Frequently Asked Questions about Car Accidents
Honest advice from a Cleveland car accident law firm that puts your best interests first
You’ve been in a car accident in Ohio and now you have questions. At Merriman Legal, LLC, we want to help. As a special service, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about car wrecks in Cleveland and throughout The Buckeye State.
Don’t see your question below or you need to talk to an attorney immediately? Contact us and find out how we can help you. Call 866-823-3332 and schedule a no cost consultation with us.
- What should I do after a car accident?
- Should I see a doctor after my accident if I feel fine?
- Should I talk to an insurance company if they contact me after my crash?
- Should I contact my insurance company after my accident?
- Should I accept an offer from an insurance company after my crash?
- What can I be compensated for after my accident?
- Why do I need an attorney to handle my car accident?
What should I do after a car accident?
Even if your accident seems minor, it’s critical that you take immediate action as soon as possible. You only have two years (the Statute of Limitations) to take legal action in Ohio after an accident. This might seem like a long time, but building a legal case often takes longer than many people might realize.
Start by contacting the police and receiving immediate medical treatment right away. By having a police officer respond to your accident and a medical professional examine you, you will create evidence that will help make your case stronger.
Insurance companies rely on evidence when deciding whether to compensate injury victims. That’s why it’s important to take photographs of your accident, talk to witnesses and obtain a copy of your accident report. Every piece of information could be used to support your car accident injury claim.
Should I see a doctor after my accident if I feel fine?
Yes. Don’t try to diagnose yourself after an accident. Some injuries are not obvious at first, but can become extremely serious and even life-threatening with time. That’s why it’s wise to let a doctor, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or another medical professional evaluate you right away. It’s always better to be cautious than to take chances with your health. In addition, insurance companies will be less likely to question your claim if you have evidence supporting your car accident injury.
Should I talk to an insurance company if they contact me after my crash?
No. Politely decline to answer their questions, no matter how innocent they might seem. Insurance companies for at-fault parties often search for information for one reason only – to deny insurance claims. Anything you say to an insurance company representative could be used against you. That’s why we strongly urge you to simply tell an insurance company representative to direct all their questions to your attorney.
Should I contact my insurance company after my accident?
Yes. But even though it’s your own insurance company and you may have been paying them premiums for years, we recommend that you keep your comments to a minimum. Avoid making statements about who was at fault. Simply give them the facts of the accident – where it happened, when it happened and who was involved. In some instances, where the driver at fault has no insurance or limited insurance you may also need to make a claim under your own uninsured or underinsured policy coverage with your own insurance company so limiting facts about the extent of your injuries is also prudent.
Should I accept an offer from an insurance company after my crash?
No. Don’t accept a quick offer from an insurance company without first discussing the details with an experienced car accident attorney. What might seem like a fair offer could turn out to be far less than what you rightfully deserve for your accident.
If your offer seems good, we’ll advise you to take it. If not, we’re prepared to do whatever it takes to fight for the money you need for medical bills, car repairs, lost income and all the other expenses that often are incurred after an accident.
What can I be compensated for after my accident?
You may be able to claim any number of damages after an accident. While no two accident claims are the same, generally a serious accident with injury can lead to steep hospital bills, property damage and other expenses. Here are some of the main damages we pursue in car accident lawsuits:
- Emergency medical care
- Follow-up doctors visits
- Lost income
- Physical therapy
- Subsequent surgical procedures
- Modifications to your home due to a permanent physical disability
- Future medical care costs (life care plans)
- Lost future income
- Permanent scaring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of the ability to do normal daily activities
Why do I need an attorney to handle my car accident?
Car accident cases can be contentious. Often, your battle to obtain the money you rightfully deserve for your accident can come down to your word versus the word of the other driver or an insurance company representative. And because you often only have one opportunity to obtain justice, you can’t afford to take on large car insurance companies on your own. You need an experienced car accident attorney who thoroughly understands Ohio’s laws and knows how to resolve such complicated cases in a successful and efficient manner.
At Merriman Legal, LLC, we can work with you and help you every step of the way after your auto accident. Your attorney can:
- Thoroughly investigate your crash
- Make sure you receive proper medical care
- Fight for you to receive time off to fully recover
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
