Forest Park Car Accident Lawyers

If you have ever been involved in a car accident, you know how stressful and chaotic the moments immediately following the incident can be, particularly if there are serious injuries involved. Even if you make every effort to obey the rules of the road and make safety a priority, some factors are out of your control that can increase the risk of a car accident, including how other motorists drive, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Knowing what steps to take following a car accident will ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you recover the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury in a car accident, the Forest Park car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law will assist you with every step of the claims process, address all of your questions and concerns, and help you recover the damages to which you are entitled.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Forest Park, Ohio?

Some types of driver negligence cause most car accidents, although other factors like inclement weather and poor road conditions can also increase the risk of a serious car accident. The following are examples of some of the most common causes of car accidents:

Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit not only increases the risk of a car accident, but the extreme force of impact can also increase the severity of the accident.
Distracted Driving: All motorists are expected to keep their attention focused on the road at all times. Talking or texting on the phone, reaching for something in the back seat, adjusting the radio station, or any other behavior that takes your attention away from the road for even a few seconds can increase the risk of a serious car accident.
Impaired Driving: Drugs and alcohol can cause impaired judgment, poor coordination, and inability to accurately judge distances, and other impairments that can cause car accidents resulting in severe injuries and fatalities.
Drowsy Driving: Depending on the number of hours you have gone without sleep, drowsiness can cause impairments that are similar to drunk driving.
Reckless Driving: Tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, changing lanes without signaling, running through red lights or stop signs, and cutting off other drivers are all examples of aggressive driving behaviors that can increase the risk of a serious car accident.

What Steps Do I Take After a Car Accident?

While the moments following a car accident can be overwhelming, you must remain calm, avoid panicking, and take the following steps:

Remain at the scene of the accident. Never leave the scene of an accident before police arrive, particularly if there are injuries involved. You could face criminal penalties for being a hit-and-run driver.
Call 911. If you are physically able to do so, call 911 and report the accident. Notify dispatch of serious injuries so they can send an ambulance to the accident scene. The responding officer will fill out a police report, which you can obtain a copy of at the local precinct.
Seek immediate medical attention. When the ambulance arrives at the scene, ensure you are examined by an emergency medical technician as soon as possible, even if your injuries are not life-threatening.
Collect evidence. Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, skid marks or debris on the road, and any other evidence that may help prove that the other driver caused the accident.
Exchange information. Share contact information, driver’s license numbers, license plate numbers, and insurance information with the other driver. Do not say anything that could be interpreted as an apology as this can be used against you in the claims process.
Talk to witnesses. If there were witnesses who saw the accident happen, ask if they would be willing to provide an official statement and get their contact information.
Notify your insurance company. Inform your insurance company that you were injured in a car accident. Provide only the facts about the accident and the extent of your injuries.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer. If you suffered injuries in a car accident, contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible is highly recommended. This will ensure that your legal rights are protected throughout the claims process and that you recover the damages you are entitled to receive.

What Damages Am I Entitled to After a Car Accident in Ohio?

If you are able to prove that the other motorist was at fault for causing the accident, a successful personal injury claim may include the following:

All medical expenses associated with your injuries
Future medical costs
Lost wages if you are unable to return to work for an extended period of time
Property damage
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life

Keep in mind that Ohio is a comparative negligence state, which means that you may still recover damages if you were partially at fault for causing the accident. However, your total damages will be reduced by the percentage of your share of liability. An experienced car accident lawyer will work tirelessly to minimize your share of the blame and negotiate the best possible settlement outcome.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Ohio?

In the state of Ohio, you must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident in order to recover damages. If you miss this deadline, your claim will likely be denied, and you will be unable to recover any damages. A dedicated car accident lawyer will help you navigate the claims process and ensure that your claim is filed well before the statute of limitations expires.