If you or someone you love was injured in a recent car accident, a Columbus car accident lawyer will deal with the at-fault driver and their insurance company for you. A legal team will investigate the accident’s details, collect evidence proving the at-fault driver caused the collision, and document their negligence and liability.
An important part of what a Columbus car accident lawyer does is provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you can focus on your physical health while also seeking fair compensation. A Columbus personal injury lawyer can help accident victims recover lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses, and more.
A Columbus Car Accident Lawyer Will Build a Compelling Evidence Collection
When a personal injury lawyer represents you after a car accident, they will typically examine the details of your case at no cost or obligation. They will investigate your motor vehicle accident in great detail and collect evidence, including:
- An accident report from a reconstructionist
- A police report
- Employment records
- Expert witness testimonials
- Eyewitness statements
- First responder reports
- Injury photos
- Medical records
- Video footage
- Repair estimates
- Vehicle value guides
An auto accident lawyer will not ask you to collect evidence. Instead, while you concentrate on your physical recovery, they get to work building the strongest possible case for you. Most will represent you on a contingency fee basis and will only recover compensation after obtaining it for you. You will owe no fees if you do not receive a financial award.
Your Evidence Collection Will Identify the At-Fault Party’s Negligence
The accident’s costs can be recovered from the negligent driver or other entity whose negligence caused the collision. To prove negligence, your legal team will establish proof that:
- The at-fault driver owed you a duty of negligence
- The at-fault driver breached their responsibility, such as by engaging in reckless driving or distracted driving
- The at-fault driver’s actions caused the accident
- The accident caused financial expenses and losses, such as medical care expenses and property damage
Evidence collection can help your auto accident attorney resolve your case and seek fair compensation for a wide range of losses. Whether you suffered a rear-end collision, a head-on collision, or another common type of accident, our crash attorney can take legal action to hold a liable party responsible.
A Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio Can Tell You What Not to Do
Knowing what to do after an accident is important—so is knowing what not to do. Avoid speaking to the insurance company, signing anything, or making any verbal statements about the accident. When you hire a lawyer, they will communicate for you.
You should also avoid making social media posts, including sharing photos of the accident or your car, making remarks about fault, or accepting unknown friend requests. Do not accept a settlement offer or neglect to call local police to the scene of the accident. Their report will contain evidence your lawyer can use to strengthen your case.
Your Lawyer Will Explain Ohio’s Statute of Limitations and Potential Exceptions
The filing deadline for your Columbus car accident case is determined by its outcome, the age of the injured parties, and certain actions on the part of the at-fault party. In general, you have:
- Two years to meet the personal injury statute of limitations, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10
- Two years to meet the wrongful death statute of limitations, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02
If your lawsuit is not filed on time, it could hinder your ability to recover damages. The court could refuse to allow the filing of your lawsuit or refuse to hear it. Both outcomes would mean you cannot compel the at-fault party to compensate you.
The best way to understand and comply with the filing deadline is to let your lawyer handle it for you. They will clarify the applicable filing deadline and any exceptions that could alter it.
Determine the Value of Your Car Accident Injuries and Related Expenses
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.18, you can recover economic and non-economic damages in your tort case. Your lawyer will create a detailed list of the accident’s costs, which can help you avoid having your case undervalued or underpaid.
In addition, Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33 defines how contributory fault could impact your case. Your lawyer will explain how you can still recover damages even if partial liability is attributed to you. They can also help you avoid having fault inaccurately assigned, which could result in a lower settlement than you are entitled to recover.
Recoverable Economic Damages After a Car Accident
A car accident can leave you with serious injuries and a myriad of medical bills. Your injuries could simultaneously prevent you from working. The at-fault driver can be held accountable for your medical bills, rehab and therapy costs, and assistive medical devices.
It’s important to seek medical attention after any auto accident because your medical records can serve as key evidence of your injuries. Additional economic damages you can seek in a personal injury claim include all income loss, loss of future earning capacity, vehicle repair or replacement costs, and diminished vehicle value.
Recoverable Non-Economic Damages After a Car Accident
Intangible or non-economic damages include physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering. It also includes disfiguring and disabling injuries. While difficult to quantify on your own, your lawyer will collect a range of tangible evidence that supports their monetary value.
Wrongful Death Damages After a Fatal Car Accident
The loss of a loved one in a negligence-based car accident entitles your family to recover wrongful death damages. These include the cost of making your loved one’s final arrangements.
You can also recover damages for the loss of their financial and domestic contributions to your family. It also includes your loss of consortium, protection, companionship, society, guidance, and assistance. A lawyer can also help with wrongful death claims.
Learn More About What a Car Accident Lawyer Can Do for You
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a car accident or a loved one suffered fatal injuries, our law firm will represent you in your pursuit of financial recovery. We will handle every aspect of your accident claim and negotiate a fair settlement for you.
Avoid a potentially costly delay in your case by putting our client-focused staff to work right away. Contact one of our consultation team members at The Fitch Law Firm LLC to learn more about what a Columbus car accident lawyer will do for you.