Powell Car Accident Lawyers

Whether it’s a major crash or just a minor fender bender, every kind of car accident is an unfortunate incident and a potentially arduous process. Unfortunately, car accidents are common occurrences in Powell and throughout Ohio. If you should happen to be the victim of a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you need to retain legal representation right away.

At the Spitzer Law Offices, we have extensive experience representing car accident victims who are paying the price for someone else’s mistake or carelessness. You do not have to face this situation alone – our Powell car accident attorneys are here to help.

Contact us at (740) 675-6858 for a free consultation today.

What to Do in the Aftermath of a Car Accident

After an accident, make sure you, your passengers, and the other driver(s) are safe. Seek medical attention right away if need be.

If no one sustained any serious or life-threatening injuries, call the police. Having a police report on file can help your case and can help facilitate the exchange of insurance information between you and the other parties involved. Be sure to take plenty of photos and make notes of all the damage you and your property have sustained. 

Even if you do not feel severely injured after an accident, it is a good idea to seek medical attention after leaving the scene of the accident. Some injuries take time to show up and having a medical professional’s opinion can only bolster your case later on. 

Dealing with Insurance Matters

Perhaps the most frustrating part of a car accident is the back-and-forth you will inevitably face with the car insurance companies. This process can be incredibly frustrating. Though you can handle your claim on your own, it is wise to retain an attorney who can help you navigate the process. 

At the Spitzer Law Offices, we have extensive experience negotiating with insurers and assessing the intricacies of every case to ensure that our clients receive the fair compensation to which they are entitled. For your convenience, we offer free initial consultations. That means there is no obligation to discuss your situation with our team. 

Car Insurance Requirements in Ohio

Though we all hope never to need our car insurance coverage, it is important that you have insurance in the event of an accident. In Ohio, maintaining auto insurance is mandatory, and no one can drive a motor vehicle without proper coverage. 

Your coverage must include:

• At least $25,000 to cover the injury or death of one person – you or someone else – in a car accident. For example, if you hit someone and they need medical treatment for their resulting injuries, this minimum amount will cover their medical expenses.
• At least $50,000 to cover the injury or death of more than one person. For example, if you injure two people in a car accident, this coverage will go toward their medical bills.
• At least $25,000 to cover any property damage, most often to the vehicles involved in the accident 

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents

In Ohio, there is a two-year statute of limitations on car accident claims, starting at the time the accident occurs. Because of this statute of limitations, it is important that you give the other driver’s insurance company notice that you are filing a claim. 

Once you get an attorney involved, they will follow up with a notice of their own. Generally, it is best that you do not provide any recorded statements to insurance companies until you have consulted with an attorney. This will protect you from saying anything that can be used against you later.

Determining Fault & Contributory Negligence

In Ohio – a “fault” state – you can file a claim against any driver who injures you or damages your car in an accident, so long as they are at fault. 

Ohio also follows a contributory negligence policy. With this policy in place, you cannot recover money if you are more than 50% responsible for the car accident. Quite often, insurance companies will try to allege contributory negligence to avoid paying you the full amount you are owed. 

Contact our Powell car accident attorneys today by calling (740) 675-6858 for a free consultation.