Traffic accidents can happen quickly. You are driving along in West Elkton when suddenly you get hit by another vehicle and your whole life changes in an instant. When you are seriously hurt in an accident you are likely under tremendous stress. You need to concentrate on your recovery, yet you must also deal with the legal aspects of the accident. If you get hurt in an accident that is caused by someone’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. It is helpful to speak to an experienced personal injury attorney in West Elkton to discuss the steps you need to take.
Car Accidents in West Elkton
Car accidents can occur between two or more vehicles on any road and in any traffic conditions. Many car accidents in West Elkton are minor, but some are extremely serious. When an accident happens, it can leave you with severe injuries that require medical attention. The negligent driver is responsible for paying your medical costs and other damages that you incurred as a result of the accident.
Motorcycle Accidents in West Elkton
When a motorcycle is involved in an accident with another vehicle, the biker often suffers severe and life-threatening injuries. A motorcyclist hits the pavement in an accident, often at a high rate of speed. The rider may suffer a traumatic brain injury, TBI, from which recovery is uncertain. Motorcycle accidents in West Elkton can be devastating for victims and their families.
Truck Accidents in West Elkton
Large commercial trucks are also called big-rigs and tractor-trailers. These semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making them dangerous to other drivers on the road. When a truck speeds or loses control, it can hit into other vehicles causing severe, life-threatening injuries. Trucking accidents in West Elkton might leave you disabled and change your life forever.
Damages and Injuries
As the victim of a vehicle accident, you may suffer injuries and other damages. ‘Damages’ is a term that generally covers all of the costs that you incurred due to the accident. Damages may be material or non-material. Some common types of damages include:
Medical expenses
Rehabilitation costs
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Loss of consortium
Emotional trauma care
Medical bills and ongoing treatment can be costly. Medical expenses may be astronomical and might include such things as ambulance fees, emergency room costs, testing and x-rays, surgical costs, hospitalization, medications, future medical bills, and rehabilitation costs. If the injuries were severe, they could result in a disability that requires ongoing treatment and care.
The negligent party should pay for the damages that you have as a result of the crash.
Negligence in Personal Injury Claims in West Elkton
In order to seek damages on your personal injury claim, you must be able to show that the other driver was negligent. Negligence is defined in Ohio law as “the failure to exercise the degree of care required of a reasonable and prudent person in any given circumstance resulting in injury or damage to another.” In Ohio, the law allows comparative negligence. A portion of negligence is ascribed to each driver. You can request compensation for your damages as long as your portion of negligence does not exceed 50%. If you have any negligence on your part, your own compensation will be reduced by a proportionate amount.
Time Limit to File a Claim in Ohio
Ohio law limits the time to file a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations for bodily injury or personal property claims is generally two years from the date of the event. Therefore, it is in your best interest to talk to a personal injury attorney serving West Elkton as soon as possible. Your attorney needs time to gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and negotiate with the insurance company. The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the more likely you will have a better outcome. In many cases, your attorney will be able to reach a favorable settlement. If an adequate settlement cannot be reached, the matter may need to go to court.
How a Personal Injury Attorney in West Elkton Will Help
From the moment you are hurt in an accident your whole world turns upside down. You are likely facing a painful and lengthy recovery and at the same time, you are unable to work and provide for your family. You are under a tremendous amount of stress while you should be focusing on your health. A personal injury attorney will relieve your stress so you will not need to worry about anything but getting better. Your lawyer will take charge of the legal issues of your claim and work on your behalf to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
If you or a loved one was hurt in an accident, give us a call. Contact our lawyers at Kruger & Hodges at (937) 733-6079 for a free consultation to talk about your case.
