It may seem counterintuitive, but it’s when the car accident wasn’t your fault that hiring a car accident lawyer becomes most important.
That might surprise you because, so often in our society, we think of people needing to hire a car accident lawyer because they’re accused of doing something wrong — defending themselves against a criminal charge, for example.
But sometimes you need a car accident lawyer to protect your rights against the people or companies trying to deny those rights. Case in point: insurance companies.
Under Ohio personal injury law, you are entitled to recover financial compensation if you suffer damages in a car accident that wasn’t your fault. (In fact, even if the accident is partly your fault, you may still be entitled to a recovery.)
Unfortunately, insurance companies don’t always step up to the plate and pay accident victims what they deserve. On the contrary, they aggressively defend themselves against auto accident claims — including claims that are perfectly legitimate.
Insurance companies make profits by minimizing settlements and payouts. And if you aren’t used to handling complex legal matters, they’ll have a great deal more experience and insight than you. You’ll be on unequal footing.
That’s why you might need a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t your fault. Often, it is the only way to get the full and fair compensation you deserve.
How a Columbus Auto Accident Lawyer Can Make a Difference in Your Claim
An attorney is someone who exclusively represents your best interests, from beginning to end. Here are just a few ways your lawyer can make your life easier while also working to get you more money:
A Guiding Hand
The right lawyer will make sure you meet every notice requirement, every filing deadline, and every procedural mandate. They’ll also help you to avoid saying or doing things that could cost you the compensation you deserve. Too often, when people represent themselves against an insurance company, they end up making accidental statements against their own interest, or posting something seemingly innocuous on social media that ultimately undermines their claim.
Research and Investigation
Nothing strengthens a claim like legal strategy paired with solid evidence.
At Colombo Law, we have years of experience in investigating auto accidents. We work diligently to build a strong evidentiary foundation for our clients’ claims.
From expert witnesses and accident reconstruction specialists to subpoenaed records and surveillance and beyond, we are willing to do what it takes to put our clients in a position of leverage and strength.
An Advocate in Negotiations
The purpose of negation is to persuade the insurance company that giving you full and fair compensation in the form of a private settlement is in their best interest too. The Columbus car accident lawyers at Colombo Law have a long record of successfully resolving the majority of our claims in favorable, out-of-court settlement agreements.
Financial Resources for Building Your Case
Auto accident claims can last for months or sometimes years. Even with claims that resolve in the short-term, there are often certain expenses that arise in the process of building a case.
On your own, these expenses can be difficult to cover out of pocket, and keeping pace with an insurance corporation is virtually impossible. But the right law firm will have the financial resources needed to finance your case, whether it lasts weeks, months, or years.
A Courtroom Warrior… If it Comes to That
If your case goes to court, it’s important to have a trial-seasoned team of attorneys on your side. It is also critical that the insurance company believes your lawyers are serious about the threat of taking your claim to court.
Someone in Your Corner
In short, your Columbus auto accident lawyer should handle every aspect of your claim for you.
While you’re busy living your life, healing, and moving into the future, your lawyer be behind the scenes, not only dealing with all the red tape but also actively negotiating for your financial wellbeing.
Compensation Available for an Ohio Car Accident That Wasn’t Your Fault
While every accident is different, people injured in a car accident that wasn’t their fault may be able to recover financial compensation for each of the following damages under Ohio law:
- Medical expenses
- Property damage / loss of property value
- Pain and suffering / emotional distress
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Loss of love, affection, and support (in the event of a wrongful death)
- Other incidental or out-of-pocket losses you suffer because of the accident
An experienced Columbus auto accident lawyer can help you understand the damages available in your claim, which may be different than those listed above. As attorneys, part of our job is to help our clients recover the largest possible financial recovery. Insurance companies will work hard to reduce your claim, but we will work hard to achieve your best possible outcome.
Schedule a Cost-Free, No-Obligation Legal Consultation Today
Do you need a lawyer for a car accident that wasn’t your fault? We encourage you to call our office and talk about it.
At Colombo Law, we proudly serve auto accident victims all across the state of Ohio.
Call us at 888-860-1414 (614-362-7000 in Columbus) or simply contact us online.
