Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dublin, OH

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Dublin, Ohio?

  614-889-1112 is the non-emergency contact number for Dublin's local police station.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Dublin, Ohio?

  The Dublin Police Department provides three options to obtain a copy of your accident report: contacting them by phone at 614-889-1112; visiting their location in person at 6565 Commerce Pkwy, Dublin; or accessing the report online via the website https://dublinohiousa.gov/dublin-police/reports/ for additional details.

• What should be your first concern after a car accident in Dublin?

  Your health should always come first following a car accident. If you did not receive medical care at the accident scene, it's advisable to contact the nearest emergency department in Dublin or schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible. After receiving assurance from your doctor that your medical condition is stable, it's advisable to reach out to an attorney who can assess your case and provide guidance on legal options and potential challenges you may encounter when seeking the compensation you are entitled to.

• Who can be held liable for a car accident in Dublin?

  Liability for a car accident in Dublin falls on the person, driver, or entities who caused the accident, as determined by the state's tort-based insurance law. This law specifies that the party who caused the car accident will have to pay for damages through their insurance. Due to this, all drivers in Ohio are required to maintain at least the minimum amount of car insurance.

• What are the common injuries from Dublin car crashes?

  Common physical injuries following a car accident include burn injuries, broken bones, brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, and whiplash. If you sustained any of these or other injuries in a Dublin vehicle crash, reach out to a car accident attorney lawyer—especially if you need assistance with filing a claim for compensation.

• What should you say and not say to an insurance adjuster in Dublin?

  When filing an insurance claim after a Dublin car accident, it is important to be careful when communicating with insurance adjusters. To avoid potential complications, refrain from accepting or admitting fault, apologizing to the other driver, or discussing injuries until you have seen a doctor. Tell the truth but do not provide unnecessary information, and decline to provide a recorded statement. Before signing any document provided by the insurance company, it is advisable to seek legal advice.

• How much compensation are you entitled to through a Dublin car accident claim?

  The potential value of a car accident claim in Dublin depends on various factors—including the extent of your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage. Economic damages such as medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and vehicle repair or replacement are easily calculated, while non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and disability are more challenging to determine. To maximize compensation for non-economic losses, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your daily pain levels and mental state. A Dublin personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the potential value of your claim.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.