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Seeking Maximum Compensation For Columbus Area Car Accident Victims

Ohio Car Crashes – by the Numbers: In a recent year, the Ohio State Patrol logged 25,228 operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) arrests, 13,338 drug arrests, and troopers issued 115,541 safety belt citations. These statistics give some indication that there are many drivers out there whose mind and attention is not necessarily on safe vehicle operation. Add texting while driving to the mix and it is no wonder car crashes are a daily occurrence. According to a report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, “one in nine drivers has been seriously injured in a crash and nearly one in five has been involved in a serious crash.” If you have been involved in a car accident, I am the Columbus car accident lawyer who can help you.

Get Fair Car Accident Compensation with the Help of Columbus Car Accident Lawyer

A car accident can leave a devastating mark on your life. Not only is there the loss of property to deal with, but a car accident can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. As a Columbus car accident attorney, I can help. If you have been involved in a car accident getting fair compensation for your losses is an important step in recovering from the car crash. An experienced and skilled Columbus car crash attorney can help get you fair compensation.

Steps to Take After the Car Crash in Ohio

Here are a few tips if you or a loved one are involved in a car accident; this is not a complete list, just some helpful tips for immediately after an accident:

  • Call the police,
  • Take photos of all the vehicles involved,
  • Gather all insurance information,
  • File a claim with your insurance company,
  • Seek medical attention if you were injured,
  • Call our Columbus car crash attorney.

When negligent drivers cause accidents that result in serious injuries to innocent people, victims have the right to be fully compensated for any losses they suffer. The process involved with obtaining fair compensation can be extremely complex, however, and the assistance of a qualified Columbus car accident lawyer can be invaluable.

What Questions Should I Ask a Car Accident Attorney for an Accident?

In the aftermath of a car accident, looking for a car accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio is an essential step for you to take. They can bring their years of experience in handling car accidents to the table for you and your individual case.

But with a wide range of different Columbus car accident attorneys out there, including myself here at Heit Law, you might be wondering what the best way to determine if a lawyer is right for you is.

The best way to figure out if a car accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio is a good fit for you and your case is to ask questions. These can range from questions about a lawyer’s experience to their expected availability while they are working on your case.

So, what specific questions should you ask a car accident attorney for an accident?

Let’s take a brief look at some below.

  • What is your area of legal specialty?
  • How will you charge me for my case?
  • Are you the attorney who will actually be working on my case?
  • Do you think my auto accident personal injury case is a strong one?
  • What fees and costs will I be responsible for?
  • How long do you think the resolution for my case will take?
  • How can I improve the chances of success for my case?

Speaking with a car accident lawyer in Columbus, Ohio is similar to a job interview. Only here, you are the interviewer. The above questions are great to ask when you speak with a lawyer, including myself because it helps to give you a better understanding of their experience and just how they can help you. To give you an idea of the kind of responses you might get from these questions, I will answer a few for you right here. But to speak with me further, you can reach out for a full consultation in regard to your car accident here.

  1. What is your area of legal specialty?

My area of legal specialty is personal injury law. Personal injury cases span a wide range of different areas including car accidents, dog bites, catastrophic injuries, and brain injuries. For more on my professional background in law, see this page.

  1. How will you charge me for my case?

The Columbus car accident attorneys here at Heit Law, LLC handle all cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not pay any attorney fees unless we win your case.

  1. How can I improve the chances of success for my case?

A very simple way to improve the general chance for success for your case is to follow the steps we discussed above on what to do after a car accident. By gathering things like photos of the accident, insurance, and contact information, and making sure to file a claim with your insurance company, you are setting some of the basic groundwork for your potential case.

Seeking fair compensation in the aftermath of a car accident can be a complicated process, so following the above-mentioned steps can be especially helpful.

  1. How long do you think the resolution for my case will take?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to give to this question. Car accident cases are all different – from the way in which the accident itself happened to any kind of injuries or damage that result from the accident. This means that the general timeline of each case can range from a few months to longer.

Case details can impact the length of time that is needed for resolution. For example, if you or a loved one sustains catastrophic injuries, your case may need a longer length of time to resolve.

Get the Help of a Professional, Skilled & Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Columbus, Ohio

I am Columbus personal injury attorney Corey Heit, founder, and owner of Heit Law, LLC. I come from a large law firm background where I successfully resolved a wide variety of car accident claims for clients throughout the Columbus area and across Ohio. I have substantial experience negotiating settlements with insurance companies as well as litigating claims in court.

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Why You Need a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer

Do you need a car accident attorney in Columbus, Ohio? If you have been involved in a car accident in Columbus, you need a car accident lawyer who can get you the compensation you need to put your life back together and recover. My priority, as your Columbus car crash lawyer, is getting you the maximum possible compensation to help you do just that. There are many complexities involved in car accidents, get the assistance of an expert Westerville car accident attorney such as myself to help you get the compensation you deserve.

Here at Heit Law, LLC, I will give your case personal attention to get you the maximum results by pursuing every available option. There are many choices of car accident lawyers in Columbus, Ohio, but few that can give your case the personal attention it needs and you deserve. From my Westerville personal injury law practice, I serve clients throughout Columbus and Ohio.

Committed To Obtaining The Best Possible Outcome For Every Client

I understand the types of injuries that can happen in these cases, and I know how overwhelming it can be to face an uncertain future because of another person’s negligence. Many car accident injuries can impact victims for the rest of their lives. I am committed to getting the compensation you need for all of your current and future needs.

I fully investigate every case in order to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they will impact you over the short and long term. I work hard to obtain a settlement that provides for your medical care and other losses without needing a lengthy court battle. I prepare every case as if it will go to trial, however, and I will not hesitate to take your case to court in pursuit of the results you deserve.

Discuss Your Car Accident Questions With a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus, Ohio

Please call my office in Westerville, Ohio, to discuss your car accident claim with a car accident lawyer. I handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay car accident attorney fees unless we win. You can reach me by phone at 614-898-5300, toll-free from anywhere in Ohio at 877-898-HEIT (4348) or contact me via email to schedule a free initial consultation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What should happen immediately after the accident has taken place?

Immediately after an accident, you should call the police and seek medical attention even if you do not believe you have been hurt. From there, once you are able be sure to take photos of all of the vehicles that were involved and the scene of the accident. This will document the accident and ensure that your Columbus car crash lawyer has key evidence to look over for your case.

What should you do after a mild accident?

Following a mild car accident, you should still take the steps mentioned above. Be sure to stay at the scene of the accident, seek medical treatment, call the police, and gather information such as eyewitness contact information. Try to limit your conversation with any other drivers that were involved as well, but discuss the accident with the police, medical professionals, and your Columbus car collision lawyer.

What to do after being in a car accident and I am hurt?

An important step to take after being in a car accident where you have been hurt is connecting with a Columbus car accident attorney. This is an important step following an accident because a lawyer, such as myself, will be able to help you navigate the often complex process of filing a car accident claim. My main priority will be seeking maximum compensation on your behalf as you focus on recovery.

To read more about steps to take, see our post here.

What information do I need to file a car accident claim?

Information related to the car accident will be especially important to file your car accident claim. Information that is typically used in a car accident claim includes photos and videos of the scene of the accident, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and medical records. You may also need any other involved party’s insurance information.

What if I think the accident was at least partly my fault?

Car accidents can occasionally be easy to determine who was at fault, but in other cases, they can be trickier. And if there were multiple people involved, fault becomes all the more complicated to determine. Even if you think you were partly responsible for the accident, you should follow the steps we discuss above and speak with a Columbus car collision lawyer as soon as possible. We will be able to determine the best approach for your case.

Can I still recover damages if I was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident?

If another driver caused the crash and you were not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, you may still be able to recover damages if you file a claim. Not wearing a seatbelt does not restrict you from filing a claim, but it may have some negative effects on your claim. Being able to prove the other driver was negligent will be important here. For further questions, feel free to connect with Heit Law’s Columbus car crash lawyer.

What if the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance?

In Ohio, it is required by law for drivers to have insurance. But some 1 in 8 vehicles in Ohio do not have insurance. But if you have been in an accident with an uninsured driver, you still can file a claim against them if your own insurance does not include uninsured motorist coverage.

If the other driver flees the scene, what can I do?

If the other driver flees the scene, you will want to do a few things. Try to get any kind of identifying information about the other driver and their car if possible, such as a physical description of the driver or their car and the license plate number. Then contact the police. They may be able to locate the fleeing driver and vehicle after the accident.

Can I file a car accident lawsuit to obtain more money?

When it comes to filing a car accident lawsuit, your Columbus car crash lawyer will negotiate on your behalf for the maximum amount of compensation possible. Insurance companies may try to push their initial settlement, but your lawyer will work to secure you fair compensation for any injuries and losses you sustained.

I was injured months ago and I’m not better. Can I still file a claim?

In Ohio, there is a statute of limitations in which personal injury claims need to be filed. You have a two year window from the day of the accident in which to file. As long as you are within that time frame, you can still file a claim – though we do recommend filing as soon as possible.

Should I notify my insurance company of the accident?

Yes, you should notify your insurance company when an accident has occurred. There may be important insurance coverage that will be relevant to your case like uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage. While you should share general information about the accident, be sure to consult with a Columbus car accident lawyer before discussing the topic of fault with your insurance company.

What compensation might be available to me if I’ve been injured by someone else’s carelessness?

There are a few different types of damages available when you seek compensation for a car accident. These include:

  • Medical expenses (both current and future)
  • Lost income (both current and future)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

In cases of wrongful death, funeral and burial expenses may also be awarded to loved ones seeking to recover damages.

How are appeals handled?  Do you have easy access to expert witnesses?

We handle appeals in a timely manner.

Can I sue the owner of a vehicle when the driver who hit me borrowed the car?

In cases where you are hit by a borrowed car, you may have grounds to sue the owner of a car that was borrowed. Their insurance may not cover instances of someone borrowing their car or if their insurance has other specific stipulations about vehicles being borrowed. The details of a case will be important in determining which parties can ultimately be held liable in a case. For more assistance, please contact Heit Law, LLC to speak with a Columbus car crash lawyer.

Do I need to call the police after an accident?

Yes, you need to call the police after an accident. They will be able to assist anyone who was hurt in the accident, and they will also file a police report following the car accident. A police report will be an important piece of evidence in your claim.

Can anything I say to the police after a car accident be used against me?

Yes, anything that you might say to the police following a car accident can be used against you or in your personal injury claim. In most cases, it can be best to stick to the facts of the accident as they happened and keep things short if you can.

What should I do if an adjuster from the “at-fault” individual’s insurance company calls me?

If you are contacted by the other party’s insurance company, keep things polite. Be sure to get key information such as the caller’s name and title and the insurance company’s name. You can decline to speak with the adjuster, ask them to call an adjuster from your insurance company or let them know you’ll only speak to them with your lawyer present.

Who pays my medical expenses while my case is pending?

There are a number of different ways that your medical expenses may be covered while your case is pending. Your expenses may be covered by your health insurance, out-of-pocket, or by personal injury protection. Your own auto insurance may also provide coverage for your medical expenses.

Can I receive compensation from the employer of the driver who caused my accident injuries?

In certain cases, you may be able to receive compensation from the employer of the driver who caused your injuries. This may be possible in cases where the at-fault driver works for a trucking company, as a food delivery driver, or for certain rideshare companies.

What if the vehicle that caused my accident injuries was an Uber or Lyft?

If you were injured by an Uber or Lyft driver, you can pursue a personal injury claim against them. Rideshare services are a popular and accessible travel option, but accidents do happen. Rideshare accidents can include additional complexities to a case, but an experienced Columbus car collision lawyer can help in navigating the process.

Can I receive compensation from my personal injury protection (PIP) policy if I wasn’t driving a vehicle at the time of the accident?

You will want to check the specifics of your own PIP policy. But in most cases, you can receive compensation from your PIP policy even if you were only a passenger in a vehicle at the time of the accident. PIP policies usually cover things like medical expenses and lost income.

What if there are multiple injured people in my accident?

If there are multiple injured people in an accident, all injured individuals have two main options after the accident. They can choose to file a personal injury claim separately or they can choose to file a claim jointly. Each option has its pros and cons for each person involved. Consult with a Columbus car accident attorney for further information.

Can I recover compensation from the manufacturer of my own vehicle?

Some car accidents are the result of defective car parts such as failing brakes, non-working seatbelts, or airbags that aren’t functioning properly. In cases where this is true, the manufacturer of your car may be held liable for your injuries. You will need to be able to prove the manufacturer’s liability just as you would if you were pursuing a claim against another driver.

What kind of damages could I be entitled to?

Damages from a claim against a car manufacturer will be the same as damages in any other kind of car accident claim including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and even burial and funeral expenses if wrongful death occurred.

Do I need to have a permanent injury in order to receive compensation after a car accident?

No. Many types of injuries happen following a car accident, including permanent injuries and minor injuries like strains, sprains, bruises, and broken bones. No matter the kind of injuries you sustain, you have the right to seek compensation for them.

Is there a statute of limitations on injuries received during a car accident?

As discussed above, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio is two years. This time limit starts running on the day of your accident, so filing your claim as soon as possible is imperative. If you have further questions about your injuries and statute of limitations, please contact us here at Heit Law, LLC.

Can I keep my car, even if it’s totaled?

In Ohio, you can keep your car even if it’s been totaled by the insurance company. The insurance company makes this decision based on factors that determine if your car is repairable or not. If your car is considered totaled, you will need to get a salvage title or look into getting the repair work needed for a salvage title.

Do I have to go to court to receive a settlement for my injuries?

Your case may not go all the way to court, as all cases do not necessarily make it that far. Some claims may be settled directly with an insurance company before a lawsuit ever needs to be filed. Working with a

I have hired an attorney, what’s next?

Once you hire an attorney, we will begin taking the next steps such as collecting further evidence related to the accident and moving to file your claim in a timely manner. We take a dedicated approach to each case we work on to provide you with proactive representation.

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