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Civil Rights

When and how do I fill out a Motor Vehicle Accident Report in Ohio?

When you’re in an accident in Ohio, trying to make sense of everything you need to do afterwards can be intimidating and even overwhelming.

Fortunately, when you partner with experienced Ohio lawyers from Cooper Elliott, the process can get a whole lot simpler. Our Ohio personal injury attorneys can help guide you through each step of the process.

In this blog, we’ll go in depth into the process or filling out a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report and provide some insight regarding how to make sure your rights are protected.

What Is An Ohio Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report?

The Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report, or MVCR, is a report required by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles after certain accidents have occurred.

The purpose of the report is to collect information about the accident to help other parties, such as law enforcement, insurance companies, and others, understand how the accident happened.

An accurate account of the accident is critical for settling disputes over negligence or recklessness and ensuring proper compensation for damages, losses, and injuries.

When Do You Need to Fill Out a Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report?

If you’re unsure about whether you need to fill out an MVCR, the criteria are fairly straightforward. You should fill one out if any of the following is true regarding your accident:

  • There was property damage of more than $1,000;
  • Injuries or fatalities occurred; and/or
  • One or more vehicles were towed due to damage severe enough to disable

If you’re still unsure, the best thing to do is reach out to an experienced local Ohio attorney like our team at Cooper Elliott. We’re committed to helping you get through the process swiftly while protecting your rights to seek compensation for your damages and losses.

Gathering Information for your Ohio Motor Vehicle Crash Operator Report

Before you start filling out the MVCR, you’ll need to gather a substantial amount of information to have nearby. 

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  1. The date and time of the accident
  2. The location, including the street address, city, and county
  3. Vehicle information for all vehicles involved, including year, make, model, color, and plate
  4. Name, address, phone, and license number of each driver involved
  5. Insurance information of each driver involved
  6. Description of the accident and damages
  7. Names and information of passengers and witnesses
  8. Weather information and road conditions at the time
  9. Police report number (if applicable/available)

How to Fill Out The MVCR

You can download the form from the Ohio Department Of Transportation. Then you’ll need to take the following steps:

  1. Enter your personal information
  2. Provide accident details
  3. List vehicle and driver info
  4. Provide insurance info
  5. Document damages and injuries
  6. Provide witness information
  7. Provide the police report number and responding officer name

Once you’ve filled out the entire form, you’ll need to send it to the department that has jurisdiction for the area where the accident occurred. The report must also be submitted within 6 days of the accident. 

Be sure you keep copies for your records, and any subsequent legal or insurance purposes, and so that your car accident attorney can help you during your case.

Contact Cooper Elliott Ohio Personal Injury Lawyers Today

Even if you’ve been in an accident before, dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be stressful. And if you’re injured, it can complicate your recovery process. Filling out and submitting the MVCR is only one piece of the puzzle. If you need skilled attorneys looking out for your rights, reach out to Cooper Elliott today and speak with a member of our legal team about the details of your case, and let us get started fighting for you.