Car Accident Lawyers in Dayton, OH Help After Being Injured in Collisions
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. The team at The Attkisson Law Firm, LLC can help guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting the compensation you deserve. With over 40 years of experience fighting for the rights of accident victims, our attorneys know how to get results.
Reckless drivers are around us at all times, making motor vehicle accidents more common. It’s likely that every time you drive, you see at least one other person using their cell phone behind the wheel, making a too-wide turn, or driving too fast. Sometimes, the actions of these reckless drivers, fortunately, do not impact other people. But when they do, the results can be catastrophic.
The Dayton car accident lawyers of The Attkisson Law Firm are here to help if you or a loved one have been harmed in a collision with a reckless driver. We are available to discuss the details of your case and guide you through the necessary legal processes to get you the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation with our legal team, send us a message or call 937-918-7555.
What are Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents can be caused by many different factors. Although driver negligence is one of the most common causes, collisions may result from external factors such as poor road conditions, weather, defective vehicles, and other elements.
Driver negligence may include:
- Texting or talking on the phone
- Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Speeding
- Tailgating
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against that driver. To learn more, contact The Attkisson Law Firm today.
Because a car accident can result from so many different issues, there are multiple parties who may be at fault for your injuries. In most cases, the other driver is at fault. However, parties such as mechanics, vehicle manufacturers, and government entities who are responsible for maintaining the roads could also be liable.
Some of the most common causes of car accidents include:
- General reckless driving behaviors
- Traffic violations
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Defective vehicle parts
- Negligent vehicle maintenance
- Road conditions
- Inclement weather
What To Do After a Car Accident
Most drivers will find themselves involved in a car accident at some point in their lives. Although it can be a frightening experience, there are certain steps that you should take to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers.
If you are able to do so, move your car to a safe location out of the way of oncoming traffic. If you are unable to move your car, then stay inside and wait for help to arrive. It is best to know what to do after a car accident. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Exchange Information – In order to make an insurance claim, you will need the other driver’s contact and insurance information. If the other driver tries to convince you that you can handle the accident without involving the insurance company, ask for the information anyway, immediately after the accident. If there are any witnesses to the accident, ask for their information. Do not say anything to anyone else at the scene of the accident, including any apologies, as this could potentially be used against you.
Call the Police – Contact the police department to report the accident. Getting this information documented in a police report can help with the claims process. Additionally, the responding officer may write down specific details on the police report, which may assist you later in the case.
Seek Medical Attention – Do not refuse medical attention. If you later develop an injury related to the accident, it will be more difficult for you to prove that the accident caused the injury if there is a delay between the accident and medical treatment. Instead, seek medical attention immediately and keep track of all of your medical documents.
Document the Damage – If you are able, take pictures of the accident scene. Include pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle. Take pictures of other factors that could have contributed to the accident, such as road debris, a traffic sign that was ignored, or weather conditions. Provide the information that you have collected to your Dayton car accident lawyer.
Is Ohio a No-Fault State?
Ohio is not a no-fault state. In order to recover compensation following a car accident, a person must file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
The process of working with the other driver’s insurance company may involve speaking and negotiating with the provider, establishing evidence of the other driver’s fault, and sharing details about your injuries. In all of these processes, the assistance of an attorney is essential. Insurance providers aim to pay claimants as little as they can and will do what they can to deny or undervalue your claim. We understand the most effective ways to build a case and have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies. Throughout your claim, we will make sure your rights are protected and that you can recover the compensation you deserve.
Contributory Negligence in Ohio
It is possible for multiple parties to be found liable for a car accident, and the state of Ohio accounts for this with contributory negligence laws. Under these laws, each party who is involved in a collision can have their compensation reduced according to their degree of fault.
For example, a driver may be found to be 20% at fault for a car accident because they were speeding at the time that the collision occurred. Although the other driver’s actions were the primary cause of the car accident and the 20% at fault driver sustained more significant injuries, they are still partially at fault. If their damages total $100,000, that amount would be reduced by 20%, and they would be allotted $80,000 in compensation.
Do I Need a Car Accident Attorney After My Accident?
Insurance companies have lawyers and adjusters who evaluate your claim from the moment it is submitted. In most cases, it will be essential that you work with an attorney immediately to protect your rights and maximize your claim.
Having a car accident lawyer for your case can give you peace of mind that no stone was left unturned. If you suffered injuries, you would especially want an attorney who can thoroughly investigate your case to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, contact The Attkisson Law Firm today. During a free consultation with our legal team, we can discuss the events of the collision, your injuries, your questions, and how we can help you recover compensation. Call 937-918-7555 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our Dayton car accident attorneys.
What Happens After I am Involved in a Car Accident?
After an accident, many questions you may have, including:
If My Injuries Are Minor, Should I Seek Medical Help?
It is important to get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident has occurred. You should provide your physician with a clear history of the accident for a thorough check-up.
What Should I Photograph After the Accident?
Make sure that you fully document all aspects of the accident. This includes images of the vehicles, any road defects, damage to your property that was inside the vehicle, the location of the scene of the accident, and your injuries.
What Can I be Compensated for After the Accident?
If you have been injured in an accident, it is likely that you can claim damages after an accident. Here are some of the damages that you can pursue in a car accident lawsuit:
- Cost of medical care
- Lost income
- Physical therapy expenses
- Future medical care costs
- Lost future income
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement compensation
The Insurance Company Offered Me a Settlement, Should I Take It?
Be suspicious of any financial offer that is quickly offered to you by the insurance company. This is a tactic to lowball the settlement and close out a claim before the full cost of the case becomes known. After you accept an offer, you will be unable to pursue compensation in the future. We recommend that you meet with our team to review the settlement before accepting the offer.
How Can I Get my Bills Paid?
Depending on the circumstances, the insurance company whose driver caused your accident should pay the medical bills. The issue is that your medical provider will want to be paid immediately, but the insurance company won’t pay until you have completed all of your medical treatments. You do have a few options to cover bills in the meantime:
- Health Insurance – Health insurance companies are often hesitant to pay for injuries from a car accident, but they will still need to cover the costs of your injuries if that is listed under your policy.
- PIP Coverage – PIP is a coverage option that helps you pay the associated medical costs on a no-fault basis. This is a requirement in some states, and it will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs.
- UM/UIM Coverage – If the other driver did not have insurance or if their policy limits were not high enough to cover all of your damages, you may be able to file a claim under your own UM/UIM policy.
- Med Pay – This is a medical payment coverage option that will help you pay for your medical expenses, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact The Attkisson Law Firm for a free consultation. We have years of experience fighting for the maximum compensation for our clients. Call 937-918-7555 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our Dayton car accident attorneys.