In 2016, according to Ohio Traffic Crash Facts, 10,721 car accidents took place in Toledo, Ohio. Out of this significant number of accidents, 22 of them were fatal crashes, while 2,990 were injury crashes and the bulk of them (7,709) were property damage only crashes. When you sustain injuries in a car accident, you may not know where to begin to start the claims process. After an Toledo, Ohio car accident, it can be difficult attempting to understand all of the paperwork and documentation you need to complete to get your claim paid through an insurance company when you are grappling with pain and injuries. You may even have a hard time trying to get the driver of the other car’s insurance carrier to pay you the money you need to repair your car and pay your medical expenses. If you or someone you love is having a difficult time collecting compensation for your Toledo car accident, you may need to hire an attorney.
Car insurance companies work hard to keep from having to pay large settlements to accident victims. A Toledo car accident attorney can work on your behalf to get you an appropriate settlement based on your injuries and property damages. The car accident settlement process can be confusing and time-consuming, and if you are recovering from injuries, you need someone with experience fighting on your behalf.
Immediately after your car accident, the other driver’s insurance carrier and its adjusters will make a decision on the amount of damages to your property and your injuries and make you a settlement offer. In most cases, the insurance adjuster will offer you very little money or the bare minimum for you to repair your car and pay your medical expenses. What they usually do not take into consideration is whether or not you have long-term injuries that will require additional treatment in the future. A Toledo, Ohio car accident attorney will make sure all of your medical evidence is included with your claim as well as money to cover any future medical treatments you may need in the future.
What If the Insurance Company Does Not Offer Me Enough Money to Cover Damages for My Toledo, Ohio Car Accident?
If you do not agree with the settlement offer the other driver’s insurance company, your Toledo car accident attorney can file an appeal with the supervisor of claims of the insurance company. The claims supervisor may or may not make a rebuttal offer to you in an attempt to settle the claim. Your attorney will be able to file a complaint in writing to the Ohio Department of Insurance indicating the reasons why you do not agree to the settlement.
After your attorney files an appeal on your behalf, and you still are not satisfied with the decision, you have the option to file a lawsuit and sue the driver of the other vehicle. Most courts suggest that parties of a lawsuit work through mediation or negotiation in order to reach an amicable decision. This is the time a Toledo car accident attorney will be of great benefit to you and your family. Legal negotiations are confusing and often involve a variety of legal terms and procedures you are not familiar with, and your attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf to make sure you receive all the compensation you are due based on the documentation of your damages and medical bills.
Is There an Average Amount for a Toledo, Ohio Car Accident Settlement?
Your attorney will explain to you that there is no specific formula that the courts use to determine the amount of damages to award for a car accident case. Any damages will depend on the nature of the accident and the amount of damages the victim incurs. The state of Ohio does set a limit on the maximum amount of compensation you can collect for non-economic damages or damages that are hard to place a monetary value on after your accident. You can collect a maximum of $250,000 for non-economic damages or three times the amount you collect for economic damages (medical expenses, car expenses, and physical therapy). There are exceptions to the caps on pain and suffering and an experienced injury lawyer may be able to help you avoid those limitations. Your Ohio car accident lawyer will also let you know that a car accident victim typically receives compensation for vehicle repairs, medical bills, and lost earnings from being unable to work.
What Can an Ohio Car Accident Attorney in Toledo Do for Me?
A Toledo car accident attorney can work with you to help you get compensation for your car accident claim. While you are recuperating from your injuries, your attorney can be negotiating with the insurance carrier to get them to pay the compensation you need to pay for your property damages and injuries. If your case needs to go to court, your attorney can appear on your behalf and protect your rights. Your lawyer can represent you in your case so you can recover from your injuries and get back on your feet.
Any lawyer you hire will function as an extension of you and will work hard to make sure the insurance carrier reviews your supporting documentation to show your current and future medical expenses receive adequate compensation. You will also be able to ask your lawyer questions about the car accident claims process, so you will have a clear understanding of what is happening with your case. An attorney in Toledo will have extensive resources to investigate your car accident, review police reports, your medical documentation, and negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement. A lawyer will fight hard to get you justice.
Contact the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers for Assistance with Your Ohio Car Accident Case
After an Ohio car accident, the last thing you should have to worry about is recovering from your injuries and trying to get your life back in order. It is our job to make sure you have the time to recuperate so you can get back to work as soon as possible. We want to help you and will work hard to make sure you receive a fair compensation package that includes all your property damage, your current medical expenses, and any future medical treatments you may require to get back to full health.
Our Toledo car accident lawyers will have your back at all times and will stick by your side for the duration of the car accident claims process. Call our office today so we can discuss how we can help you receive the best possible car accident settlement.