Determining whether you should hire a lawyer after a car accident in Lima, OH, can be difficult to figure out. In some instances, if the accident was minor, you might not need legal representation. But the only way to know for sure is by having a conversation with an attorney. Many car accident lawyers in Lima offer free consultations, so there’s no cost to find out if you need professional help.
What a lawyer does makes a major difference in how your case unfolds. It might turn out that you need an attorney after all, and having one could potentially lead to a larger settlement.
Signs That Indicate You May Need to Hire a Lima Car Accident Attorney
Factors that increase the need for legal help after a car accident include:
You Sustained Catastrophic Injuries
The more severe your injuries, the more your case will be worth. Insurance companies fight claims to lower the value of damages to avoid paying large claims. If you sustained severe injuries, the insurance company may search for ways to deny your claim and undervalue your damages.
Furthermore, determining the value of your damages can be challenging if you have sustained traumatic injuries. In addition to your current financial losses, you may be entitled to future economic damages. Estimating future damages may require the assistance of various expert witnesses. Your non-economic damages for pain and suffering may also be worth more than the insurance company offers for settlement.
You Are Being Blamed for Your Car Accident
The insurance company may allege you contributed to the cause of the car crash. This tactic is a common way for insurance companies to deny and decrease the value of claims.
Ohio’s modified comparative fault law bars victims from receiving damages if they are 51% or more to blame for causing an accident. For example, you would not be able to recover any compensation for your claim if a jury decided that you were 55% at fault for your car accident.
However, you can recover damages provided your level of fault is below the bar amount. Suppose the jury determines your fault for the car accident is 25% In that case, a judge would decrease your damages by 25%. You would receive 75% of the value of your damages.
Your Accident Involves a Government Entity
Government tort claims in Ohio are complicated personal injury cases. They involve very short deadlines and different rules for filing claims.
The Insurance Company Denies or Delays Your Claim
There could be a reason the insurance company is denying or delaying your claim. They may be trying to pressure you to accept a low settlement offer or dragging out your case to avoid a lawsuit.
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits. You may lose the right to pursue a legal claim if you do not file a lawsuit before the deadline.
Your Child Was Injured in the Accident
Child injury claims have some different rules for settlement. Also, child injuries can result in long-term developmental, physical, and emotional impairments, which may not be readily apparent.
A child injury lawyer understands the unique issues involved in car accident cases involving child injuries and can connect you with an expert who can examine your child. While you focus on your child’s health, your attorney will focus on pursuing maximum compensation.
Should I Hire a Lawyer After a Car Accident in Lima, OH?
There are many reasons why hiring an attorney after a car accident in Ohio is wise. Take advantage of a free consultation to learn more about how they can help you with your car accident claim.
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