Toledo Car Accident Lawyer

Toledo Car Accident Attorney

Car accidents happen suddenly, even when you are taking appropriate precautions. Areas with heavy traffic congestion, pedestrian traffic, and construction can be especially dangerous. Experiencing a car accident through another driver’s careless actions can leave you overwhelmed. A Toledo car accident lawyer can help you negotiate a fair settlement to cover the unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and repairs or replacement of damaged property.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

You may think that filing a claim through your insurance is a simple process, and the need to hire a car accident lawyer is unnecessary. Still, insurance companies can make the process difficult in the hopes that you take a lowball offer.

At Rumizen Weisman Attorneys, we know the tactics used by insurance companies and how to negotiate the fair settlement you deserve. We have helped thousands of Ohio residents get the compensation they need.

Car Accident Prevalence in Lucas County

Lucas County has a large number of car accidents in the state of Ohio, especially fatalities. It is the fifth-highest county in Ohio in terms of car accident fatalities, with 225 over the past five years.

With high traffic volumes, heavy congestion, and frequent construction, some areas in Toledo have a higher risk of car accidents. Some of the most dangerous intersections and roads include:

• Airport Highway and Byrne Road
• Byrne Road and Arlington Avenue
• Reynolds Road and Central Avenue
• Detroit Avenue
• I-75
• I-475

After a car accident, it can be difficult to get a fair settlement. If there are questions about liability or the need for ongoing medical care, you may have to file a civil claim before a fair settlement can be reached.

In Toledo, small claims are filed in the Municipal Court, while larger claims are filed in the Common Pleas Court. Both courts are located at the Lucas County Courthouse.

What Makes a Fair Settlement After a Car Accident?

While no set amount is considered fair for a car accident settlement, some factors can help you determine if the amount you are being offered is indicative of a fair settlement. These factors include:

• Readability. The offer should be easy to read with a detailed breakdown of how the amount was determined.
• High-pressure. The offer should not include an extremely short deadline for your answer, and the agent should not insist on an answer immediately.
• Economic factors. The offer should cover all of the economic damages you have accrued as a result of the accident. Medical expenses, both current and future needs, lost wages, and loss of work capacity should be included.
• Non-economic factors. The offer should also cover any non-economic damages suffered from the accident. Amounts for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life should be considered.
• Timeline. The offer should not be made immediately after the accident. Only after the extent of any injuries is evident, and the cost to replace or repair damaged property is known, should an offer be extended.

Evidence Needed to Prove You Were Not At-Fault

Before you can seek damages after a car accident, you have to prove that you were not at fault. To do this, you need strong evidence and thorough documentation. Important evidence includes:

• Police reports
• Black box data from the vehicles involved
• Accident reconstruction
• Eyewitness testimony
• Traffic camera or dashcam footage
• Medical records

FAQs

How Much Can I Get for Pain and Suffering from a Car Accident in Ohio?

In Ohio, the amount you can get for pain and suffering after a car accident varies with the specifics of the accident. You need strong evidence and documentation when filing a personal injury claim. There are also limits on non-economic damages based on Ohio law. Non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 or three times the awarded economic damages, whichever amount is higher.

What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Claim?

Settlement rates are high for car accident claims, but they require proof that the other driver was at fault. Ohio’s contributory fault rule only allows drivers who are less than 50% at-fault for an accident to seek damages. Proof of liability, strong evidence, and clear documentation of economic damages improve the odds of reaching a fair settlement. An experienced car accident attorney also improves the odds.

Am I Required to Pay Taxes on a Settlement?

You do not have to pay taxes on certain parts of a car accident settlement. Amounts received as a result of a physical injury are excluded from gross income, except for punitive damages. Amounts received from non-physical injuries are considered gross income, but are not subject to federal payroll taxes. Punitive damages are only excluded when they are awarded due to a wrongful death.

What Should I Do If the Other Driver’s Insurance Company Contacts Me?

If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, you are not required to speak with them about the accident. You can verify your contact and insurance information and refer them to your insurance agent or your Toledo car accident attorney. Do not admit fault for the accident or discuss details if they ask for a recorded statement; decline and refer them to your insurance agent or attorney. Never agree to a settlement over the phone.

Is Ohio a No-Fault State for Car Accidents?

No, Ohio is not a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents. After an accident, an investigation is conducted to determine which driver is at fault. The at-fault driver is responsible for covering the cost of injuries, property damages, and other expenses that are the result of the accident. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate to cover the damages, they can be held personally liable.

Contact Rumizen Weisman Attorneys

It is not always easy to reach a fair settlement amount following a car accident. Ohio laws can be complicated and affect what damages you can claim. Our team has helped clients through negotiations and litigation to ensure they get the compensation they are entitled to after a car accident. Contact Rumizen Weisman Attorneys today to schedule your initial consultation.