Justice For Car Accident Victims
Car accidents are often quick and unsuspected. In many instances, these car accidents can happen quicker than drivers are able to see it coming. Some accidents are minor and only create minor bumps and bruises, but many car accidents can be very serious and alter the lives of those involved forever. Unfortunately, some car or truck accidents aren’t accidents at all; they are crashes that are caused by another motorist driving recklessly and demonstrating negligence on the roads. Types of negligent driving can include texting while driving, speeding, drunk driving, and many more. It’s crucial to understand that being involved in a car accident that is not your fault can often declare another driver at fault. If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, call Godinsky Law, LLC and speak with our Strongsville car accident attorney right away to discuss your case and determine if you have a right to claim damages from the injuries you sustained.
What To Do After A Car Accident?
If possible, it’s very important to call the police, exchange insurance information, and reach out to your insurance company following a car accident in Strongsville, Ohio. After you’ve done this it’s recommended that you seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think that you were seriously injured in the accident, it’s still advised to confirm with a medical professional. Injuries may not be recognizable directly after an accident, especially with adrenaline coursing through your body. A good example of an unknown injury is soft tissue damage or internal bleeding. These types of injuries often don't manifest until long after the accident.
Once you have finished all of your medical treatments and physical therapy following an accident, an experienced Strongsville car accident lawyer can gather all of your medical bills and records and submit them to the at-fault driver’s insurance company, along with a settlement demand. Your personal injury attorney can then negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and file a timely car accident claim or lawsuit, if necessary. Godinsky Law, LLC specializes in doing all of this for you while you worry about what matters the most, recovering.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents in Ohio
There are many ways that car accidents can occur in Cuyahoga County. But, the vast majority of auto accidents are caused by the negligence of another motorist. Although some driving mistakes can be minor, they can still result in severe accidents that alter the lives of others. Below are some of the more common causes of car accidents in Ohio:
Determining Fault After A Car Accident
There are often many variables at play when deciding who is at fault after a car accident, especially if the accident is not immediately obvious. Every party involved must provide accurate and detailed information regarding what occurred. It's also recommended that you attempt to speak with any bystanders who may have witnessed the crash and can provide details and another perspective to the incident.
Once an insurance company steps in, they start working to uncover exactly what happened and who caused or contributed to the collision. Once a decision is made, or it is understood who shares fault in a car accident, one or more insurance companies will cover the expenses of treatment for injuries and the additional damages caused by the crash.
The percentage of fault can also add an extra layer of difficulty when determining who is at fault in a car accident. In many cases, more than one driver can be held liable for a crash. It's possible that your insurance company can agree to 80% of the damages, and the other insurance company claims 20% of the damages. There are often many moving parts when it comes to car accident claims, especially when a large sum of money is at stake. To secure the best possible outcome for your accident case, call Godinsky Law, LLC today. Our skilled Strongsville car accident attorney is ready to fight for you and help you recover what you are owed.
Common Injuries From Auto Accidents
The sheer force that an auto accident exerts on an individual can cause a variety of injuries. While more serious car accidents tend to cause more severe injuries, it is also possible for a seemingly low-impact collision to significantly injure an individual as well. Understanding the types of common car accident injuries can help you determine the number of damages and compensation you are entitled to.
Potential Financial Compensation
Under Ohio law, a negligent driver who causes an auto accident can be held liable for the harm caused by the collision. Below are some common types of damages a car accident victim can potentially recover from the negligent driver.
Medical Expenses
Car accident victims are entitled to recover damages for the medical expenses and treatment that resulted from the car accident. Depending on the severity of the accident, recovery can include past and/or future medical expenses. It's common for those injured in serious car accidents to accumulate mountains of medical bills. At Godinsky Law LLC, we make sure you don't pay dime for someone else's negligence.
Property Damage
Property damage helps you recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident. It's also worth noting that the property damage portion and bodily injury portion of the insurance claim is entirely separate. Any payments that cover your property damage are independent of your recovery from bodily injuries.
Lost Wages
Car accident victims are entitled to recover any income lost due to the injuries caused by the crash. A Strongsville auto accident lawyer can help those injured in accidents demand lost wage compensation. Lost wages will replace any unearned income that resulted from your inability to work after the accident.
Pain & Suffering
Victims are entitled to recover damages for the mental and physical suffering sustained due to a car accident. The amount of pain and suffering a car accident victim will receive largely depends on the severity of the accident and injuries.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists In Ohio
According to the Insurance Information Institute, more than 13% of all drivers in Ohio are uninsured. Uninsured and underinsured motorists can cause devastating injuries in a car accident and leave you at a loss about next steps and how to hold them accountable. Ohio law requires that drivers carry car insurance that covers bodily injury and property damage in accidents where the driver is at fault. This is known as “liability” insurance. When a driver is liable for damages, their insurance will cover the costs associated with the accident for those who were not-at-fault. Ohio requires that every driver carry the following minimum auto insurance coverage:
If a driver does not have liability insurance, they are considered uninsured. When a driver does not have enough insurance to meet these thresholds or causes damages greater than these limits, they are considered underinsured. At Godinsky Law LLC, we can help you navigate the complex uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. Our skilled Strongsville car accident attorney will ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve after a car accident.
Ohio Dram Shop Liability
If the driver who caused your crash was intoxicated at the time of the accident, speak with a Cleveland car accident lawyer immediately. Under Ohio Revised Code section 4399.18 Ohio's dram shop laws allow you to potentially hold the establishment who served the at-fault driver accountable for the accident as well. The vendor that knowingly sold or provided alcohol to someone under 21-years-old or to someone who was noticeably intoxicated can be liable for damages the intoxicated person causes. If we can identify the individual or business that supplied the drunk driver with alcohol just prior to the crash, we can pursue compensation from that party.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you work with Godinsky Law, LLC, you pay no out-of-pocket fees, since we handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. We charge nothing unless we win your case. Call us today for a free consultation and learn more about our contingency fees.
If you are in an auto accident, whether you are driving or a passenger, there are a few steps you should always take to preserve your legal rights to future compensation. Below are a few things to remember:
- Call 911
- Seek medical care
- Document the accident
- Collect evidence
- Witness information
- Call a skilled Strongsville auto accident attorney
It's critical to identify who was at fault for a crash and who was responsible for your injuries. In many cases, this is clear. You know whose vehicle collided with your own while you obeyed the rules of the road. However, this isn't always the case. Luckily, a thorough car investigation following an accident should provide you with answers. Our Cleveland personal injury lawyer can help initiate investigations utilizing car accident experts.
Contact A Strongsville Car Accident Attorney Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another motorist, you have the legal right to seek justice and compensation. Godinsky Law, LLC understands how stressful the legal process may seem to those unfamiliar. Our mission is to fight for the injured victims of Cuyahoga County. While we take care of the necessary litigation, you can worry about what's most important, healing both physically and mentally from your accident. Our skilled Strongsville car accident lawyer, Chris Godinsky, has years of experience representing the good people of Ohio. Don’t be a victim twice, reach out to us today for a free case evaluation.