Ohio law allows you to recover compensation for your losses after a careless truck driver causes a Columbus crash. However, the process required to build and file a truck accident claim can be complex. You may want to work with a Columbus truck accident lawyer to handle your case.
Trucking companies are often liable for these crashes, and they generally have large liability insurance policies and full legal teams who work to help the insurers protect their bottom line. You may want someone on your side to protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation.
What to Do at the Crash Scene to Begin Building Your Claim
Your health must come first after a crash. If you were hurt in a truck accident, call 911 and seek medical care immediately. Prompt treatment will ensure your injuries are found and treated as soon as possible. Prompt treatment also protects your legal rights by tying the injuries to the collision.
Calling 911 also ensures law enforcement is aware of the crash. Ohio law requires reporting any collision that involves an injury, death, or over $1,000 in property damage. An officer will respond to your crash and create an accident report that includes:
- The time, date, and location of the collision
- Names and insurance information of all parties
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- The officer’s initial assessment of fault
You can request a copy of your Columbus accident report through the Columbus Division of Police or the Ohio Department of Public Safety. It could take a week or longer before your final report is available. Your attorney can also request a copy of this report.
Notify Your Insurance Company of the Accident as Soon as Possible
Your insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurer, and it likely stipulates that you must report any crash to them regardless of fault. When you call or make the report online, be careful not to speculate about what happened or minimize the severity of your injuries. Simply notify them of the accident.
You may get a call or email from the trucking company’s insurance carrier. You are not required to speak to their adjuster. You can decline, and should if they ask you to make a recorded statement. If you have one, you can refer them to your Columbus 18-wheeler accident lawyer instead.
Be sure to continue your treatment and follow your doctor’s orders. This is essential for full healing and recovering the money you need to pay for your care.
Contact a Columbus Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case
Truck accident cases are challenging because there are often multiple liable parties, and you may need to be aware of federal trucking regulations and how they apply to your case. In addition, key evidence is often held by the trucking company and at risk of being lost or destroyed. Having a Columbus big rig truck accident lawyer on your side can make a difference.
You can count on your lawyer to:
- Investigate the crash
- Preserve evidence held by the liable parties
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Build a compelling argument to show fault and liability
- Handle negotiations with corporate lawyers
- Calculate a fair settlement range for your losses (including future costs)
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if necessary
The sooner you have a personal injury attorney on your side to handle your claim, the better. You can focus on your health and recovery while they take care of your insurance claim and payout.
Let Your Attorney File an Insurance Claim on Your Behalf
Once your lawyer has the necessary evidence to show what happened and who is liable, they can file a formal claim with that party’s insurer. Sometimes, there may be more than one claim with more than one liable party.
These claims will outline your injuries, the damages incurred, and why you believe the accused party is liable. Recoverable damages in these personal injury claims often include:
- Medical expenses and future treatment costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
In most cases, personal injury lawyers try to resolve claims through negotiated settlements. However, if there are disputes about fault or the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your attorney may file a lawsuit on your behalf.
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Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Columbus, Ohio
Most cases settle before going to trial, but filing a truck accident lawsuit is sometimes necessary. Ohio generally gives victims two years from the date of the crash under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. This is the general rule, though there are exceptions. If you miss this deadline, you could lose your right to recover any compensation in the case.
Your lawyer will offer advice and guidance about whether a lawsuit is necessary. When they need to, they can file a civil lawsuit in the appropriate court, possibly the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. This begins the formal litigation process.
When a truck accident victim dies from their injuries, a Columbus wrongful death lawyer may handle this process. The statute of limitations in these cases is usually two years from the date of death per Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02. However, contacting an attorney is the best way to learn more about the specific laws that apply in your case.
Discuss Your Columbus Truck Accident Injuries With Our Team
If you were injured in a commercial truck accident, you want a Columbus truck accident attorney who understands the applicable laws and the local courts. Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC for a free consultation today. We want to learn as much as possible about your accident and injuries so we can assess your options.
We have recovered tens of millions for injured clients in Ohio. We can help you, too. Our attorneys work based on contingency fees. Call us today for your free consultation.
