Car accidents can be minor—or they can be devastating, changing your life forever in some instances. From a minor bump-in in the parking lot to a side impact, rear impact, or head-on collision, you could be left to deal with injuries that may take months or years to heal—or may never fully heal. These injuries can alter the course of your life, including your ability to work and make a living, engage in your normal day-to-day activities, and enjoy recreational activities you enjoyed prior to the accident.
Imagine you are picking up your children from their Sabina elementary school one afternoon. You stop at a four-way stop, then when it is your “turn” you proceed through the intersection. Suddenly a large pickup truck blows through the intersection without even slowing down, hitting your car on the driver’s side. Your car may be so damaged—or your injuries so severe—that you are unable to extricate yourself from the vehicle. The driver that hit you speeds away, resulting in a hit-and-run accident. A bystander calls 911, and you are transported to the nearest hospital. You have suffered a concussion, a broken femur, internal injuries, and deep cuts on your face.
While you are grateful to be alive, your injuries are severe—and you have nobody to hold responsible. The police may eventually find the reckless driver and if they do you will file against that driver’s insurance company. If the driver is not located, you have no choice but to file with your own insurer. This is a difficult, frustrating, overwhelming time. Your medical expenses may be extensive, and your recovery is expected to be long and difficult. You need someone in your corner who will work hard on your behalf to ensure you get the medical treatments you need as well as the financial relief you need and deserve. The Kruger & Hodges Sabina, OH car accident lawyers are ready to fight for you, your health, your family, and your future.
Car Accident Statistics
According to the NHTSA, 42,795 people died in car accidents across the United States in 2022. This number represented a small decrease of about 0.3 percent over 2021, despite the fact that people are driving more, now that the pandemic has subsided. Insurify found that Ohio ranked third among the top ten states with the most car accidents in 2022, yet Stacker found that when you consider only fatal car accidents, Ohio is number 33 in the nation. The state of Ohio has about 11.9 deaths per billion miles traveled, which is 1.4 deaths less than the national average for the same miles.
Preventative Measures for Avoiding a Car Accident
When you follow all traffic rules and laws, drive defensively, and do not engage in distracted driving behaviors, you are much more likely to avoid a car accident. Even so, few drivers will be able to avoid car accidents altogether. In fact, according to Fox Business News, the average driver will be involved in one car accident about every 17.9 years. This means that if you got your first driver’s license at the age of 16, you will likely have at least one accident by the time you are 34, and probably at least two more during your lifetime. These accidents may not be severe—you could potentially go your entire life without ever having a catastrophic car accident that resulted in severe injuries.
What to Do Following a Sabina, OH Car Accident
Following a Sabina, OH car accident, it is normal that you will be shaken up, perhaps not thinking clearly. An accident often causes adrenaline to flood your body which can mask injury symptoms. This makes it even more important that you seek immediate medical attention. Not only is this step essential to your health, but it is also essential for a future car accident claim for damages. If you fail to get medical attention following a car accident then later realize your injuries are more severe than you realized and the insurance company may claim you received your injuries later. Other than obtaining medical assistance, you must also do the following:
Make sure the police and EMT are called to the scene.
Ask the police officer when you can pick up the police report.
Exchange information with the other driver.
Obtain contact information from any witnesses to the accident.
Once home, take time to write down every detail of the accident you can remember.
Contact your own insurance company and give them the details of the crash.
Contact Sabina, OH car accident lawyers from Kruger & Hodges.
Car Accident FAQs
What is the Claim Process Following a Car Accident?
Your attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation of your accident so liability can be proven, then will determine the extent of your injuries and calculate your damages. The attorney will then begin negotiations with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. If the insurer does not want to pay you a fair settlement, a lawsuit will be filed against them. In most cases, the insurance company will want to avoid a trial—where a jury could find more damages than you are asking for—so they may settle at any time until a verdict is rendered. Once a settlement is reached or a jury reaches a verdict, you should receive a settlement check within about six weeks.
How Do I Know If I Have a Car Accident Case?
If the car accident is not your fault—or at least mostly not your fault—then you likely have a valid car accident case. It’s important that you speak to knowledgeable Sabina, OH car accident lawyers who will comprehensively assess your car accident, determining whether you have a valid claim. Your attorney has the experience and skills necessary to make this determination, while most people do not.
What is My Claim Worth?
Every car accident case is different, and yours is no exception. Your attorney will consider many things when determining a settlement amount. The extent of your injuries, including the level of medical expenses to date as well as whether you will have medical expenses related to the accident in the future is an important part of your settlement. If you are unable to return to work for a few weeks or months, you are entitled to lost wages.
If you may never be able to return to work as a result of your injuries, you will be entitled to lost future wages. Pain and suffering damages cover actual physical pain as well as mental trauma. If your case goes to trial and a jury determines that the other driver acted willfully or maliciously, they may also award punitive damages, although this is not common.
How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyers for Your Claim
At a time when you are dealing with serious injuries and facing an uncertain future, it can seem like a monumental task to choose Sabina, OH car accident lawyers. We understand this but also know just how important this choice really is. Insurance companies simply have more respect for plaintiffs who are well-represented.
If someone else’s carelessness or recklessness has injured you, choosing the right personal injury lawyer to represent you can be crucial to the success of your case. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you choose the best personal injury lawyer for you:
Do they have the right experience? Car accident claims can be complex, and you’ll want to make sure your lawyer has the right experience to handle your specific case. Look for a lawyer with a track record of successful verdicts and settlements in cases that are similar to yours.
Do they have positive reviews and recommendations? Reading online reviews and testimonials could help you understand what working with a particular lawyer or law firm is like. You can also ask friends, family members, or other trusted sources for recommendations.
How well do they communicate? You want a lawyer who will keep you informed about your case and answer any questions you may have. Consider whether the lawyer’s communication style matches your needs and expectations.
Do they have the resources necessary to handle my case? Car accident cases often require significant resources, such as access to medical experts or accident reconstruction specialists. Make sure your lawyer or law firm has the resources necessary to handle your case effectively.
Are they available for me to ask questions or discuss my case? You want a lawyer who is available to you when you need them. Consider whether the lawyer or law firm you’re considering is responsive and accessible.
What is their fee structure? Personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. Be sure to ask about the lawyer’s fee structure and any potential additional costs associated with your case.
We believe once you have spoken to a Kruger & Hodges attorney, your choice will be clear. We are compassionate, hard-working, highly experienced Sabina, OH attorneys who fight for our clients facing an uncertain future.
How Can a Kruger & Hodges Lawyer Help Me Following a Sabina, OH Car Accident?
Once you have chosen your Sabina, OH car accident lawyers from Kruger & Hodges, we will immediately begin investigating the facts of your car accident. Once we have proven liability, we will calculate a settlement that completely covers your damages, then we will negotiate with the insurer for that amount, taking your claim to court when necessary. You can count on Kruger & Hodges to be accessible, answer when you call, and really listen to you. Our compassionate, knowledgeable attorneys are committed to the pursuit of justice for each and every client. Contact Kruger & Hodges today.
