I Was Injured In A Car Accident In Springfield, Ohio. I Think I Have A Case Against The Driver Who Caused The Wreck. What Are The Steps I Should Take To Give My Case The Best Possible Outcome?

After a car accident in Springfield, Ohio, you need to seek medical treatment and follow the advice and recommendation of the doctor. The most important priority to get healthy again. Once you are able to proceed with the case, the issue is to ensure appropriate compensation from the driver who caused the wreck.

In Ohio, all Drivers are required to have insurance to operate a motor vehicle. When a party is injured in an motor vehicle accident, most often The case becomes a matter of negotiating with the claims adjuster as to what your claim is worth. Generally most Insurance companies determine a claim’s worth using two factors: the degree of the injury, and the amount of treatment involved.

How Important Is It To My Ohio Personal Injury Case That Medical Attention Was Sought Almost Immediately Following A Car Accident?

Seeking medical attention almost immediately following a car accident is not necessarily that important. Often, you do not feel any injuries following the accident because you have an adrenaline surge. Absent a fracture or some physical injury, it is not uncommon to not feel anything until the next day or two when the adrenaline subsides and the muscles begin to get sore. Immediate treatment is not necessary in that case.

How Long After A Car Wreck In Ohio Do I Have To File A Personal Injury Claim?

After a car wreck in Ohio, you have two years to file a personal injury claim, which is also known as the statute of limitations.

Even If The Other Driver Admitted Fault, Do I Still Need To Hire A Springfield Ohio Personal Injury Attorney For My Car Accident Case?

If the other driver admits fault or was issued a citation, you may be able to negotiate with an insurance company and a claims adjuster for a minor injury to resolve medical bills and lost wages. It depends on the severity of your injury because the insurance companies try to resolve a claim for the lowest amount possible. If you have no substantial injury, proving injury to an insurance company or showing how it affected your life is going to be the biggest issue. Attorneys cost money. With a smaller injury, there is no reason to give money to the lawyer if you can negotiate the claim yourself. Your decision about whether to hire an attorney or handle the case yourself depends on your abilities and how comfortable you feel negotiating with a claims adjuster.

What Are Some Of The Most Common Causes Of Motorcycle Accidents Across Ohio?

The most common causes of motorcycle accidents across Ohio are driver inattention or failure to yield. Motorcycle accidents frequently occur when someone pulls out in front of a motorcycle or they switch lanes without seeing the motorcycle and hit them.

What Types Of Injuries Do Motorcycle Riders Generally Sustain From These Accidents?

Severe road abrasions often occur in a motorcycle accident. A motorcycle rider could suffer burns from touching the mufflers when the motorcycle falls on them. Being thrown from a motorcycle carries a substantial risk of concussions or fractures. These injuries are more extreme because there is not the protection that an automobile provides to the driver and passengers.

As A Motorcycle Driver Or A Passenger, Am I Required To Wear A Helmet Or Other Safety Gear In Ohio And Does It Hurt My Personal Injury Case If We Were Not Wearing That Gear?

If you are under the age of 18 in Ohio or have a Novice License, you are required to wear a helmet as a motorcycle driver or passenger. All passengers under 18 are required to have a helmet. An insurance adjuster may use that as an attempt to minimize your injury, and claim that there was an assumption of risk on your part. You chose to not wear a helmet; therefore your injuries are much more severe. Legally, it does not hurt your case that you did not wear a helmet or other safety gear as a motorcycle driver or passenger.

What Are Some Common Tactics Insurance Companies Will Use To Reduce Or Deny A Settlement Claim That Are Specific To Motorcycle Accident Cases That You See?

Ohio has a comparative negligence law. Injury victims are not necessarily barred from recovering damages in an accident if their percentage of fault is 50% or less for the accident. An insurance adjuster could make an argument that the motorcyclist was speeding or was not an experienced driver and because of an assumption of risk, the insurance company should not have to pay. Proving that is a significant challenge.

For more information on Personal Injury Law in Ohio, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (937) 505-3600 today.