Being involved in a car accident is never a fun experience. It can be scary and result in both expensive car damage and life-changing injuries. Nothing about a vehicle accident is a pleasant experience.
After a vehicle accident, you may find yourself immediately worrying about the impending doom of insurance claims, medical bills, and car repairs. How this all affects your bank account may come down to who is at fault.
When it comes to car accidents, whichever party is determined to be at fault is responsible for those medical bills and property damages expenses, among other damages.
How is This Determined?
People are generally wary of admitting fault at the scene of the accident, especially if someone has been injured. In fact, many attorneys advise against admitting fault, even if it seems clear that one party caused the accident if only because all of the details may not be known at the time of the accident. Even if you think you know exactly what happened, additional evidence and witness testimony might prove otherwise.
Determining Fault & Recovering from Injuries After an Accident
In 1980, Ohio became the 35th state to enact a comparative negligence law. That means that an injured person may still recover some of his or her damages even if partially to blame for the accident. Said another way, an injured person may recover damages as reduced by that person’s own percentage of negligence as long as that person is not more than 50 percent at fault. If you are deemed to be more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you cannot recoup compensation from the other driver.
If you believe your accident was caused due to the actions of another party, it’s critical that you start gathering evidence to support your claim as soon as possible. This may include:
- Witness contact information
- Take photos of the scene of the accident
- Write down all the details you remember
- Contact your insurance company (don’t discuss fault)
- Get police report
You should seek treatment for any injuries right away at your chosen provider. You should listen to your medical providers’ advice when pursuing necessary medical treatment.
Talking to a Vehicle Accident Attorney
When you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s always best to speak to a vehicle accident attorney sooner rather than later. An experienced attorney can help you build your case and gather and preserve evidence from the start.
If you have been injured in an accident in Ohio, The Richards Firm is here to help. We treat each client as an individual, taking time to learn about the situation so we can build the most effective case possible. With The Richards Firm, you won’t owe us a fee unless we obtain a recovery for you.
For a local, trustworthy vehicle accident attorney in Hamilton, Ohio, contact The Richards Firm today!
