Can I File a Cleveland Car Accident Claim Without a Police Report in Ohio?

Filing a police report after a car crash caused by someone else’s negligence greatly benefits you, especially if you suffered severe injuries and significant property damage. But what if you do not have a police report? Can you still file a claim to seek compensation for your damages?

The answer is a resounding yes. Not having a Cleveland car crash police report can certainly complicate your case, but it does not prevent you from filing a claim.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we have a team of highly qualified car accident attorneys in Cleveland who are prepared to help you with your claim. We are fierce advocates for victims injured by the negligence of others, including those harmed in car crashes caused by a negligent driver.

Not sure if you have a case? That’s why we offer a free initial consultation. We look forward to speaking with you, hearing your story, and determining how we may be able to help. When we represent you, we work tirelessly to secure a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Can I File an Insurance Claim Without a Police Report in Cleveland?

Yes, you can file an insurance claim in Cleveland without a police report. You are required by law to file a police report under certain circumstances, but you do not need one to initiate an insurance claim. Not having a police report, however, does make the claims process more complex, and it may also affect the outcome.

While it is a good idea to obtain a police report or file your own accident report, your insurance company is still obligated to review your claim if you do not have one. If you find yourself in this situation, we strongly recommend seeking legal help.

When you work with our Cleveland-based injury attorneys at Friedman, Domiano & Smith, you have an experienced legal team ready to protect your rights, dispute insurance company arguments, and fight for the compensation you need and deserve, despite the missing documentation.

Why Are Cleveland Car Crash Police Reports Important to My Claim?

The benefit of having a police report is that the documentation they provide carries significant weight with insurance companies and courts, if your case ends up in a trial. While the report itself is legally classified as hearsay and therefore not admissible in a court of law, the details it provides are still highly valued and can be utilized as a point of reliable information throughout your case.

A police report contains critical details about your car crash, including driver statements, witness testimonies, and officer observations. First responders also note other critical details, such as information about the vehicles involved, and the date, time, location, and contact details of the parties involved.

When Do I File a Police Report After an Ohio Car Crash?

You don’t. In Ohio, when you call police to the scene, they complete and file a report on your behalf. You typically will not need to file a separate report. However, be sure to do the following before you leave the crash scene:

• Request the report number
• Obtain a copy of the report (usually available within 3 to 5 business days)
• Ensure you provide complete and accurate information to the responding officer

What if I Called Cleveland Police But They Did Not Come to the Scene of My Car Crash?

Cleveland police may not respond to every car accident that occurs within city limits. The Cleveland Division of Police, like many urban departments, prioritizes emergency responses based on several factors.

A police officer is most likely to be dispatched to the accident scene of a car crash that is more severe, especially if one or more parties sustained severe injuries.

If an officer does not come to the car scene, you should take immediate steps to protect your possible claims, such as:

• Document the Scene Thoroughly: Record your account of what happened in a car crash on your cellphone as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less you will remember. Take photos of the crash scene, damage to your vehicle, and injuries, if you can do so safely. Your priority is to protect yourself and others from further harm. Make detailed notes including time, date, and location, and any details about the road and weather conditions at the time.
• Exchange Complete Information: Collect detailed information from all parties involved, such as full names, contact information, driver’s license, license plate number, insurance policy, and passengers’ contact information.
• Identify and Gather Witnesses Information: Witnesses can provide valuable insights into what happened in a car crash and may be able to offer brief written statements.
• Notify Your Insurance Company: Even if you do not have a report, be sure to notify your insurance company. Be honest about not having a report and provide basic facts about what happened. Do not go into details about whether you were injured or who may have been at fault. Leave that for crash investigators to determine and refer to your lawyer.
• File an Accident Report: Without any police involvement, you may need to file your own report with the BMV using form BMV 3303 within 30 days. This document serves as an official record in the absence of a police report.

How Ohio Insurance Companies May React to Claims Without a Police Report

If you file an Ohio car insurance claim without a police report, the insurance company may look at your claim more closely, which typically delays the process. You may also be required to provide more documentation than normal. If you are claiming compensation for injuries, you can also expect the insurance company to push back and try to either prove your injuries are not severe or that they happened elsewhere.

When Your Ohio Insurance Claim Might Be Denied Without a Police Report

There are certain circumstances where not having a police report increases the chance of your claim being denied by the insurance company.

High-Risk Scenarios

These high-risk scenarios could increase the risk of denial of your insurance claim.

• Disputed Liability Cases: If drivers blame each other for the accident.
• Suspected Fraud Indicators: Some insurance companies may suspect fraud if you delay reporting a crash.
• Hit-and-Run Incidents: Without independent witnesses or strong physical evidence, proving a claim against the at-fault driver becomes difficult.
• Theft and Vandalism Claims: Most Ohio insurance companies require a police report if someone breaks into your car.

Denial Based on Policy Rules & State Laws

Insurance companies may deny your claim for the following reasons:

• Material Misrepresentation: If your statements about the accident do not match the physical evidence, they may claim you are being dishonest.
• Cooperation Clause Violations: If you delay or fail to submit requested documents, they may reject your claim.
• Late Reporting: If you wait too long to report the accident, usually beyond 24 to 72 hours, they may refuse to approve your claim.

Red Flag Situations

Red flags could trigger scrutiny without police documentation. For example, if you are involved in any of these situations, the insurance company may not think that your claim is valid and may not approve it.

• Single-vehicle accidents with substantial damage
• Private property incidents away from traffic cameras or witnesses
• Claims filed shortly after starting a new policy or upgrading coverage
• Accidents between acquaintances or family members with separate policies

Can I Recover Full Compensation Without an Official Police Report?

Yes. While police reports provide valuable third-party documentation, their absence does not automatically limit your ability to seek compensation.

At Friedman, Domiano and Smith, we are prepared to dispute insurance arguments and fight to overcome the legal challenges standing in the way of a successful outcome to your claim.

Why Seeking Immediate Medical Attention Helps Your Claim – Even if You Don’t Have a Police Report

Whether or not you believe you have any significant injuries, it is a good idea to seek medical help right after the crash. Even seemingly minor crashes can cause significant head injuries, whiplash, seatbelt injuries, and even fractures.

From the practical standpoint of pursuing a claim, seeking immediate medical help creates documented history in your medical records that link your injuries to the crash that caused them. When you don’t seek medical help after a car crash, insurance companies are less likely to believe you were hurt. Their reasoning for that conclusion is sound, as most injured victims want to get treated and recover.

Waiting to seek medical help also creates a time gap that insurance companies will certainly try to use to their advantage to minimize any compensation on your claim. They will argue that your injuries were either not severe, or they happened elsewhere.

When Should I Contact an Attorney After a Car Crash With No Police Report?

Contacting an attorney right after your car crash is highly recommended for many reasons. To start with, once an attorney is managing your case, you have someone to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process. Crash victims often make mistakes they do not even realize are damaging their claims – like admitting fault or not seeking medical care.

There are many deadlines involved in the legal process of seeking compensation after a car crash. In Ohio, you have just two years to file for damages against the at-fault party. The bigger mistake many crash victims make is waiting to call. Your attorney needs that time to preserve evidence and gather witness statements. Waiting to seek legal help means a lot of evidence gets lost or even destroyed. Witnesses start to forget about your accident not long after it happens, which is understandable, since they have no vested interest in your case.

How a Cleveland Car Accident Attorney May Prove a Case Without a Police Report

Cleveland car accident attorneys know and have the experience needed to help you prove your case without a police report. They can request camera footage from businesses to determine the circumstances of the accident.  

If you work with an attorney, they can also:

• Utilize local court advantages through familiarity with judges
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf regarding your claim
• Seek industry experts to confirm the severity of your injuries or damages
• Present evidence strategically with timelines, damage pattern analysis, and thorough responses to defense arguments

Call Friedman, Domiano & Smith for Legal Help After a Cleveland Car Accident

You can increase the chances of receiving a claim by gathering key evidence that can strengthen your claim. After a car crash, you do not have to go through the legal process alone. Seek counsel from a trusted licensed attorney who can help you pursue the compensation you need.

At Friedman, Domiano & Smith, we advocate for injured victims every day, and our proven history shows how good we are at what we do. Our experienced Cleveland legal team knows exactly how to build a compelling case, and we are dedicated to seeking the maximum compensation on your behalf.

Worried about the cost of hiring an attorney? We take injury claims on contingency, so there are no upfront, out-of-pocket costs for you to pay. And we only get paid our fees if we win compensation for you.