You should hire a Columbus car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident occurs. In fact, you could contact a lawyer right from the accident scene. They can protect your rights to compensation right from the beginning. They will also explain the at-fault party’s responsibilities, state-imposed time limits, and any exceptions to them that apply to your accident claim.
Consider hiring a lawyer before talking to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. What you say to the insurer could potentially be misunderstood or misconstrued later. That makes knowing what to say and do and what not to say and do as important as knowing when you should hire a car accident lawyer after a collision in Columbus. Many lawyers will accept your Columbus personal injury lawsuit on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will pay no upfront costs.
The Sooner You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus, OH, the Better
The car accident lawyer you hire will start investigating your case right away. They will also file a lawsuit on your behalf, even while they negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company. In Ohio:
- You generally have two years to meet the personal injury statute of limitations, per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
- You generally have two years to meet the wrongful death statute of limitations, per Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
Missing the filing deadline puts your ability to recover fair compensation in jeopardy. If that happens, the courts will not allow you to file your lawsuit, and the insurance company will stop negotiating with you. Either outcome could mean you cannot recover damages at all. A lawyer can help you avoid these potentially costly outcomes.
The Impact of Time on Evidence Collection and Viability
Car accident cases are built on evidence since the representatives of both sides rely on the story it tells to understand what happened. The earlier a lawyer gets involved in your case, the more thoroughly they can investigate. In addition, some evidence could be time-sensitive, including:
- Witness testimony since memories can fade, and witnesses can relocate if too much time passes
- Road and weather conditions can also cause accident scenes to blur or deteriorate and their depictions to change over time
- Estimates to repair or replace your damaged vehicle, which can change significantly over time
Early intervention from a car accident attorney can strengthen your case, possibly streamline the financial recovery process, and help you avoid potentially costly missteps.
A Car Accident Lawyer Will Deal With the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Company
You could attempt to deal with the at-fault driver’s insurer on your own. Doing so can be risky, though. When a lawyer handles your case, they will take all of the following steps on your behalf:
- Speak with all interested parties on your behalf
- Compile, organize, and submit your evidence file
- Order or request evidence and supporting documents
- Draft and file your insurance claim or lawsuit
- Clarify complex legal and insurance language
Your car accident case is unlikely to go to court in Columbus. If it does, your lawyer will represent you. They will also negotiate with the insurance company, using the weight of your case file to recover appropriate damages.
Complex Car Accident Cases Can Benefit From Hiring a Columbus Lawyer
Any type of car accident has the potential for legal complications when you pursue the at-fault driver. Some car accidents, however, are more complicated than others. Multi-vehicle car accidents in Columbus can be complicated. A car accident lawyer will conduct an independent investigation and request accident reconstruction to determine which driver is at fault.
A lawyer can also help you recover damages after a hit-and-run car accident. Hit-and-run accidents can also be complicated since the at-fault driver fled the scene. Your car accident attorney will help you pursue damages from your own insurance provider.
Compensation, a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer, Can Recover for You
Accident victims can suffer severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries. You may be facing mounting medical bills and lost income after a motor vehicle accident. The at-fault driver in your accident can be held accountable for all the collision’s financial consequences. Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.18 describes the types of economic damages you can recover, including:
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Current medical expenses and ongoing medical care
- All rehabilitation services
- Property damage or total loss
Your lawyer will also request various noneconomic damages. These are intangible and can be more difficult to substantiate on your own. Your lawyer will handle this and request compensation for your:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Lasting disfigurement
- Physical impairments
- Mental and emotional angst
If your family lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Columbus, a personal injury lawyer will seek a fair settlement for their funeral and burial costs. You can also recover their lost income and loss of consortium.
A Car Accident Lawyer Can Prove the Negligence That Leads to Compensation
To prove the at-fault driver’s negligence requires evidence. If a lawyer represents you, they will build your evidence collection. Its goal is to prove the following components of negligence:
- Duty of care: The at-fault driver’s obligation to drive responsibly.
- Breach of duty: The at-fault driver’s failure to meet their duty and responsibility.
- Causation: Proof that the accident would not have happened without the at-fault party’s actions.
- Damages: The financial expenses and losses that are the result of the accident.
The evidence collection in your case will include your official police report, witness statements, photos, videos, and first responder reports. Your lawyer will not tax you or your family with this potentially daunting task. Instead, their legal team will compile this information for you.
Your Initial Car Accident Consultation Is Free
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car accident, it can be difficult to know when you should hire a Columbus car accident lawyer. Our law firm will explain each step of the process and how hard we work to recover fair compensation. You deserve to rest and heal from your accident injuries. Our auto accident attorneys can handle the legal process.
Get started today on the road to financial recovery by contacting our consultation team at The Fitch Law Firm LLC today.