You are not required to hire a lawyer after a minor car accident. You may be able to handle all the necessary paperwork with your insurance company on your own. If you were in a serious accident, you may want to consult a Columbus car accident lawyer from Fitch Law to learn more about your rights.
If you have any significant injuries, our attorneys can take the burden of managing these tasks off your shoulders while you heal. For peace of mind, you could work with a Columbus personal injury lawyer who regularly deals with car accident cases.
When reviewing your options for representation, you can research the attorney or law firm’s past car accident case results. This can give you an idea if the attorney represents insurance claims for minor accidents.
Steps to Take After a Minor Car Accident
You can take several steps after a minor car accident to protect your health and your right to compensation.
- Stay at the scene.
- Call the police.
- Check for injuries on your person and others.
- If possible, move the vehicle out of danger.
- Exchange insurance and contact information.
- Do not discuss fault.
- Get medical treatment.
- If the car accident is minor with no injuries, you can file the claim yourself for property damage.
- If police officers and other first responders came to the scene, obtain the police report.
- If there are injuries, seek advice from a Columbus personal injury lawyer.
Some Serious Accidents May Initially Appear Minor
It is common for adrenaline to cover up the signs and symptoms of more serious injuries. Even if your accident seemed minor, monitor yourself for any signs of pain or discomfort in the hours, days, and weeks after your accident. You could have suffered more severe injuries than you originally thought.
If you experience pain or discomfort after the accident, make an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room or urgent care.
Are You Missing Some of Your Damages?
Do you know how much your car accident case is worth? You can file for minor accidents, but will you leave money on the table? If you are unsure what financial recovery will look like after a car accident, you could have an injury attorney review the incident. Many personal injury law firms offer a free consultation so prospective clients can get their questions answered.
What Recoverable Damages Are Available After a Car Accident?
In Ohio, financial losses are classified as special damages or economic damages. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.18, you can recoup these financial losses if you are in an accident and suffer injuries and property damage. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages if you have any non-financial injuries.
Types of Economic Damages
- Property damage
- Towing charges
- Car rental
- Doctor bills
- Prescription costs and other medical expenses
- Lost wages
Types of Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement, scarring
- Loss of life enjoyment
Your attorney understands the different types of damages that you can collect. Consulting with a personal injury law firm can help answer any questions about what is and is not covered under your accident claim. You may collect some damages that you haven’t thought about. An accident lawyer can discuss these with you also.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
How Can Legal Representation Benefit a Minor Car Accident Victim?
Even if the accident was minor, some things must be done to collect damages and repair your car. Do you have time for it? One significant benefit of a law firm is managing your time. It is a minor accident, but you might have more important things that need your focus. Hiring an accident attorney takes the responsibility of seeking financial recovery off your plate. If your injuries are truly minor, our firm cannot assist you, but we can take a referral.
The second is stress relief. Even if you handle it yourself, how much time will you spend on hold and making calls back and forth to the other driver’s insurance company? Knowing that someone else is handling the issue and that they will do so well and professionally can be worth it. After all, peace of mind is priceless.
Statute of Limitations Deadlines Apply in Ohio Car Accident Cases
Regardless of whether you have an attorney or file your injury case yourself, time limits apply to filing a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio. Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 declares that these legal actions must be filed within two years of the accident or injury.
We advise that you file your lawsuit as early as possible as time passes quickly. Filing by the deadline protects your right to sue the liable party for compensation if your case comes to that. We can review this option in more detail during your case consultation with us.
Call the Fitch Law Firm After a Serious Car Accident – We Can Review Your Options With You
If you are unsure whether or not your wreck qualifies as a major or minor car accident, you can contact the Fitch Law Firm for guidance. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation so that you can discuss your serious accident with us. We can let you know how we can help and if there are damages you have not considered.
We also handle cases contingently, so you owe us nothing unless and until we win your case. Call us today.