Auto Accident Injury in Ohio

Have you suffered an injury due to a car accident in Ohio? If so, your life may never be the same again. Injuries from a car accident can interfere with your ability both to work and to enjoy everyday activities. They can also be incredibly painful. As such, you need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in OH that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Ohio

According to the National Safety Council, in 2019 about 4.4 million people suffered serious injuries in motor vehicle accidents and an estimated 38,000 were killed. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 1,155 individuals lost their lives on Ohio roadways in 2019. Roughly 1,000 of these fatalities were occupants of motor vehicles, while 160 were on motorcycles.

Nevertheless, car accident injuries in Ohio are more common than fatalities. In fact, the Ohio Department of Public Safety reports that nearly 20,000 individuals sustained some type of injury in the more than 68,000 car accidents that occurred in the state in 2019.

What to Do After an Auto Accident

It’s important to be prepared in the event you are a victim of a car accident. Below are the steps to remember immediately after your crash.

Receive Immediate Medical Attention

What is the most important step that you need to take after an auto accident? You need to receive immediate and proper medical treatment. You may believe that the injuries sustained after an auto accident are minor. Proper medical treatment helps ensure that you have not sustained any internal injuries that you may not be aware of.

File a Police Report

Even if no one sustained injuries, you still need to call 911 and request law enforcement assistance. When officers arrive, jot down each one’s name and badge number. Answer their questions honestly, but don’t volunteer any unasked for information, especially your thoughts on exactly what happened or who caused the car accident. Be sure to ask the officers for the number of their police report. Also ask when and where you can get a copy of it, including how much it will cost you.

While Ohio law does not impose a general requirement to inform the authorities after all car accidents, some cities in the state have accident reporting guidelines. If you notify the police, section 4509.06 of the Ohio Code requires officers to respond to certain types of accidents. Officers should respond if any of the following applies to your crash:

  • Someone sustains an injury that requires medical care
  • Someone dies in the car accident
  • There is $1,000 or more in property damage

The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles has a process for reporting accidents with uninsured motorists. If you have a collision with a driver who does not have insurance coverage, you can report the incident to the Ohio BMV through its online portal.

Gather the Appropriate Documentation

While waiting for officers to arrive after a car accident, collect information from all other drivers involved in the accident, including the following:

  • Full name, address, phone number and email address
  • Driver’s license state and number
  • Auto insurance company name, policy number and phone number

Use your cell phone to take pictures of each driver’s license, auto insurance card, your vehicle and each additional vehicle involved in the car accident. Don’t rely on verbal communication. Having as much information as possible will only help you and your case later on. Try to keep this exchange as civil and friendly as possible. However, do not apologize for causing the accident or indicate in any way that you think you may have caused it.

Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury

After surviving a car accident, the emotional and economic toll it takes can be staggering. You are not only dealing with the mental anguish that comes with being involved in a crash, but you may also be experiencing severe physical harm as well.

Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Back and neck injuries, such as whiplash
  • Brain and head injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Ohio traffic fatalities cost a staggering $1.69 billion in 2018 alone. This number includes $17 million in medical expenses and 1.67 billion in lost work.

Hiring a car accident lawyer ensures you have the financial ability to cover any losses that have occurred as a result of a crash. An auto accident attorney will also help you handle the paperwork that you will have to complete from insurance companies. This boosts your odds of receiving the insurance compensation you deserve.

Auto Accident Laws in Ohio

Liability Laws for OH

When car accidents happen, it is essential to determine who bears responsibility for the resulting damage and medical bills. Determining fault impacts everything from your insurance claim and level of liability to the amount of confusion you may endure during the claims process.

Ohio is not a no-fault state. This means you must make a claim with the insurer of the party responsible for the car accident. Additionally, the Buckeye State has a comparative negligence statute. To bring a successful negligence claim, you must be less than 50% responsible for the car crash.

Statute of Limitations in OH

Each state has its own tort laws that determine the statute of limitations on a claim. In some states, this gives you just one year to file a claim in court, while some others may give you up to six years. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is typically two years. With few exceptions, you must file a claim within two years from the date of the accident.

This is why it is important to consult with an attorney immediately after your car crash. Don’t wait and risk losing out on any compensation they can recover.

Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer In Ohio

After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in OH!

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