If you have had the unfortunate experience of an Ohio car accident, you may be feeling irritated, devastated, and all sorts of emotions in between those two.
Depending on the circumstances of your accident in Ohio, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, property damage, and more.
Knowing the best ways to respond when you have been in an Ohio wreck can have a significant impact on how much compensation you receive.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Ohio
When you are in a car wreck, it can be difficult to process everything that is happening and to think ahead to things like compensation and lawsuits. However, it’s helpful to follow these steps after an Ohio wreck if your circumstances allow you to do so.
Prioritize Safety
If you can safely exit the vehicle, you should do so. Check on other drivers and passengers if possible. Call the paramedics, if necessary.
Photograph the Scene
Take photographs of all vehicles involved in the accident. Make sure to pay special attention to the damage to the cars. You should also take photos of the entire scene so you have proof of where all the vehicles were in relation to each other.
Notify the Police
It is important to have a police report to help reinforce your case. Even if you don’t think you should call the police, having the official police report could make a difference.
Request an Accident Report
You may need to request an accident report from the police. This report includes details about the scene of the accident that can be used as evidence. Witness statements should also be included.
Accept Medical Attention
You should accept any medical attention offered. Adrenalin is good at masking pain. Even though you may feel ok at the moment, you may have injuries without knowing it.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Protocol
If your car accident in Ohio involves a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, make sure you get the carrier name and vehicle or trailer identification number.
Call Your Insurance Company
You should reach out to your insurance company to notify them of the accident. Do not answer any questions beyond basic information, never admit fault, and do not sign anything.
Ohio Is a Comparative Negligence State
Your response to experiencing a car accident in Ohio is important because the state follows the law of comparative negligence/comparative fault.
The concept of comparative negligence means that parties share the cost of damages from an accident in proportion to their share of the negligence. This means that even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages.
Having adequate proof of how the accident occurred will determine the percentage of each party’s negligence. Though you should be truthful when discussing the accident with police officers, the other driver, and insurance companies, it is in your best interest to avoid admitting fault of any kind.
How to Obtain Compensation for an Ohio Car Accident
If you are in an accident in Ohio that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have a couple of options to receive compensation.
The at-fault party’s insurance is responsible for the damage to the extent that they were negligent. You may also choose to have damage taken care of by your personal insurance if you have collision coverage.
It is important to note that insurance companies, though they may be compassionate, are going to offer you the least amount possible as compensation.
Depending on the extent of your injuries, the impact of the Ohio car accident could be long-lasting. You deserve compensation that will cover the length of the impact.
Hiring an experienced Ohio personal injury attorney to handle your case and negotiation with the insurance company will give you the best chance at a fair settlement.
When an insurance company is unreasonable in its settlement offer or the policy does not fully cover your damages, you may file a personal injury lawsuit. The Ohio statute of limitations states that you must file a claim within two years of the accident.
Hiring an Ohio Car Accident Attorney
When it comes to recovering damages for an Ohio car accident, it is best to seek help from someone who has your best interest in mind.
Insurance companies are happy to offer quick settlements without taking into consideration the extent of future medical costs, potential lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The sooner they can get you to sign on the dotted line, the better for them.
Aaron Bensinger has extensive experience in Ohio personal injury law and understands how important it is for you to get the compensation you need to get life back to normal as quickly as possible.
The car accident lawyers at Bensinger Law will review your case, investigate the accident, gather evidence, determine how much compensation you should receive, negotiate with insurance companies, and prepare for trial if necessary. Contact us today for your free case consultation.
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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