Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Akron

FAQs

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

  Contact 330-375-2181 or 330-375-2552 for non-emergencies in Akron.

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

  Request incident reports through Akron Police Department's online portal: https://online.akronohio.gov/APDWebPortal. If you cannot find reports on this portal, call 330-375-2950, send an email to apdrecordsroom@akronohio.gov, and mail a request to or visit in person the police station at 217 S. High Street Room 208 Akron, OH 44308.

• What is a catastrophic settlement in a personal injury claim in Akron?

  If a person has suffered from catastrophic injuries in Akron, the insurance company may offer them a settlement in exchange for not filing a personal injury lawsuit. Most insurance companies settle major injuries out of court to avoid paying hefty fines. Sometimes they do this before a case can be filed or before a trial begins. Catastrophic injuries are those that result in long-term disability or impairment and can be due to vehicular accidents, explosions, and workplace accidents.

• How can an uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) insurance help in a personal injury claim in Akron?

  An uninsured/underinsured insurance (UM/UIM) allows a driver in Akron to file an injury claim if the other driver has limited to no insurance. It is not required in Ohio and may provide benefits for medical bills, rental car fees, lost wages, and car repairs. UM/UIM may also cover drivers and passengers during hit-and-run accidents.

• How do you go to the hearing of a personal injury case held at the Akron Municipal Court?

  For the hearing of your personal injury case, go to the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center at 217 South High Street in Akron. The Akron Municipal Court's offices and hearing venues are on the 7th to 9th floors and the mezzanine level. If you need a parking space, the Summit County Parking Deck is across the center for convenience. Contact the court administrative services office at 330-375-2120 or the civil division's clerk of court at 330-375-2920.

• What is the usual percentage that personal injury lawyers get in Akron?

  Usually, personal injury lawyers get around 25% to 35% of the settlement or judgment at trial that claimants in Akron get. The percentage depends on the case, and lawyers may pay court costs out of pocket and demand payment back if they lose. Most personal injury lawyers have contingency fee arrangements so that clients do not need to pay upfront fees; under this arrangement, attorneys may only receive payment after obtaining a settlement or winning the case.

• What are the pros and cons of structured settlements of a personal injury claim in Akron?

  Structured settlements provide personal injury claimants in Akron tax benefits and continued payments over some time. These types of payments do not come with management fees and enable claimants to deposit funds directly into their accounts. The cons of structured settlements are that annuities may become smaller through the years due to economic downturns. Insurance companies also do not disclose the whole amount in structured settlements, which may lead to claimants receiving a lesser amount compared to lump sum payments.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.