Eaton, Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Americans spend a great deal of time behind the wheels of our cars. We rely on them to get us where we need to go, and quickly. Today, there are over 270 million cars on the roads of the United States. With so many cars on the roads, crashes are inevitable, and they happen on a daily basis. Over the years, cars have improved their safety features, continually lowering the number of accidents and injuries that happen in the country every day. It is important to know that if you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, Kruger & Hodges experienced car accident attorneys in Eaton, Hamilton and Middletown can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your losses.
However, no safety feature can eliminate the risk of a car accident completely. Whether because of road conditions, driver negligence, or driver intoxication, accidents do still happen. While occasionally these accidents are single-vehicle crashes that result in only minor injuries, some automobile collisions involve multiple vehicles and result in devastating, catastrophic injuries to multiple victims. Car accidents have the ability to take away loved ones, impact personal performance at a job, or change the quality of a person’s life for years to come. It is important to know that a car accident can happen at any time and to anyone.
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Injuries from Eaton Car Accidents
Every year, nearly three million people are injured in car accidents, with over 1,000 being killed in Ohio alone. The unfortunate fact is that these deaths and injuries are not limited to the occupants of those vehicles, but it can affect pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorists as well. Since cars move so quickly, accidents can happen in a split second, and the resulting damage can last a lifetime.
Some car accident victims die at the scene, while others suffer severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment. Still, others might feel fine in the immediate aftermath, even turning down medical help at the scene, only to realize they have serious internal injuries a few days later. Some common injuries incurred by the clients of car accident attorneys in Eaton include:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Neck and back issues
- Broken bones
- Damage to internal organs
- Damage to muscles or ligaments
In addition to the threat of physical injuries, there is also the very real risk of psychological damage, such as anxiety or stress related to the accident. These sorts of injuries can manifest in the form of panic attacks while driving or increased tension while on public transit. Any single one of these injuries could change your life for months or years to come, and victims deserve compensation from those responsible.
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What to Do After a Car Accident in Eaton, Ohio
If you have been involved in a car accident in Eaton, the first thing to do is to call the police. This ensures that the proper emergency responders arrive at the scene of the accident and that everything is done by the books. While the other driver or drivers are on the scene, make sure to document all relevant information, if possible. This includes noting the makes and models of the vehicles involved, the names of others involved, license plates, insurance policies, and companies, and any other key information that will be important when presenting a case. Take photos of the scene, including your own visible injuries.
Once the police arrive on the scene and take your statement, immediately head to the doctor for a full check-up. This serves to not only make sure you are ok but provides concrete documentation about any injuries directly caused by the accident. This is especially important because, once the adrenaline from the crash wears off, you might begin to feel quite a bit of pain. It is important to see a doctor not only to document possible injuries but to prevent yourself from accidentally exacerbating them.
After visiting the doctor, it is important to call a trusted attorney. This might not be something people think of right away, but it is key. In addition, make sure not to speak to an insurance adjuster before speaking with our car accident attorneys in Eaton, Ohio, as you might inadvertently waive your legal right to sue those who have harmed you.
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Ohio Uninsured Motorist Coverage Law
In the state of Ohio, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without a minimum amount of liability insurance—even though, by some estimates, as many as 15 percent of Ohio residents drive with no liability insurance or other proof of financial responsibility. Ohio law requires 25/50/25 minimum liability limits–$25,000 for one person for a single accident, $50,000 total for a single accident, and $25,000 total property damage for a single accident.
Those drivers who carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on their own insurance policies who are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver may have extra coverage if their injuries are severe enough to require a higher limit. Ohio uninsured motorist coverage is not required in this state and is an optional coverage that drivers can choose to decline when purchasing an auto insurance policy. Considering the number of uninsured drivers on the roadways, it could be a wise decision to opt for Ohio uninsured motorist coverage.
Don’t leave your future to chance. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, the attorneys at Kruger & Hodges are here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our Eaton personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation; you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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Who is Liable for an Eaton Uninsured Motorist Coverage Accident?
Liability may not always be as straightforward as it seems. A police report can go a long way toward showing which driver was primarily responsible for the vehicle accident—if the police officer is able to make that determination. The insurance companies may conduct their own investigations and, once you have hired a car accident lawyer, he or she may also conduct an investigation to determine clear fault. Fault is the key concept that lets an injured person recover compensation for their harm when another person or entity is to for the accident.
Liability involves first proving that the other driver had a duty of care to others on the roadways and that the driver breached that duty of care by acting in a negligent manner. If that breach of duty of care resulted in injuries, and those injuries resulted in financial damage, then liability may be clear. Ohio is what is known as a “fault” state. Those deemed at fault—or their insurer—will be required to pay for the damages of the other driver.
If liability is shaky, your attorney may choose to hire an investigator, as well as other legal experts, who may be able to recreate the accident and clearly show liability. In the state of Ohio, even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you are still allowed to bring a claim for damages against the other driver. As an example, if the other driver ran a red light and hit you, but you were driving over the speed limit you might be deemed 10 percent at fault for the accident. Therefore, if you received $100,000 for your damages, you would only receive $90,000, deducting $10,000 for your own liability.
Kruger & Hodges Car Accident Lawyers in Eaton are Here to Help
After a car accident, the road to recovery can feel uncertain—but you don’t have to walk it alone. At Kruger & Hodges, our experienced car accident attorneys in Eaton, Ohio, are here to help you take control of your situation.
We understand how devastating a motor vehicle accident can be—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. That’s why we handle everything from investigating the crash and gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers and pursuing full compensation in court when necessary. Our goal is to ensure you get the justice and financial support you need to move forward.
Contact Kruger & Hodges today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. You don’t pay unless we win your case.
Call or text 937-733-6079 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
