What to do if I've Been in a Crash?

Do I Need to Call the Police?
Cartoon cars, one blue, one red in a rear-end crash, with a little fire in the air over the smashed front end of the blue car.
What to do after a fender bender.

Non-Emergency Dispatcher: 614-471-5720
Emergency Calls: 911

Clinton Township Police Chief Mike Jones says Clinton Township Police Department will respond under normal conditions to a traffic crash whether property or injuries are involved. During times of very severe weather such as heavy snowstorms or extreme weather officers may be able to respond to Injury accidents only and police dispatchers will advise persons who call in to report a crash if these conditions are in effect.

**Officers will not respond to auto crashes on private property such as shopping centers because private property crashes are not reported to the Department of public safety or BMV. You should still notify your insurance company if involved in a crash on private property.**

Chief Jones says Ohio law requires police to come to the scene and file a report only when:

  1. The accident causes an injury that requires medical care.
  2. A fatality occurs.
  3. Property damage totals more than $1,000.

Chief Jones says if you're involved in a minor crash under $1,000 in damages, you can exchange information with the other party involved and notify your insurance company without police being called to the scene.

When obtaining information from the other party it is always suggested to exchange:

  1. Names of driver and owner of vehicle
  2. License plate and state car is registered
  3. Driver’s license number
  4. Insurance company with policy number and agents phone number
  5. Names and contact numbers of any passengers or witnesses

Persons who are involved in an auto accident where the other party may not have insurance can file a report with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles on their website and mail it to:

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Attn: Compliance Unit
P.O. Box 16583
Columbus, Ohio 43216-6583