Rocky River Car Accident Lawyer

Ohio follows a fault-based auto insurance system, which means that fault/negligence comes into play whenever you are in a wreck. If you were primarily at fault for the accident, you will need to turn to your own policy for recovery. If the other party was at fault, however, you can file a claim with her insurer. Not all claims are easy or cut and dry, though. For help, contact a Rocky River car accident lawyer at Mellino Law Firm, LLC today.

In Ohio, you basically have three avenues of recourse for financial compensation:

1. File a claim with your insurer. You would generally only do this if you were at fault, if the other driver had no/too little insurance, or in hit-and-run situations.
2. File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurer. In most cases, this is another driver’s insurance company, but not always. If a defect with your brakes caused the accident, for instance, you can seek recovery from the manufacturer.
3. Sue the at-fault party in an Ohio civil court.

In order to hold another party accountable for your expenses, you will need evidence that proves her negligence, such as cell phone records showing she was texting while driving at the time of the accident, or eyewitness testimonies that say the at-fault driver did not stop at a stop sign before hitting your car.

As soon as possible, you will want to start compiling any and all relevant information – the police report, documents, medical bills, photos, etc. – that may be useful as evidence to support your claim. Be sure to share everything you collect with your Ohio car accident attorney to build a stronger case.

CAUTION: When you call to report the accident to the insurer, the adjuster may ask you to provide a recorded statement. Be forewarned that adjusters may use your innocent statements and remarks during the conversation to later refute your claim. To stay on the safe side, avoid agreeing to a statement without first having run your case by a Rocky River auto accident lawyer.

Contact a Rocky River Car Accident Lawyer

If your claim or suit is successful, you can win a settlement award for various types of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, lost benefits, pain and suffering, and emotional damages, plus dozens of miscellaneous considerations.

Do not want to accept the first settlement offer the insurer gives you. You are most likely entitled to more. Have your Rocky River car accident lawyer review any offers before signing anything or taking further action.

If the insurer disputes liability or denies you a fair settlement, you have the right to file a lawsuit and have the civil court district judge or jury hear your case.

Speak with an Experienced Rocky River Auto Accident Attorney

For help pursuing and securing a full and fair settlement after a car accident, contact a Rocky River auto accident attorney at Mellino Law Firm, LLC with the knowledge and ability to navigate, negotiate, and litigate accident cases.