After a car accident in Lima, Ohio, many victims wonder what a car accident lawyer does to help with their case. The Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis Personal Injury Lawyers understands that the legal process can overwhelm accident victims.
A strong legal team is crucial in protecting your rights and getting fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Call our firm at (419) 404-4444 to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Keep reading to learn more about what our Lima car accident lawyers can do to support you:
Investigate Your Car Accident Case
One of the first things a Lima car accident attorney does is thoroughly investigate your accident. This investigation forms the foundation of your entire case. A proper investigation can distinguish between a successful claim and a denied one in Lima, OH. They work to gather evidence that supports your version of events.
Key types of evidence Lima personal injury lawyers collect include:
- Police reports documenting the official account of the accident
- Witness statements from people who saw the collision occur
- Photographs from the accident scene showing vehicle damage and road conditions
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
- Medical records proving your injuries and their connection to the accident
Medical records play a vital role in proving your injuries and their connection to the accident. This evidence helps establish how bad your injuries are and what treatment you need.
Determine Fault and Liability
Establishing who caused the accident is essential for any car accident claim. Ohio uses a comparative negligence system that generally allows multiple parties to share responsibility for an accident, but you can usually only recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault.
Your Lima personal injury attorney will examine all factors that contributed to the crash, including:
- Driver behavior such as speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving
- Road conditions, including construction zones, potholes, or poor signage
- Vehicle defects or mechanical failures that may have caused the accident
- Weather circumstances that affected driving conditions
Insurance companies often try to shift the blame to accident victims to reduce their payouts. Your car accident lawyer knows how to counter these tactics and protect you from unfair blame.
Calculate the Value of Your Claim
Determining the worth of your car accident case requires careful analysis of multiple factors. Car accident lawyers have experience evaluating different damages and losses resulting from collisions.
Economic damages include specific financial losses you can document with receipts and bills. These damages typically include:
- Medical expenses for emergency treatment, hospital stays, and ongoing care
- Lost wages from time missed at work due to your injuries
- Property damage to your vehicle and personal belongings
- Future medical costs for continued treatment and rehabilitation
Non-economic damages compensate for losses that don’t have specific dollar amounts. Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life fall into this category. Your lawyer knows how to calculate these damages based on how serious your injuries are and how they impact your daily life.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies employ teams of adjusters and lawyers to minimize claim payouts. Car accident lawyers level the playing field by negotiating on your behalf with these professionals.
Your lawyer knows the tactics insurance companies use to reduce settlements—common ones include:
- Making quick, lowball offers before you understand your full injuries
- Requesting recorded statements that could be used against you later
- Asking you to sign documents that could limit your rights
- Disputing the necessity of your medical treatment
- Arguing that pre-existing conditions caused your current injuries
Skilled lawyers can effectively present your case and counter the insurance company’s arguments.
Prepare Your Case for Trial
While most car accident cases settle out of court, your lawyer must be prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. This preparation strengthens your negotiating position and shows insurance companies you’re serious about pursuing fair compensation.
Trial preparation involves multiple important steps that can include:
- Gathering expert witnesses who can testify about your injuries
- Preparing exhibits such as photographs, medical records, and accident diagrams
- Developing legal arguments for your case
- Taking depositions of key witnesses and other parties involved
Depositions are sworn statements that can be used as evidence during settlement negotiations or a trial. Your lawyer will prepare you for your deposition and guide you.
Protect Your Legal Rights
Many accident victims unknowingly say or do things that damage their claims.
Ways your lawyer can protect your rights include:
- Advising you on what to say and do during the claims process
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Reviewing all documents before you sign them
- Ensuring all legal deadlines are met properly
In Ohio, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the accident date. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue compensation. An attorney can help ensure all deadlines are met and your case proceeds smoothly.
Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
Most car accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they win your case. This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to accident victims regardless of their financial situation.
Benefits of contingency fee arrangements include:
- No upfront attorney fees or legal costs are required.
- Your lawyer only gets paid if they successfully recover compensation.
- Your lawyer’s interests are aligned with yours.
- You get to focus on your medical recovery without financial stress.
Under this system, your lawyer usually advances all case expenses and only collects fees and costs if your case is successful.
Contact an Experienced Lima Car Accident Attorney
Understanding what a Lima car accident lawyer does helps you make informed decisions about legal representation. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Contact the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis Personal Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
