The State of Ohio follows a tort system for car accidents. That means that a determination is made as to who is at fault for the accident, and that party is legally liable. Ohio also requires all drivers to carry car insurance that covers them when they are liable for an accident. While there are some drivers who drive without insurance, a typical car injury claim is filed with the driver’s insurance company. Sometimes, though, insurance companies do not play fair. That is when it is time to hire a Findlay car accident lawyer.
You are entitled to recover damages or monetary compensation for any demonstrable injury you have. While this includes medical expenses, it is not limited to medical expenses. It also includes lost wages from work, loss of employment, loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, and more. Typically, insurance companies do not just hand over the full value of a plaintiff’s claim without a fight. They demand proof for every claim you make and even then will exploit ambiguities and interpret them against you. That is why having an excellent personal injury attorney litigate your claim gets you the best results.
A determination of fault is always made in a car accident. You are still entitled to pursue a claim against the other driver so long as your share of the fault does not exceed 50%. If it does, then you are barred from recovering damages. Note that if fault for the accident is 50/50, then it still may be a good idea to pursue a claim if you have suffered substantial injuries while the other driver did not. Your total recovery, however, would be reduced by 50%.
A Findlay car accident lawyer can help you determine if pursuing a claim is in your financial best interests.
Distracted and drunk driving make up the bulk of serious accident claims today. They involve accidents with other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Those who are texting while driving, using their cell phone while driving, or otherwise do not have 100% of their concentration on the road are a menace to every other driver and everyone else around them. Typically, this level of negligence can be considered when awarding damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
If you have been injured in a car accident, call the Findlay car accident lawyers at Lafferty, Gallagher, & Scott can help maximize your recovery and ensure that you are given a fair settlement by the insurance company. The greater your injuries, the more important it is to have a qualified personal injury attorney manage your claim. Talk to us today to set up an appointment.
All of our partners are AV Peer Review Rated* through Martindale-Hubbell. Out-of-state referrals are welcome for all
areas of practice we handle, including personal injury, workers’ compensation and insurance claims issues.