Best Car Accident Lawyers in Toledo

FAQs

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

  The Toledo Police Department's non-emergency dispatch number is (419) 255-8443.

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

  You can obtain police reports at the Toledo Police Department Public Records Office, which is located at 525 N. Erie Street and is reachable by fax at 419-936-3659. Reports are sent through the postal service and email options are available, with the associated forms downloadable in PDF format. Requesters are advised to prepare pertinent details like the incident’s location, date, and the name of a victim or witness.

• Is it advisable for me to negotiate a car accident settlement in Toledo on my own?

  No, you are advised to refrain from negotiating a car accident claim in Toledo without a lawyer by your side. Insurance corporations are adept at lowballing the amounts you are due, and an attorney has the experience to properly assess the cost of your injuries and the fair sum needed. Your legal counsel is ethically obligated to settle for the sum you want and should not accept sums below what you desire, allaying fears of non-consensual backdoor dealing.

• What are the common injuries sustained in Toledo car accidents?

  Some usual types of physical harm incurred by car accident victims in Toledo are neck, head, and back injuries. Other minor and severe physical impairments, such as whiplash, lacerations, and lasting nerve damage, are also common. Lifelong disabilities are possible, preventing you from returning to your previous standard of living and requiring continual and perpetual treatments in the form of surgeries and close care.

• What are the steps I must take immediately following a car accident in Toledo?

  You must immediately call 911 and seek treatment for injured victims after figuring in a car accident in Toledo. Take photographic evidence of the scene and cover any skidmarks, vehicle damage, and street signs that investigators can use to establish fault. You should also cooperate with the law enforcement officers arriving on the scene and gather as much information from the drivers and witnesses as possible to preserve evidence.

• What are expert witnesses and how are they valuable to my car accident case in Toledo?

  Expert witnesses are people who have special knowledge beyond the reach of everyday folk. The common types of expert witnesses include doctors and economists who are skilled at determining the extent of a victim's injuries and the associated intangible costs, like future financial losses. They can lend your Toledo car accident case a heightened credibility owing to their education and truthfulness.

• How much money could I recover in a car accident suit in Toledo?

  For car accidents in Toledo that involve wrongful death, a recovery of $2 million is possible, while those resulting in severe injuries can lead to $900,000 in awarded claims. Additionally, the damages resulting from emotional pain and suffering are known to exceed the damages for physical harm because of the lasting and incurable nature of mental distress.

• 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.