The first moments after a car accident can be very stressful. There is likely to be shock, and potential injuries to address. The first and most important step is getting out of harm’s way, and ensuring that everyone involved in the accident receives the medical attention they require.
When the most pressing needs are taken care of, other worries set in. There may be the consideration of repairing or replacing your car, and more importantly – the process of your own recovery. If you have been injured in an Ohio car accident, you may be eligible for financial support to help cover medical and rehabilitative bills, as well as income you may lose while taking the time to heal.
There is no need to navigate the legal system alone. Our Cambridge and Zanesville car accident attorneys would be happy to discuss the nuances of your particular case. Contact us at Graham Law today to book a consultation and see how we might be of service to you.
First Steps after a Car Accident
Even while you are at the site of the accident, you may wish to consider preparing for a potential claim. Recording evidence, such as photos and videos of the accident scene, may be helpful in the future. Remember that anything you say to law enforcement, first responders, witnesses, and others involved in the accident, may also be used as evidence in the claims process.
It can be challenging to know what to do immediately after a car accident. This is why the help of an Ohio accident attorney may be vital in your case. If you have been involved in a collision, call us at 740-454-8585 or contact us online. A Zanesville car accident attorney or a Cambridge car accident attorney may be able to meet you right at the accident site, at the hospital, at your home, or at one of our offices.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Deciding whether to hire an attorney after a car accident in Ohio will depend on the circumstances of your case. However, whether your accident was minor or resulted in serious injuries, car accident claims often benefit from the guidance of an experienced lawyer. A legal professional can help you understand your legal options, rights, and any disputes that may arise over liability. Contact Graham Law to discuss your car accident case today.
Mistakes to Avoid after a Car Accident in Ohio
In the shock and overwhelm that often follows a car accident, it is common for people to make critical errors that can damage a future claim. Here are six mistakes you may want to avoid after a car accident in Ohio, and why working with a Zanesville or Cambridge car accident attorney might be in your best interests:
- Do Not Say Too Much at the Accident Scene
A car accident often happens quite quickly, and in the first moments it may not be clear exactly how it occurred. It may be to your advantage to wait before telling your side of the story. When police arrive at the accident scene, do give them your name, address, and driver’s license. Remember that you are not required to give them any other information. Anything you say or do may be used against you in a future claim. You can tell the police you would like to speak with your car accident attorney before making any statements.
When you work with a Cambridge or Zanesville car accident attorney, you may gain vital information about your rights. Our team at Graham Law is committed to guiding clients through the car accident investigation process, and addressing your questions and concerns so as to empower your case.
- Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
Not only is seeking medical treatment in your best interests from a health perspective, it may also be essential to a future legal claim. If you delay getting treatment following a car accident, it might be assumed that your injuries were not serious enough to merit compensation. Moreover, some symptoms take time to reveal themselves. Your body may be in shock, and you may not feel the full brunt of your injuries until days, or even weeks, following the collision.
Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it may be important to visit an emergency room, urgent care center, or your doctor as soon as possible. Make sure they keep a clear medical record, and follow their guidance regarding your recovery.
- File a Car Accident Report
After a car accident in Ohio, you must contact police if there are injuries or extensive damage involved. Police are required to follow procedures to record and verify the facts of the case, and generate an official report. Should you pursue legal action through a personal injury claim, this report will serve as an important piece of evidence. If the accident is minor, or if police are not available, you can file an accident report through your local city or county online portal, or through your local police station.
While a police report may be essential, remember your rights when it comes to speaking with law enforcement. The only information you are required to give them is your name, address, and driver’s license. For any other communication, it may be best to tell them you wish to first engage the support of an Ohio car accident attorney.
- Be Mindful of Social Media
If you file a personal injury claim, you can be fairly certain insurance companies will research your online presence. A public social media account can provide them with tremendous insight into your life, and if you are not mindful of what you share, it may be used against your claim.
Frustrating though it may be, it may diminish the strength of your case if you post photos of yourself celebrating with friends, engaging in lively activities such as sports, or participating in anything that might contradict your injury claim. If you have been involved in an Ohio car accident, it may be advisable to make your social media accounts private, or visible to “friends only.” For utmost security, consider pausing your social media activity altogether.
- Work with an Ohio Car Accident Attorney
Filing an insurance claim can be particularly challenging while you are in the process of recovering from injuries. The process of gathering evidence and information, and accurately filling out the required paperwork, can add stress to an already stressful time. Moreover, an insurance company may offer a settlement that is less than the amount you may be eligible to receive.
When you work with a Zanesville or Cambridge car accident attorney, you will not have to navigate your claim alone. We may be able to help you file your claim, and offer advice as to whether you should accept an insurance company’s settlement offers. We may be able to negotiate a higher settlement on your behalf. If your claim is denied, we may be able to file an appeal.
- Mind What You Say to Insurance Companies
The at-fault driver’s insurance company may contact you to ask questions about the car accident. It is likely that they are trying to find a weakness in your claim, so as to reduce the amount to which you are eligible. They may try to find proof that you were partially responsible for the accident. Comparative negligence in Ohio personal injury claims can have a profound impact on the support you may be able to receive.
Be mindful of what you say to an insurance company representative. Remember that your words may be used to build a case against your claim. Consult with a Cambridge or Zanesville car accident attorney today and learn how we may be able to support you in insurance company communications.
Should I Talk With the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Following a Car Accident?
After you’re involved in a car accident in Ohio, you may receive a call from the at-fault party’s insurance company. While it may seem like they want to help, normally their primary goal is to represent their policy holder, not you. Speaking to them without legal representation may put your case in jeopardy. It’s important to be cautious when you are approached by an at-fault party’s insurance company. Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you protect your rights. Reach out to Graham Law for guidance before making decisions during your car accident claim.
Contact Graham Law and Book a Consultation with a Zanesville or Cambridge Car Accident Attorney Today
For nearly a century, Graham Law has been helping Ohioans involved in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents. We prioritize an efficient, compassionate, proactive approach to making sure you receive the compensatory support to which you are entitled. An initial consultation with one of our Cambridge or Zanesville car accident attorneys is free of charge – contact us today through our online portal, or call us at 740-454-8585.
