Do I need to tell the BMV about my car accident?

 What is required to report a crash to the BMV?

To file this crash report with the BMV, there must have been personal injury or any property damage the accident caused must exceed $400. Drivers can fill out form BMV 3303 and submit it to the agency within six months of the crash date.

To suspend the other driver's driving privileges, the report requires at least three pieces of identifying information of the other driver, which may include:

• Name;
• Date of birth;
• Driver's license number; or
• Social Security number.

The report must also include an itemized estimate of the property damage, as well as documentation of any injuries and proof that insurance has paid medical bills if they exceed $500.

Will the police report the car accident to the BMV?

The BMV may learn of a car accident from the police if the police completed an accident report and subsequently forwarded it. After an accident, drivers can ask the police to file a report, which may be beneficial because accident reports are good evidence for insurance and legal claims.

Ohio Code §5502.11 requires law enforcement to forward a written report of an accident to the director of public safety if the accident involved a fatality, personal injury, or if property damage exceeds $1,000. So even if you don't report the accident to your insurance, your accident may still show up on your driving record.

What does a police report contain?

Police accident reports may contain the responding officer's opinion of fault in the accident, the position of the vehicles, citations issued after the accident, and other important information about the accident. While accidents may be displayed on the driving record of each individual, opinions of fault are not displayed in the records. The BMV may issue points for any citations from the accident according to its rules.

How can an accident report help my case?

If the other driver didn't have insurance, it's a good idea to file the uninsured motorist report with the BMV. You can use this form as proof to your uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance company that you were in an accident with an uninsured driver.  Further, if you called the police and the police completed an accident report, you can request a copy and use it to establish that the other driver was at fault based on citations issued, the officer's opinion, as well as other pertinent information that the report may contain.

Ryan, LLP is committed to helping Cleveland drivers recover fair compensation for their damages after car accidents. Call our office at 877-864-9495 or fill out our online contact form to set up your free initial consultation so you can get started on your case today.