According to the law, if you are involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, you are eligible to receive compensation. Whether you are a cyclist, driver, pedestrian or passenger, or a surviving family of a loved one who died due to a car accident, you will need legal representation. Find the best car accidents lawyer in Ohio to work with you and secure compensation from the responsible person's insurance company to help you in your recovery from the accident.
What is a Car Accidents Lawyer?
A car wreck lawyer gives you the legal support you need to secure compensation after being involved in a car accident. The attorney will help you with the claim procedure, including negotiating a settlement with the insurance company or filing a lawsuit.
What Does a Car Accidents Attorney Do?
Your Ohio Car Accidents attorney will give you legal advice, gather all the necessary information, and calculate the value of your claim according to the method allowed in your state. The following details will determine the value of your claim:
- Your injuries, including any specialized treatment such as counseling or physiotherapy;
- Car repair costs are based on the value of your car at the time of the accident and the cost of the parts required to fix it;
- Loss of income during the time taken off work to recover;
- Any disability or disfigurement caused by the car accident; and
- Any loss of income incurred by a family member who had to become your caregiver during your recovery.
Based on their calculations, the attorney will use the amount to negotiate with the insurance company. If the negotiations fail, the attorney will then represent you in court to pursue your compensation.
When to Hire a Car Accidents Lawyer in Ohio
Contact a Ohio car accidents attorney if you have been involved in an accident at no fault of your own and:
- You have suffered a severe injury, AND
- The insurance company has denied your claim.
The insurance company may not deny your claim outright but instead may offer a settlement amount that is significantly lower than what you deserve. Working with an experienced attorney during the claims process after being involved in an accident is advisable.
How to Find a Lawyer for Car Accidents?
The best way to find a local lawyer for car accidents in Ohio is to ask family and friends for referrals. You could also ask attorneys in your social or professional circle if they know anyone who specializes in car accidents.
The other way to find a lawyer is through the Lawrina directory. Select the relevant practice area, and Ohio state, and read through the qualifications of the attorneys registered to the directory. From there, you can make a list of possible attorneys to interview for your case.
How Do I Choose a Car Accidents Attorney in Ohio?
After you have gathered a list of potential attorneys to work with, then consider the following:
- Specialization and experience - Find someone with adequate experience negotiating with insurance companies and arguing accident cases in court. Sufficient expertise means that the lawyer has the appropriate legal knowledge and will not make expensive errors or tolerate undue delays from the insurance company. Without this experience, you could end up incurring additional costs in mistakes and unnecessary court dates.
- Trust your gut feeling - The right traffic accidents lawyer will put you at ease and will be reassuring. Ideally, they will be patient when you ask multiple questions and can explain possible legal strategies and outcomes in a way that you will understand.
- Look out for reviews and ask for references - Using Lawrina, read through the reviews and identify the top-rated lawyers. Request the attorneys on your list to give you references, including past clients. Contact their references and ask them about their experience with the lawyer, including if they would rehire the attorney if they had to go through the process again.
How Much Does the Average Car Accidents Lawyer Cost in Ohio?
In most personal injury cases, including vehicle accidents, attorneys typically opt for contingency fees. This means that you will not pay your auto accidents lawyer unless they win the case. Contingency fees usually range between 33% to 40% of your settlement. However, you may still need to pay the direct costs such as filing fees, expert witnesses, and the process server, even if they lose the case. It will be important to ensure that the contingency fee arrangement is documented in a written agreement between you and the attorney prior to any work being completed.
For the direct costs, the attorney may opt for an hourly rate, usually between $100 to $500 per hour, depending on qualification and experience. The hourly rate is paid upfront.
Do Car Accidents Attorneys Usually Charge for Consultations?
Most auto injury accidents lawyers do not charge for the initial consultation. The reason for this is that during this meeting, the attorney determines if there is merit in your case, and you are able to gauge the lawyer's suitability for your case.
