In Ohio alone, there were at least 4.6 million registered automobiles in 2016. This includes both privately owned and commercial vehicles all over the state. This number will only keep increasing every year. With so many vehicles on Ohio’s roads, some of them will end up getting into accidents with other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
At Kruger & Hodges, we help people who have been in various kinds of accidents pursue compensation for their losses. For those with minor damages, negotiations might reach a resolution and settlement quickly and easily. For others, catastrophic injuries or multiple at-fault parties could complicate matters and take some time to resolve. Anyone who has been injured in a car accident will benefit from the assistance of an experienced Darke County car accident lawyer.
Cars are heavy machines with tons of power behind them. When cars go up against motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, the results are often tragic. Severe injuries and fatalities are suffered more often than not by the party without the thick, metal chassis protecting them from impact. The good news is that victims of car accidents in Darke County can pursue damages to recover medical bills, lost wages, and much more, with the help of an Ohio car accident attorney.
How Victims of Car Accidents Get Help
Ohio is an at-fault state. This means that those who cause accidents will have to pay for damages that result to other affected parties. This is not the case in no-fault states, where a victim’s own insurance company will cover their losses after a car accident.
As an at-fault state, Ohio’s laws favor the victims more. How? Unlike in a no-fault state in which the victim needs to talk to the insurance company before chasing after the responsible driver, an at-fault state lets you, the victim, file a claim against the parties responsible as soon as you can.
There are two kinds of damages that victims can claim under Ohio’s state laws. The first kind covers your quantifiable financial losses. In other words, these are economic damages. These losses include medical bills, loss of property, and lost wages. If you have been unable to work because of the accident, then the responsible driver will have to pay your wages for the time it takes you to physically recover.
The second kind of damages are those that are harder to add up or prove with documentation. These are non-economic damages, which include the emotional pain caused by the accident, loss of enjoyment of life, or disfigurement. The victim’s family can also stake a claim for non-economic damages if their loved ones have died from injuries sustained in the accident.
What to Do Right After a Car Accident in Darke County
When an accident of any kind happens, people usually feel confused and panicked. The following are a few simple steps to remember if you find yourself in this situation. Following these steps will ensure that your health is considered, as well as your ability to pursue a personal injury claim for damages:
Check around – While most people would say “check the plate number” first, your first instinct should always be keeping you and everyone around you safe. You should try to assess the area and ensure your location is safe. Look for danger signs like damaged poles that may topple over, oncoming highway traffic, or cars on fire. Also, check if the other party is enraged and holding a weapon.
Scan for people – This goes both for the victim and the driver. check and make sure everyone is safe. Ask for help if you need it. Look around for witnesses to the accident and get their contact information.
Take notes and gather evidence – This is important if you are planning to pursue damages through a personal injury claim. Write down the other vehicle’s plate number and get the driver’s contact and insurance information. If it is safe to do so, use your smartphone to get photos of the scene, including injuries, damage done to the cars, and the surrounding road and weather conditions.
Contact the authorities – Call an ambulance and the police to the scene as soon as you can, especially if anyone has been injured. Do not forget to call us, as well, so we can help you sort everything out right away.
Have You Been in a Car Accident in Darke County, Ohio?
A lot of accidents are easily avoidable with the right care and attention to traffic. However, accidents happen. By giving us a call at Kruger & Hodges, we can help you pursue compensation for injuries you have suffered because of a car accident. You can schedule a free, no-risk case evaluation with us by contacting us through our website.
