It is best to avoid talking to an insurance company, even if they contact you after your car crash, until you speak with a personal injury lawyer first. An attorney familiar with car accident cases in Columbus, OH, can guide you on how to answer the insurer’s questions so you do not offer up information that could hurt your claim.
You could even allow a lawyer to handle all communication with the insurance companies while you focus on your recovery. While it may be tempting to share the details of the accident with other people, there are certain people you should talk to and others you should not in order to protect your rights.
What If the Insurance Company Calls Me?
A representative from the at-fault insurance company may contact you before you get a chance to hire a lawyer. Be as honest with them as possible but do not volunteer information. For example, you can give them:
- Your name and the names of others involved in the collision
- The date, time, and location of the accident
- The make and model of the cars involved (if you know that information)
- The name of the at-fault driver’s insurance company (if they have one)
Stick to the facts and stay away from discussing fault or injuries. In addition, do not sign any documents or provide them with your medical records. You can always tell them you would prefer to provide a written statement. In that case, your attorney can help you prepare the statement so you do not offer information that could hurt your case. If you are speaking with the insurance company, you have a duty to cooperate but have a right to a lawyer being present.
What Are the Risks of Speaking Directly to the Insurance Adjuster?
Keep in mind, insurance companies are for-profit businesses trying to give you the least amount possible for the damages you have suffered. When you speak with the insurance adjuster directly, they may make it seem as though you are at fault. They can then use what you say against you to hurt your chances for compensation via a claim or lawsuit.
Here are just some examples of what the at-fault driver’s insurance company may try to prove using your statement:
- The accident was partially or completely your fault.
- You were under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs at the time.
- You have medical conditions that may have been a factor in the accident.
- You “feel fine,” or your injuries are not that severe.
This is why hiring an attorney who handles car accident cases in Columbus, OH, may be beneficial. A lawyer from our team will calculate the true value of your case and ensure you do not settle for an amount that is far less than you deserve.
Do Not Discuss Your Case on a Public Platform
In this day and age, many of us share the details of our lives on social media. However, this is not a good idea when it comes to your car crash. Refrain from posting any information, photos, or video on your social media accounts. The other side’s insurance company or lawyer can easily find those posts and use them against you during the claims process or in court if your case goes to trial.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do For Your Columbus Car Accident Case
The aftermath of a car accident that was someone else’s fault can be stressful and overwhelming. You may be in pain and unable to work, leaving you worried about your medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses adding up. In addition, the insurance company may be calling you, and you are concerned about what to say.
Our law firm wants to alleviate your fears and anxieties by handling the case for you. When you choose us, our attorneys can do the following for you:
- Investigate the details of your case
- Gather evidence to support the case (e.g., the police report, your medical records, photos from the accident scene, any surveillance video of the accident)
- Interview eyewitnesses and experts who can back up your version of events
- Handle all communications with the insurance companies and the other side’s attorney
- Negotiate for a settlement that compensates you for your damages
- Prepare to take the case to trial if the other side refuses to settle
- Keep you updated on the progress of your case
Do Not Delay in Seeking Legal Representation For Your Accident Case
You have a limited amount of time to file your accident case in civil court. Ohio sets a statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
- Personal injury: You have two years to sue from the date of the injury, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10.
- Wrongful death: You have two years to sue from the date of the decedent’s death if you lost a family member in the car crash, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
Your personal injury lawyer will ensure all paperwork is filed with the court on time so you do not lose your opportunity to seek compensation. The earlier you contact our team, the more time we’ll have to collect evidence while it is fresh and build a solid case on your behalf.
Our Firm Has Won Millions of Dollars in Settlements and Court Awards For Clients
Our team is passionate when it comes to fighting for the rights of accident victims. We have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and court awards for our past clients, such as:
- $1,450,000 we won for a client who suffered a leg and ankle fracture and lost a substantial amount of income due to a car accident
- $600,000 we won for a client who suffered a hip fracture and other injuries in a motor vehicle crash
Every case is different, and that is why our attorneys get to know each of our clients personally and treat them like family. We will fight for your right to compensation due to another driver’s negligent or reckless actions.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Call the Fitch Law Firm LLC For Help Today
By communicating directly with the insurance company, you may be doing harm to your own personal injury claim without meaning to. They may use your own words against you in the litigation process later on.
Allow the Fitch Law Firm LLC team to deal with the insurance companies and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call (614) 545-3930 to discuss your case and put our 30+ years of personal injury law experience to work for you today. Our car accident attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you pay us nothing unless we win compensation for you.