Being involved in a car accident in Ohio or anywhere else can leave you battling insurance companies for coverage, which you need this coverage to cater to the huge bills the accident has left you with. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not sympathize with you; they are only interested in not losing money.
However, if you have a competent auto accident attorney on your side, they will ensure you get what they owe you. The best news is that most personal injury lawyers in Ohio work on a contingency basis, meaning they get paid when you get paid. Here is a guide to help you know when to consult a car accident lawyer and important questions to ask them.
Do You Need an Auto Accident Lawyer, and Why?
You may wonder if there is a need to retain an auto accident lawyer for your case. However, before you assume that you do not need one, first consider the facts of your case and the outcome you want to achieve.
First off, the attorney can link you up with a specialist doctor to help diagnose your injuries and offer the best care. In addition, retaining a lawyer as soon as the accident happens helps minimize your chances of liaising with insurance companies. Hence, you are less likely to have admitted fault or uttered a statement that would have damaged your chances for a good settlement.
“Without a lawyer, you may get the bare minimum from an insurance company. Insurance companies will devalue your claim to find opportunities to keep costs down,” says Charles Boyk of Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC. Furthermore, you need an auto accident lawyer because there may be certain rights Ohio personal injury law provides that you are unaware of. If you obtain an Ohio-based attorney, they are well-versed in the ins and outs of the process. Therefore, they can get you the best settlement, even if it means going to trial.
Vital Questions to Ask Yourself When Obtaining an Auto Accident Attorney
Ohio is rich with auto accident attorneys, so much so that finding the best one can be overwhelming. However, by asking these questions below, you can narrow the field down and choose the right lawyer for you.
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Do They Have Experience in Cases Similar to Yours?
While some personal injury lawyers practice generally, many focus on a particular category of claims. For example, while some focus on medical malpractice, another may specialize in truck accidents, and another on auto accidents. Ultimately, you want a lawyer who handles your type of case and who has been to trial and won.
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What Is Their Fee Structure Like?
Next, be aware of the fee structure of the attorney before you sign the contract and retain them. You want a lawyer who works on contingency and knows how much percentage they will collect. Also, read their fee agreement well to understand fully what expenses you are responsible for.
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How Clearly Do They Communicate?
You will have many questions as the case progresses; thus, you want an attorney who can communicate clearly. They should be able to explain things to you in a language you would understand, not confusing you with legal jargon.
Conclusion
Being in an auto accident in Ohio can leave you with more bills than you can handle, among other things. To help alleviate the burden, you need insurance coverage, and you have a higher chance of getting it with a lawyer. We have provided tips on how to know you need a lawyer and important questions to get answers to when retaining.
