Zanesville Car Accident Attorneys

The first moments after a car accident are often confusing and stressful. You may be dealing with shock, physical pain, and concern for passengers or other drivers. The priority is always safety and medical care, but once the immediate crisis has passed, questions about repairs, medical bills, time off work, and insurance quickly follow.

If you have been hurt in an Ohio car accident, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and other losses related to the crash. Our Zanesville car accident attorneys at Graham Law represent drivers, passengers, and families throughout Zanesville, Muskingum County, and the surrounding communities.

You do not have to navigate the legal system or the insurance process on your own. Our team is available to meet in person at our Zanesville or Cambridge offices or virtually, depending on your needs. Contact us today to find out more.

First Steps to Take after a Car Accident in Ohio

Even while you are still at the scene, there are practical steps you can take that may help protect your health and any future claim.

If you are injured in a car crash in Ohio, consider the following:

• Call 911 if anyone is injured or if vehicles are blocking traffic, and follow the directions of first responders.
• Exchange basic information with the other drivers, including names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, and insurance details.
• If you can safely do so, take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, traffic signals, weather conditions, and visible injuries.
• Be mindful that anything you say to law enforcement, first responders, witnesses, or other drivers may later be included in reports or claims files.
• Seek medical attention promptly, even if you believe your injuries are minor, and follow your provider’s recommendations.

It can be challenging to know what to do immediately after a car accident. This is why the help of a Zanesville personal injury 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.

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.

An attorney can:

• Explain your rights and obligations under Ohio law.
• Help you understand how fault is determined, especially if multiple vehicles are involved.
• Evaluate whether a settlement offer reflects the full extent of your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
• Handle communication with insurance adjusters so you can focus on healing.

A legal professional can help you understand your options, rights, and any disputes that may arise over liability. Whether your accident involved a motorcycle collision, an interception with a truck, or a crash with another car, our attorneys at Graham Law can help you navigate your next steps.

Common Mistakes to Avoid after a Car Accident in Ohio

In the days and weeks after a crash, small decisions can have a big impact on your claim. Here are six common mistakes many people make, and why working with our Zanesville car accident attorneys can help you avoid them:

Do Not Say Too Much at the Accident Scene

A car accident usually happens 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 questions and concerns to empower our clients’ cases.

Don’t Delay Seeking Medical Treatment

Not only is seeking medical treatment in your best interests from a health perspective, but 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 after the collision.

Even if you feel your injuries are minor, it’s still 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.

Failing to File a Police or Accident Report

After a car accident in Ohio, you must contact the 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’s 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 a Zanesville car accident attorney.

Posting Freely on 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 you.

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.

Handling the Car Accident Claim Process Alone

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 can help you file your claim and advise on 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, can also appeal.

Talking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Guidance

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 of compensation you can pursue.

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 Zanesville car accident attorney at Graham Law 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 policyholder, not you.

You are not required to give a detailed recorded statement immediately. Many people choose to provide only basic contact and insurance information. You can decline to answer detailed questions until you’ve spoken with counsel, and direct the adjuster to your attorney once you have representation.

Speaking to an insurer without legal representation can put your case in jeopardy. Our experienced car crash attorneys at Graham Law can help you protect your rights.

Contact Graham Law and Book a Free Case Review with Our Car Accident Attorneys in Zanesville

For over 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.