Taking Care of Your Health First
Immediately following a highway crash, your health should be the top priority. Even if you feel fine initially, some injuries—like whiplash or internal trauma—can take hours or even days to show symptoms. Seeking medical attention right away not only ensures that you get the treatment you need, but it also creates an official record of your injuries. This documentation will be essential if you decide to file a personal injury claim. Insurance companies and courts will look at this medical documentation as evidence of your injuries, helping to support your case for compensation.Reporting the Accident to Authorities
Once you have received medical attention, the next step is to report the accident to the authorities. In Ohio, it is required by law to report an accident to local law enforcement if there are injuries, fatalities, or if the damage to the vehicles exceeds a certain amount. The police report will serve as an official account of the accident and can help clarify the details of the crash. It will include key information such as witness statements, the actions of the drivers involved, and the overall conditions of the scene. This report can be a critical piece of evidence in your personal injury claim.Gathering Evidence at the Scene
If you’re able to do so safely, gathering evidence at the scene of the crash can be incredibly helpful for your personal injury claim. This might include taking photographs of the vehicles, the accident scene, any damages, and relevant road conditions. Additionally, it’s important to collect contact information from any witnesses who saw the crash take place. Their statements can provide valuable insight into how the crash occurred and who was at fault. The more evidence you gather, the stronger your case will be when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Dan Ryan
Attorney
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Paralegal
Our objectives remain clear in every case we pursue: To give every client, without delay, excuse or equivocation, our full attention, sound advice and forceful representation.
About Our FirmNotifying Your Insurance Company
In Ohio, drivers are required to carry auto insurance, so your next step is to notify your insurance company about the crash. Many people assume that their insurance will automatically cover the costs of their injuries, but that’s not always the case. Depending on the specifics of the crash, you may need to deal with your own insurer as well as the insurer of the at-fault party. Your insurance policy may cover medical expenses and vehicle damage, but it’s important to review your coverage to understand the extent of the protection it offers. Having your insurer involved can also help speed up the process of filing a claim.Knowing Ohio’s Statute of Limitations
In Ohio, there is a time limit—known as the statute of limitations—within which you must file your personal injury claim. For most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to take action within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue compensation. It’s important to note that if the accident involves a government entity, such as a city or state-owned highway, the time limit to file may be shorter, typically within one year. Therefore, it’s crucial to start the process as soon as possible.Determining the Full Extent of Your Damages
When filing a personal injury claim, it’s important to understand the full scope of your damages. In addition to medical expenses, you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages if you are unable to work due to your injuries. The pain and suffering caused by the accident can also be a factor in the amount of compensation you receive. Ohio law allows individuals to recover damages for emotional distress, which may include anxiety, depression, or a reduced quality of life as a result of the accident. Property damage, such as the repair or replacement costs of your vehicle, is also something that can be included in your claim. In some cases, you may be entitled to compensation for other losses, such as the loss of enjoyment in activities or relationships that were affected by the crash. The extent of these damages will be a key factor in determining the compensation you can recover.
The attorneys at Ryan Injury Lawyers treat you like family. They are extremely professional, kind, respectful and intelligently know the law. Highly recommend. They are well above par.
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