Understanding Ohio’s Car Accident Claims Process
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality on Ohio’s roads. Every year, thousands of car accidents occur across the state, resulting in injuries and fatalities. When a car accident occurs in Ohio because of the negligence of another party and causes injuries, the injured party may have grounds to seek financial compensation from the at-fault party. When faced with a car accident claim, it is vital to understand the claims process. At the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., L.P.A., we understand what Ohio’s car accident claims process entails.
Here is a guide to help you understand Ohio’s car accident claims process.
- Calling 911
The claims process begins immediately after an accident happens. One of the initial steps to take after a car accident that marks the beginning of the claims process is to call 911 and report your accident to the police. You want to ensure the police arrive at the accident scene, conduct a preliminary investigation, and prepare a report. This report will be a crucial document once you officially initiate your claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Ensure you obtain a copy of the report.
- Seeking Medical Care
Ensure you seek prompt medical attention after an Ohio car accident, even if your injuries are minor. Your treatment phase is where your injuries are examined and medical records compiled that you can use to prove the cause and severity of your injuries. Likewise, medical documentation often is used to corroborate your losses and can be relied upon to prove that the collision was the proximate cause of your injuries.
- Notifying Your Insurance Company
Even if the accident is someone else’s fault, you may be required to notify your insurance company. Doing this can help you learn about any policy benefits you may have regarding your injuries and property damage.
- Collecting Evidence
After a car accident, you should collect as much evidence as possible. Evidence can be used to prove the other party’s liability. Examples of evidence to focus on include pictures and videos of the accident scene, witness statements, medical reports, and the police report.
- Contacting the Other Party’s Insurance Company To Initiate the Claims Process
At this stage, it is best to hire an attorney, let them handle communications with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and initiate the claims process with them. A claims adjuster will be assigned to your case. An attorney can handle all communications with the adjuster on your behalf. Similarly, it is best to not provide a statement until you have had time to consult with an attorney. An attorney can assist in avoiding certain pitfalls, which may impact your case.
- Preparing and Delivering Demand Letter
After initiating contact with the insurance adjuster from the at-fault party’s insurance company, it may be beneficial to attempt to negotiate a resolution to your case prior to you filing a lawsuit. Should that occur,, your attorney will prepare and deliver a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company. A demand letter details your accident, injuries, and damages. It requests a specific amount of money to settle the claim.
- Settling
After a demand letter is sent to the at-fault party’s insurance company, the company may agree to pay or make a counteroffer. This may lead to additional negotiations. If you agree on a compensation amount, your case will be settled, and you will sign an agreement. If an agreement is not reached, your next option to pursue recovery would be through filing a lawsuit.
- Filing a Lawsuit
If your car accident claim cannot be settled or the insurance company denies your claim, your attorney may advise that you file a lawsuit in court. Your attorney will represent you throughout the court process if your case proceeds to trial.
Contact a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an Ohio car accident, contact our qualified Columbus car accident attorneys at the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., L.P.A., to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
