Ohio Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline
From January 2020 to January 2023, a total of 782,650 car accidents happened in Ohio according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Electronic Crash Submission database. Car accidents, both in Ohio alone and across the United States, are unfortunately a common occurrence. They can happen out of nowhere and can leave individuals facing all manner of injuries, ranging from minor to severe.
Injuries sustained from a car accident can be an extremely stressful situation. You may require short or long-term medical care, your ability to live your daily life can be impacted, and you may have to face expensive medical costs. But in cases where a car accident was caused due to the negligence of another driver, you may have grounds to seek compensation from the liable party.
When it comes to the process of a car insurance claim in Ohio, there are a number of factors that will ultimately impact the overall process and timeline. These factors will range from what exactly the details of the car accident were, what kind of insurance coverage the liable party has, and what evidence exists to help prove a claim.
In the aftermath of a car accident, you may find yourself asking important questions like what legal steps you can take in terms of car insurance claims due to a personal injury in Ohio. Here at The Friedmann Firm, our team of experienced attorneys understands the ins and outs of the legal proceedings around personal injury claims.
Personal Injury Car Accident Insurance Claims Time Limit – Ohio
Before we get further into car insurance claims due to personal injury in Ohio, it is important to make note of the statute of limitations on personal injury in Ohio. In Ohio, there is a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims of all types, including those for car accidents. This means you must file suit on your claim within two years of the accident.
That two-year statute of limitations begins on the day of the accident, as defined in Section 2305.10 of the Ohio Revised Code.
This means that the deadline by which you have to file a personal injury claim starts on the day of your car accident. If you do not file a claim before the end of this deadline, you may lose the ability to seek compensation from the liable party. So, to ensure that you can seek compensation for your injuries and related losses, we always recommend taking action as soon after your accident as you can by contacting a Columbus car accident attorney.
While two years can seem like a long time, the deadline can pass rather quickly. We will be able to help ensure that your claim is filed in a timely manner.
The General Process of a Car Insurance Claim Due to Personal Injury in Ohio
Each claims process will differ based on the individual details of each situation, but some general steps will remain the same. Some of the general steps to expect include:
- Call 911: If no one else has called 911, you will want to call 911 yourself. This alerts both police and medical professionals to the accident, ensuring that you and anyone else who has been injured can seek medical attention. You will also be able to make an accident report with the police.
- Seeking medical care: Immediately following a car accident, you will want to seek medical attention. Even fi you feel like you were not injured, seeking medical care is important as you may have injuries that are not external. Be sure to keep track of your medical records as well, including any medical reports and other important information from the medical professionals you see.
- Begin to collect evidence: This is where a car accident attorney can help a great deal. Collecting relevant evidence to help support your claim is critical. An attorney from our law firm will be able to further explain what evidence you need and help to keep track of the evidence such as police and medical reports, insurance claims, eyewitness testimony, and photos and videos.
- Claims investigation: Once you have informed the involved insurance companies about what you are looking to claim, a claims investigation will begin. You may receive calls from the liable party’s insurance company but be sure to consult with your attorney. We can and should handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit: Not all car insurance claims in Ohio will be able to be settled. If a settlement is not reached and your insurance claim has been denied, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Your attorney will be able to take you through the lawsuit process if it escalates to that point and handle all of the legal details.
Again, each claims process will differ based on the details of your situation. Please consult with an attorney for more information on your individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to file a personal injury claim in Ohio?
As discussed above, the statute of limitations in Ohio is two years. You will need to take appropriate steps to file a claim within the two-year time frame from the day of the accident.
How long do insurance claims take Ohio?
Unfortunately, there is no particular amount of time that we can point to for how long a claim may take.
Some car accident cases may settle fairly quickly, while others may last a few years. Specific factors that may impact the length of time a claim will take include:
- Complexity of the case
- The type and severity of your injuries
- The type of damages you are seeking
- Parties involved in the case
Is Ohio an at-fault state for car insurance?
Yes, Ohio is an at-fault state when it comes to car insurance. This means that you are not required to get in contact with your own insurance company in order to seek compensation following an accident. You can file a claim against the liable driver with their insurance company to start the process of seeking damages.
The insurance company of the liable driver will typically proceed with an investigation to determine who was at fault. This investigation will also include looking at the extent of damage and injuries you sustained in the accident. Insurance companies will usually ask for additional information from you and your attorney.
Here at The Friedmann Firm, our team of attorneys are here to help guide you through the process of communicating with insurance companies during this process as we work to prove fault on part of the liable driver.
What kind of damages are available in a personal injury claim after a car accident?
Following a car accident, there are a few different types of compensation that you may receive including:
- Lost income
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
In cases where wrongful death has occurred, additional damages like funeral and burial expenses may be awarded as well.
Connect with a Top Rated Car Accident Attorney Today
As you can see, the process of a car insurance claim due to personal injury in Ohio can be a complex one. And given that each case will differ greatly depending on the individual factors of the situation, working with a car accident attorney can be a beneficial decision for you to make in the aftermath of a car accident. While you can certainly pursue filing personal injury and car insurance claims in Ohio on your own, the assistance of an attorney can make a very big difference.
Here at The Friedmann Firm, we help to ensure that all of the damages from your accident are included in your claim. We handle all of the legal legwork required to file a personal injury claim, including meeting all necessary deadlines, educating you on your rights as a victim, and ensuring you do not accept a low settlement offer that does not compensate you properly. Our expertise allows us to bring a compassionate but aggressive approach to each case that we take on.
The Friedmann Firm team has been successfully representing clients throughout Ohio since our founding in 2012. Should we take your case on, you will have an attorney on your side who is there to educate you and guide you through the legal process from start to finish. We find innovative solutions to your problems and work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please reach out to The Friedmann Firm today. Our team is ready to put our years of experience to work and help you seek fair compensation. Connect with us over the phone at 614-610-9755 or via our contact form to book a free and confidential consultation.
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