Best Car Accident Lawyers in Youngstown

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Youngstown police station is (330) 747-7911.

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

  Youngstown residents can ask for Traffic Accident Reports by U.S. mail:

  Mahoning County Sheriff's Office Records Division, 110 Fifth Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503

  You can get more information by calling the Records Division at 330-480-5030.

  Another way is by using the Ohio Department of Public Safety's Crash Retrieval website to look for crash reports: https://ohtrafficdata.dps.ohio.gov/CrashRetrieval. The New Mahoning County Sheriff's App also lets you look at Crash Reports. Residents can download the app at https://apps.myocv.com/share/a44344503 or by going to the App Store or Google Play and searching for "Mahoning Sheriff."

• Who is at fault for a Youngstown car accident caused by a merging vehicle?

  The driver who initiates the merge is usually found to blame in incidents involving vehicle crashes in Youngstown. Nonetheless, there are always outliers. For instance, if a car is speeding and collides with a car that is trying to merge, the driver of the car trying to merge could not be held responsible for the accident since it was more difficult for them to predict how much time they would need to complete the merge.

• Can you seek compensation for your child's injuries in a car accident in Youngstown?

  Yes. In civil court, children can't speak up for themselves, so it's up to you as their parent or guardian to do so. Children have the same right to get paid when they've lost a lot physically, financially, or emotionally, so you can file a civil lawsuit for them if they were hurt in a car accident in Youngstown.

• What are the actual penalties for driving a car in Youngstown without insurance?

  Driving without sufficient vehicle insurance coverage is unlawful in Ohio. If the  Bureau of Motor Vehicles discovers you driving without vehicle insurance after an automobile accident in Youngstown, you may face fines. These penalties could include having your driver's license taken away, paying to get it back, or even going to jail. The fee to get your license back is usually $100, but the court could charge you other fees.

• Who is liable for a self-driving car accident in Youngstown?

  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA), self-driving vehicles may decrease or eliminate human mistakes, but they have not evolved enough. This is why self-driving vehicle drivers are still responsible for road safety and should be held accountable for reckless conduct. The majority of automobile accidents, particularly those using self-driving cars, are the result of human mistakes. An accident may be triggered or intensified by many different types of carelessness on the part of humans, such as speeding, tailgating, or ignoring road signs.

• What happens if someone in Youngstown crashes a vehicle they borrowed or rented?

  If someone is hurt by a careless renter of a car, they may not be covered by their own insurance. The person who was wronged may be worried about getting their money back, which is only natural. In some instances, car insurance usually goes with the car. Hence, the owner of the car you borrowed should be able to help you file a third-party claim. You may then sue the driver who caused the accident.

• 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.