In Ohio, the rules of the road are essential for preventing car accidents. Motor vehicle collisions can result in serious, sometimes fatal injuries and extensive losses, often changing the lives of the people who were involved in them. If you were injured in an Akron car accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
At Bashein & Bashein Company, L.P.A., our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured people. Our Akron car accident lawyers can represent your insurance claim or lawsuit against a negligent driver and help you secure a fair settlement for your medical expenses, property damage, and more. Contact us to speak with an Akron car accident attorney.
Choose the Akron Car Accident Attorneys at Bashein & Bashein
- Our firm maintains a case success rate of over 99% and has years of experience supporting victims of Akron car accidents.
- We have recovered millions of dollars for our clients in settlements and jury verdicts. Our attorneys will advocate aggressively for your right to maximum compensation.
- Our lawyers are routinely recognized for their track record of excellence. Our recognitions include National Trial Lawyer of the Year, the Top 10 Attorneys in Ohio, and the Top 5 Attorneys in Cleveland.
Common Injuries in Car Accidents
A car accident can generate significant force and impact, which can severely harm drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other people involved in the collision. Below are some of the most common injuries in these collisions:
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated discs
- Brain injuries
- Sprains and strains in the back
- Neck and back injuries, like whiplash
- Arm and leg injuries, such as bone fractures
- Damage to muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues
Some car accident injuries do not show symptoms right away, making it critical to seek medical care as soon as possible. Many victims suffer from permanent impairments and complications, which can greatly affect their quality of life. If you were injured in a collision, you deserve justice.
Ohio Car Accident Laws and Requirements
Ohio is a fault-based car accident state, which means that drivers are financially responsible for any accidents that they cause. To uphold this financial responsibility, drivers can either purchase a bond, post collateral, or buy liability insurance.
The minimum amounts for liability coverage in Ohio are as follows:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the policyholder
- $50,000 for all injuries or deaths in an accident caused by the policyholder
- $25,000 for any property damage in an accident caused by the policyholder
The above policy limits are minimum requirements. Drivers can purchase more insurance if they choose. When filing a claim against the driver’s insurance, victims can only recover compensation up to the driver’s policy limits.
If you were injured in an Akron car accident, you can file an insurance claim against the driver’s liability coverage or your insurance, as long as you have the right policy. You could also file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver in civil court.
Evidence Needed to Prove a Car Accident Claim
Car accident claims allow you to recover financial compensation to help pay for lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and other losses. To win your case, however, you will need to gather sufficient evidence that proves the at-fault driver’s liability.
After your accident, try to gather the following pieces of evidence to support your future case. If you are unable to collect this information, do not worry—your attorney from Bashein & Bashein can conduct a full investigation into your accident and gather evidence on your behalf:
- Medical Records: Your medical records will provide valuable insight into the nature and extent of your injuries. You can use these documents to prove how the car accident occurred and establish your right to certain damages.
- Police Reports: After the car accident, it is imperative to call 911 for assistance. Not only will this bring emergency medical services to the scene, but an officer will come to evaluate the situation and create a police report. This document can help establish key facts about your accident, such as when and how it happened, which you can leverage as evidence.
- Photographs and Videos: Taking photographs and videos after the accident can be extremely valuable. You can use them to prove the nature of your injuries and the extent of your property damage. They also document skid marks, debris, and the placement of the vehicles, which can be used to reconstruct how the accident occurred.
- Witness Testimonies: Witnesses who saw the accident happen can provide valuable testimony in your case. If anyone witnessed your motor vehicle collision, try to collect their names and contact information so that you can contact them later.
Should You Speak to an Insurance Company After a Car Accident?
Many car accident claims begin as insurance claims before escalating to a lawsuit if possible. During the insurance process, a representative will investigate the accident and determine if the policyholder is at fault. He or she may review evidence, speak to witnesses, and negotiate with your attorney before issuing a decision.
It is common for an insurance company to reach out and ask for a statement early on in your case. However, you should never speak to an insurance representative before you discuss your case with an Akron car accident lawyer.
If you provide a statement at this stage in your case, you may not know the full extent of your injuries or losses. You may not know how the accident actually occurred. Additionally, you would not have an attorney on your side who can ensure that your rights are protected. Insurance companies do not have your interests in mind, and any statement that you provide could impact your financial recovery.
An attorney from Bashein & Bashein can handle these discussions on your behalf. If you do need to provide a statement, your lawyer can help you navigate the situation so that you do not adversely impact your claim.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Akron Car Accident Lawyer
Car accidents happen more frequently than many of us believe. If you were involved in an unexpected collision, it is critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible. At Bashein & Bashein, our attorneys will work tirelessly to represent your insurance claim or lawsuit and help secure the settlement that you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation and discuss your legal options with an Akron car accident lawyer. You can contact us by completing our online form or calling 216-771-3239 or toll-free at 800-771-4457.