When is it Too Late to Hire a Lawyer for a Car Accident in Ohio?

Nobody ever expects to be involved in a serious car accident, but they happen every day. If it happens to you, you may think you can settle things yourself with the insurance company. However, things can get overwhelming quickly. In many cases, victims of car accidents are dealing with questions of who is responsible, recovering from injuries, medical bills coming in, and lost wages. Before long they are in over their head trying to sort everything out. If your accident happened some time ago and you’re still digging out of the financial mess it left behind, it may not be too late to get the restitution you need to move on.

Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Ohio

The Statute of Limitations is the period of time in which you can pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for a particular action. Personal injury cases have a different Statute of Limitations depending on the circumstances of each case. Statutes of Limitations are strictly enforced and typically begin to run on the day that the cause of action – in this case, the car accident – occurred. For car crash cases, the injured victim of a car crash usually has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit requesting compensation. The exception to this is for injuries involving a minor – in these instances, the statute for the minor’s claim begins to run on the date of the minor’s 18th birthday; however, for reimbursement of the minor’s medical bills, these claims are four years, and the statute begins to run on the date of the accident.

If your case includes a wrongful death, the statute of limitations is two years and begins on the date of death. In medical malpractice cases, the statute of limitations is only one year, but the date the clock starts to run can vary depending on a host of factors. Just because you have a year, or two years, do not delay talking with a lawyer. They will need time to preserve evidence necessary for bringing a claim, and they will also need time to compile the information necessary to be able to file the lawsuit. The takeaway from all of this is, if you are ever injured due to negligence, it is important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as you can. This is important because if you don’t take action within the Statute of Limitations, you will lose your right to make a claim for compensation.

Understanding What You May Hear from the Insurance Company

The insurance company has lawyers who understand the Statute of Limitations, and they will often try to use various tactics to delay the process so you lose your right to file a claim. The insurance company may try to extend settlement negotiations, make an argument that fault cannot be determined, make a low settlement offer with an expiration date, or use any number of other tactics. If you are facing medical bills and lost wages as well as damage to your vehicle, you may be swayed by these tactics. It’s important to have someone to help you navigate the process so you are able to find the resolution you need.

Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Attorney

Insurance companies sometimes want a quick settlement, which will usually be one that benefits them more than you. If the insurance company can’t get you to take a quick low-ball settlement, they may shift gears and begin to drag things out. Many victims of car accidents are in a very vulnerable position. They are dealing with injuries, lost wages, medical bills, and complex paperwork from the insurance company. A settlement – any settlement – may feel like something you need to accept. However, you should take your time and speak to an experienced car accident attorney first. An attorney with experience in cases like this can help you navigate the complicated process you’re going through and get you the settlement you need to recover and move forward.

The sooner you consult with a car accident lawyer after a crash, the better. However, if you didn’t think you needed an attorney at first, but now you’re feeling overwhelmed and getting the runaround instead of a fair settlement, it’s not too late to contact an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights, how much time you have to file your claim, and how much compensation you are entitled to. At Arthur Law Firm, we want people to get a fair settlement. We know you’ve been through a lot, and you shouldn’t be financially burdened by an accident that wasn’t your fault. We can help you put this case behind you by getting you what you deserve. For a free consultation about your accident case, contact us today by calling (419) 782-9881.