How Do I File a Car Accident Claim in Ohio?

To file a car accident claim in Ohio, you must:

• Collect the contact and insurance information of the other party or parties involved in the accident
• File an accident report with law enforcement
• Report the accident to your insurance company
• Gather evidence that shows the value of your medical expenses, property damage, income loss, and other damages
• Contact the other party’s insurance company to file an insurance claim about the accident

You can also work with a car accident attorney to help you file an insurance claim, as certain obstacles may occur if the other party contests your claim. Your lawyer can also help you prepare a lawsuit against the at-fault or liable party to pursue compensation if their insurer does not offer reasonable compensation.

What Types of Information Should I Collect Before Filing a Car Accident Claim?

Before filing a car accident claim, you should collect as much physical evidence and information as possible to support your statements. Examples of information or evidence to retrieve for your claim includes:

• A copy of the police report
• The negligent driver’s license, contact information, and auto insurance information
• Photos of the accident scene, property damage, and injuries
• Video footage that captured the accident, such as from cellphones, traffic cameras, or dashboard cameras
• Medical treatment invoices
• Receipts from mechanics estimating the cost of repair
• Salary information or a recent pay stub to prove your average weekly earnings

If you work with a personal injury attorney, they may be able to recover evidence for you if you were unable to collect it at the time of the accident or are currently recovering from your injuries.

A Car Accident Lawyer from Our Firm Can Help You With Any Type of Vehicle Accident

Personal injury lawyers often handle automobile accident cases of all types, including accident cases involving:

• Passenger cars
• Trucks
• Motorcycles
• Bicycles
• Construction vehicles
• Rideshare vehicles (e.g., Uber or Lyft cars)
• Pedestrians

Certain elements can complicate a car accident case, such as hit-and-run cases or cases involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. It can be beneficial to work with an attorney who can navigate insurance coverage. They know how to pursue compensation and which elements should be included in your case.

Are There Specific Duties an Attorney Will Fulfill for My Claim?

Some legal duties that your auto accident lawyer may fulfill include:

• Identifying the at-fault driver or liable party in your case and if there is more than one liable party
• Retrieving information on your behalf, such as the crash report or video footage
• Reviewing relevant insurance policies to determine how much compensation you can pursue
• Contacting the other party’s insurance company and handling all communications to protect your interests
• Negotiating with the insurance adjuster to discuss settlement terms
• Advising you on when it may be appropriate to consider filing a lawsuit if negotiations are not successful

Should your insurance claim come to a standstill, your auto accident attorney can prepare a lawsuit on your behalf and pursue compensation at trial.

What Damages Can I Recover from a Car Accident Claim in Ohio?

As an accident victim, you may pursue compensation for economic and non-economic damages through a personal injury claim or a lawsuit. These damages may include:

• Medical expenses
• Vehicle damage
• Loss of income, including future income loss
• Emotional and physical pain and suffering
• Reduced earning potential
• Emotional distress
• Diminished quality of life
• Permanent disability or physical disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Specific damage limitations may apply, which your car accident attorney will discuss with you.

You May Have a Deadline to File Your Claim

How long you have to file a claim depends on your insurance company. Our team can help you understand your insurance coverage policy to determine your claim deadline. If you need to file a lawsuit, another deadline will apply.

You Must File Your Car Accident Claim Within Ohio’s Statute of Limitations

If you want to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio, you must do so within your case’s filing deadline, determined by the statute of limitations. Regarding personal injury cases, Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 generally sets a two-year window for plaintiffs to file their lawsuits, with the filing period starting on the date of the accident that caused their injury.

This time limit also applies to wrongful death lawsuits. If you lost a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, our team can help you meet deadlines.

If you do not file within the statute of limitations deadline, the defendant would have grounds to request your case’s dismissal, which could bar you from pursuing compensation. Your lawyer will identify your case’s filing deadline and take appropriate actions to avoid this outcome.

What Can I Expect from the Claims Process?

When you file an accident injury claim, you can expect to hear from the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster will likely ask you for a recorded statement discussing what occurred.

Giving a recorded statement is not beneficial to you. The adjuster can use whatever you say against you. They may take statements out of context to claim you admitted you caused the accident or are uninjured.

Expect to be on the defensive when dealing with insurance adjusters. Only give the basics of the accident (e.g., when and where the accident occurred, a brief description of what happened) and direct all other questions to your legal representative.

Contact Our Office Today to Learn More About Filing Claims for Car Accidents

If you would like help filing your traffic accident claim in Ohio, you can work with a car accident lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm LLC. We handle auto accident cases of all types, whether your case involves a truck driver, bicyclist, motorcyclist, or some other vehicle. In addition, we can review all insurance policies involved and pursue fair compensation for this traumatic experience.

Call today to receive a free consultation and to get started on your case.