Being in a car accident can be an incredibly traumatic experience, often leaving you with a damaged car and an overwhelming sense of confusion. When you hire a car accident lawyer from Lallo & Feldman Co., you can get answers about what to do after a car accident in Cleveland, Ohio.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Cleveland, OH?
If you are left with no idea what to do after a car accident in Cleveland, OH, choosing to hire a car accident lawyer is a wise move. There are, however, some steps to take between the accident occurring and looking for the right Cleveland car accident attorney to handle your case.
According to one study, Ohio had a total of 1.10 fatalities for every 100 million miles traveled by vehicle in 2023. Fortunately, not every accident results in death, but this does not mean that a crash is not a frightening and overwhelming experience.
What to Do Right After the Accident Occurs
Whether you were at fault or not, here are some important steps you should take after being involved in a car accident:
- Stay at the scene. Leaving the scene of an accident can get you charged with a hit and run, even if you were not at fault.
- Secure your safety. Be certain to turn on your hazard lights and, if necessary, move to a safe location.
- Check for injuries. Your well-being and the welfare of those involved in the accident are the most important things to focus on. If you can, assess yourself for potential injuries and check on any other individuals connected to the crash.
- Notify law enforcement. It is always a wise idea to call 911, even if no one has been injured. This way, the police can file a report, which can help you with both your insurance and accident claims later.
- Exchange information. Be sure to get the names, contact information, insurance details, driver’s license numbers, and the license plate of anyone else involved in the accident.
- Document everything about the scene. If possible, take pictures and videos of every detail of the scene. You should also document license plates, skid marks, injuries, traffic signals, and damage to the vehicle(s).
- Gather any witnesses’ information. If there was anyone who witnessed the accident, you should get their names and contact information. While you may not end up needing it, this can prove to be a helpful resource if you decide to file an accident claim.
- Avoid signing anything and/or admitting fault. Though it may feel instinctual to apologize for your involvement in the accident, do not do it. This can be used against you. It is also important that you do not provide recorded statements to the other parties’ insurance companies or sign anything at the scene. Have your attorney interact with insurers for you.
After Leaving the Scene of the Accident
Now that you have handled the immediate issues, you should complete several more steps after leaving the accident scene.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, it is wise to seek medical attention as soon as you can to rule out any unseen or unfelt injuries. This can also be used as evidence in your accident case should you choose to file a claim.
- Notify your insurance company. This is another important step, and it is one you should take immediately if you can. If not, ask a trusted individual to do it for you.
The final step you should take is to connect with a skilled car accident lawyer.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
When you hire a car accident lawyer, you can get the answers you need and the backing to pursue your desired outcomes. If your case requires the outside involvement of the Ohio court system, your lawyer can handle scheduling, preparation, and case delivery.
Minor claims, typically involving limited damage and little to no injuries, are usually handled at the Cleveland Municipal Court. However, more severe cases tend to be heard at the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas (General Division). Regardless of your location, having a dedicated lawyer by your side can be crucial for pursuing a successful car accident claim.
Choose Lallo & Feldman Co. to Handle Your Case
For almost 50 years, the legal team at Lallo & Feldman Co., L.P.A. has worked hard to help people just like you navigate the complexities of Ohio’s car accident laws. Whether you are seeking compensation for an accident that was not your fault or defending against accusations that you caused one, our skilled and dedicated attorneys can build and present your case.
Come find out how so many of our past clients benefited from our knowledge and advocacy.
FAQs
How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take to Resolve in Ohio?
The duration of a car accident case tends to vary in Ohio. This is mainly caused by the impact that certain outside variables have, such as:
- The availability of all other parties involved
- Whether you have legal representation
- The schedule of your local courthouse
- The complexity of your case
- How much evidence you have
What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Car Accident Claim in Ohio?
A wide variety of evidence can be used in a car accident claim in Ohio, such as:
- Videos of the accident
- Pictures of the scene
- Police reports
- Witness testimonials
- Medical documents
- Financial records
- Insurance claims
- Medical professional testimony
- Receipts from your car repairs
Your attorney can investigate your crash and obtain evidence for your case.
Should I Tell My Car Accident Lawyer Everything, Even If I Was at Fault?
Yes, even though it may feel counterproductive, you should tell your car accident lawyer everything relevant to your case and the accident, even if it makes it seem like you were the one who caused it. This will allow your lawyer to prepare your case effectively and thoroughly, protecting both you and them from unwanted surprises during your case proceedings.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Ohio?
The cost of hiring a car accident lawyer tends to vary by case due to several variables. Some of the more influential factors include:
- Who you hire to represent you
- The complexity of your case
- The length of time required for your case to be resolved
Many firms, including Lallo & Feldman Co., work on a contingency fee basis. With this arrangement, you don’t pay us upfront, and we don’t charge anything if we don’t obtain a settlement in your case.
Get More Information Today
Suffering the fallout of a car accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed, lost, and stressed. Fortunately, when you hire a Cleveland car accident lawyer, you can have confidence in your claim.
Contact Lallo & Feldman Co. today to schedule a consultation and learn about how we can pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
