The road to recovery after a car accident is a long one. If you got injured in an auto accident, you may have the right to ask for compensation, but things are often as smooth or simple as it seems on paper. For the unversed, Ohio follows the “modified comparative negligence rule”, which means if you had a part share in the accident, your share of compensation will decrease by that much percentage. If you share the blame over 50%, you cannot recover anything in compensation. Personal injury laws are inherently complex, and it makes sense to contact a Toledo injury lawyer, who can guide you through the process.
Estimate your claim’s worth
How much should you claim for your injuries and suffering? In Ohio, there is an overall cap of $350,000 for noneconomic damages, but you may have lost wages and are likely to have substantial medical bills, depending on how serious your injuries are. Your personal injury lawyer can help you determine the true worth of your claim, for which they may talk to medical experts, to understand if your injuries are likely to impact your life ahead and your capacity to earn.
Acting in time
As in most states, there is a statute of limitations in Ohio, as well. If you want to file a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver, you have to do that within a period of two years. Keep in mind that the evidence and information that will be available right after may not be available after a year of the accident. As such, you need an injury lawyer, who can act immediately and gather details that will strengthen your case.
Handling paperwork and negotiations
Negotiating with the insurance company to get the settlement you deserve may not be very easy. You will need an experienced injury lawyer by your side, who can ensure that your rights are protected and you don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve. Your injury lawyer is also in charge of the paperwork and they will ensure that you don’t sign anything that may go against you.
Consult a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can after the accident. Most lawyers work on a contingency basis in Ohio, which means that you do not pay them unless they win a settlement for you. There could be other expenses, which should be discussed in advance before taking things forward.
Comments are closed.