes.

When should you talk to a lawyer?

A few common reasons people call a lawyer after an Ohio crash:

• Injuries requiring ongoing care

• A dispute about who caused the crash

• A low settlement offer before treatment is done

• A hit-and-run or uninsured/underinsured driver

• Pressure to give a recorded statement

Sandel Law Firm is a focused, responsive, small-firm option. You deal directly with the people handling your case, not a rotating call center.

Insider Knowledge, Outstanding Results.

Key takeaways

• Safety first, then document everything.

• Photos and witness info are often the difference-maker.

• Track symptoms, even if they appear later.

• Be cautious with recorded statements.

• Organize a crash file early.

FAQ

1) Do I need to call police for a minor crash?
Not always, but a report can reduce later disputes. If anyone is hurt or fault is unclear, it’s often worth it.

2) What if I didn’t feel hurt until the next day?
That’s common. Get checked and tell your provider when symptoms started.

3) Should I give a recorded statement?
It depends on the situation. Be careful about guessing or minimizing injuries.

4) What if the other driver seems uninsured?
Your own policy may help in some situations. Ask for proof of insurance and document everything.

5) What photos matter most?
Wide scene photos plus close-ups of damage, plates, lane markings, and traffic controls.

6) Can I handle this myself without a lawyer?
Some minor claims can be handled directly. Injury claims and disputed fault often get complicated quickly.