Tips for Choosing an Attorney after a Car Accident

Personal injury cases may seem straightforward in the outset but get complicated as they progress. While it may be clear who is at fault and who the victim is, it is possible to encounter complications and roadblocks all along the way in a personal injury case. It is therefore important to seek the assistance of a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to represent you and help you in seeking compensation.

Why you need a Lawyer

If you’re thinking about whether or not to hire a lawyer, consider the following:

  • Your claim may become too much for you to handle on your own

In the beginning, a personal injury claim may seem straightforward. However, it can become complicated as the case progresses.  A personal injury attorney who understands the legal and technical complexities of your claim will help you navigate through the murky waters.

  • An attorney will help you get a fair settlement

An experienced attorney will examine the merits of your case and determine what fair compensation would be. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure that your interests are protected and to fully present your case to the insurance company with the goal of maximizing the settlement payout.

  • Hiring an attorney will help you level the playing field

Insurance companies rely on experienced lawyers to defend them and negotiate on their behalf. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney levels the playing field and ensures that you’re not intimidated into taking less than what is fair as compensation.

What to Look for in a Lawyer

It is important to take your time and search for a lawyer that is right for your case. Look for an attorney who is:

  • Experienced

The attorney should have experience with cases similar to yours. They should have experience negotiating with insurance companies and representing injured victims with car accident claims.

  • Resources

The attorney should have adequate resources at his disposal to help build your case. This doesn’t always mean going for a large firm. Simply choose a firm that has been in business long enough to show stability.

  • Open lines of communication

Communication is vital in a personal injury claim. Choose a lawyer who listens to you and is easy to talk to. He should be easy to get in touch with when you have a question about your case. Your attorney should also be willing to provide you with updates and other information in the course of the case.

Tips for Finding a Lawyer

You can find an experienced attorney by:

  • Asking for references from friends and family
  • Asking for references from a lawyer your already know
  • Reading online reviews from former clients
  • Seeking referrals from courthouse clerks.

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Workers’ Compensation

If you have been injured on the job you should file a Workers’ Compensation claim right away. It takes time to process your claim and the sooner you file the sooner you and your family can start receiving benefits. In some cases an employer or its insurance carrier will fight hard to deny the claim, reduce benefits, or cut benefits short. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys can help you file your claim, so that it is filed properly the first time, and see you through the appeals process if your claim is denied.

Workers’ Compensation is not a Lawsuit

Workers’ Compensation is not a lawsuit against your employer. It is not welfare from the government. It is an insurance claim. Workers’ Compensation laws require most employers to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance in case their employees are injured on the job. In some cases, employers who are not required to carry the insurance will choose to do so on their own.

You do not need to prove fault in order to receive Workers’ Compensation benefits.

Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation

Most employees and some day laborers are eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. Independent contractors are not covered under Workers’ Compensation laws. There are exceptions for some types of employment. During your free initial consultation, our Columbus personal injury attorneys can help you determine if you are eligible for Workers’ Compensation and advise you of your options if you are not.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, please call our Columbus personal injury attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

What to do if You are in a Car Accident

No one is prepared for a car accident, but the things you do or fail to do immediately after an accident can make the difference between winning and losing your case later down the road. Learning and memorizing the correct steps to take after an accident can help you do the right thing if it ever happens to you. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please talk to our Columbus personal injury attorneys today.

• Move your car out of the flow of traffic if possible, and get any victims out of harm’s way.
• Do not leave the scene of the accident before authorities arrive.
• Call the police or sheriff. If anyone is injured tell them you need and ambulance.
• Do not admit fault, even if you think you may be to blame for the accident.
• Get contact information and insurance information from all other drivers. Get names and contact information for everyone involved including passengers and witnesses.
• Write down the license plate numbers, make, model, and color of all vehicles involved.
• If you have a camera, take pictures of everything including any injuries and vehicle damage.
• Call your insurance company and report the accident.
• Call our Columbus personal injury attorneys.
• Seek medical attention right away, even if you do not believe you are injured.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, please call our Columbus personal injury attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.

Severe Injuries

Severe injuries are typically life-altering injuries. Victims may eventually recover fully, but many do not and are permanently disabled. Severe injuries can shorten your life expectancy and they can carry a huge financial cost for the rest of your life. Calculating the long-term cost of serious injuries is a complicated and important part of determining the appropriate compensation. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys are here to help.

Types of Severe Injuries

Severe injuries include, but are not limited to:

• Brian injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Severe burns
• Amputations
• Neurological damage
• Disfigurement
• Vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Organ loss

Impact of Severe Injuries

People with severe injuries, such as spinal cord injury, often require life-long medical care and personal care. Secondary conditions may develop leading to illnesses, pain, and early death. Severe injuries often cause chronic pain. The emotional impact can be devastating for victims and their loved ones.

Compensation for severe injuries can give you access to the most advanced medical treatments which may offer the only hope of recovery. It can also mean taking the burden of daily care off of loved ones and greatly improving you and their quality of life.

If you or a loved one has incurred serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, please call our Columbus personal injury attorneys or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, in most cases we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a personal injury lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.