One moment can change your life forever, and injuries from a car accident can have a lasting impact on your quality of life.
No matter how serious your injury is after a car accident, you deserve justice.
Our experienced Ohio lawyers at Cooper Elliott have handled car accident lawsuits of all types, and we’re here for our clients every step of the way.
What is the process for filing a personal injury insurance claim in Ohio?
It’s important to know that every personal injury claim looks different. No two accidents are the same, meaning yours is unique and should be handled that way.
That being said, the basic steps of filing a personal injury claim are, broadly speaking, similar.
1. Receiving medical attention and filing an insurance claim
Your insurance company is one of the first parties you will contact after a car wreck, especially if you were injured. You or your insurance company will also have to notify the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
It’s important to note, however, that you should not file your claim until you have received thorough medical attention. You need to understand the full extent of your injuries before you can file an accurate claim reflecting those injuries.
2. Working with an insurance adjuster
After you file your claim, you will be assigned an insurance adjuster who will look into your accident. It is the adjuster’s responsibility to research your accident and gather important information such as the police report, applicable medical records, and pertinent photo and video evidence.
But during this time, you should be looking for an experienced Ohio car accident attorney who can advise you what information you should or should not provide to insurance, as well as how much your claim is worth. And,with the help of an attorney, you can also gather your own evidence to support your case.
3. Receiving settlement offers
After the investigation, it will likely be determined who was at fault for your accident–sometimes, this includes the driver’s company in addition to the driver. You will then likely receive a settlement offer.
The first offer is typically low, which is why you need an experienced attorney to help you evaluate the first and subsequent offers to determine whether you should accept them and whether the amounts being offered reflect the extent of your injuries and damages.
Is a personal injury insurance claim the same thing as a personal injury lawsuit?
Sometimes, the settlement negotiation process can be drawn out. And sometimes, your attorney will recommend that the amount being offered does not appropriately reflect the extent of your injuries and damages. One option is to mediate the case before filing a lawsuit to attempt to resolve the case without the need for litigation.
Working with an attorney, filing a lawsuit may be the best or only way to receive fair compensation. Fortunately our team of trial lawyers at Cooper Elliott have significant experience litigating personal injury lawsuits and is here to support you throughout each step of that process.
How can an Ohio lawyer help me file a personal injury claim?
Hiring an experienced lawyer to assist with your personal injury claim has widespread benefits.
Experienced lawyers understand the system inside out, so they can provide valuable advice, including for example:
- How and where to uncover evidence
- What evidence can support your claim
- Whether or not a settlement offer is fair
Plus, a good personal injury lawyer is ready to fight to get the justice you deserve when the insurance bureaucracy can sometimes stand in your way – including fighting for you in court, if need be.
Contact Cooper Elliott Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys Today
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, Cooper Elliott can help. We are an experienced team of personal injury attorneys in Ohio, and we’ve seen it all when it comes to car accidents. We’re ready to help you maximize the compensation you’re owed.
Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
