What you should do immediately after a car accident in Columbus is call the police and emergency services for anyone who is injured.
Once everyone is safe, take steps to protect your rights and gather the necessary information, such as the other driver’s contact and insurance information.
A Columbus car accident lawyer can help you understand your options, but your immediate focus should be on collecting evidence and information.
Seek medical attention promptly, even if you don’t feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Additionally, take pictures of any injuries and vehicle damage.
Why You Should Call the Police Immediately After a Car Accident in Columbus
Calling the police immediately after a car accident in Columbus is important for several reasons. First, the police will create an official accident report, which serves as an objective record of the incident.
A Columbus personal injury lawyer can use this official document if disputes about who was at fault arise during an insurance claim.
Even if you feel fine, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation. Minor injuries can sometimes escalate, and having a record of them ensures you have the necessary evidence for your claim.
Additionally, having law enforcement on the scene helps ensure the safety of everyone involved and can assist with directing traffic, preventing further accidents. The police will also document key details, such as witness statements, road conditions, and vehicle positions, which can support your case if legal action becomes necessary.
If the police did not respond to the scene, you may need to file an accident report through the City of Columbus website. Ohio law requires a report for accidents involving injuries, fatalities, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
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Why You Should Obtain the Other Driver’s Contact and Insurance Information After a Car Accident
Obtaining the other driver’s contact and insurance information is key to filing a claim. Since Ohio is an at-fault state, their insurance should cover your damages.
However, if the at-fault driver is uninsured or does not have the coverage to compensate you completely, you may be able to file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage if your policy includes it.
If the other driver refuses to cooperate or if tensions are high, the police can assist in gathering this information and ensuring it is accurately documented in the accident report. Be sure to collect the driver’s name, phone number, address, insurance carrier, and policy number.
Why You Should Seek Medical Attention Immediately After a Car Accident
Seeking medical attention immediately after a car accident is important, even if you don’t feel injured at the time. Some injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or a concussion, may not show symptoms right away but can worsen over time if left untreated.
A prompt medical evaluation ensures any injuries are diagnosed and treated early, protecting your health. Additionally, medical records from your visit can serve as evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or pursue legal action.
Delaying medical care could give the insurance company or opposing parties an opportunity to argue that your injuries were not related to the accident. For your safety and to protect your case, always prioritize seeking medical attention after a collision.
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Client | Auto AccidentWhy You Should Document the Scene of a Car Accident
Documenting the scene of a car accident is a crucial step in protecting your rights and supporting your case. In fact, this may be the only time you have access to get photos of the other vehicle(s) involved, so it is important to get this documentation while it is available to you. Photographs and videos can provide clear evidence of the damage to all vehicles, their positions, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
This visual documentation can be invaluable when filing an insurance claim or if you need to pursue legal action. Additionally, taking notes about what happened, including the time, location, weather conditions, and any statements made by the other driver or witnesses, can help you recall important details later.
The police will create an accident report, but your personal documentation provides an extra layer of evidence, ensuring that nothing critical is overlooked.
Finally, gather contact information from any witnesses to the accident. Their statements can support your version of events and provide valuable evidence in your case.
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Why You Should Consult a Lawyer After a Car Accident
Consulting a lawyer protects your rights, especially since Ohio follows modified comparative negligence. Under Ohio’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover compensation only if you are 50% or less at fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
In addition, insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, and having a legal professional on your side helps level the playing field.
A Columbus car accident lawyer can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
They’ll handle insurance negotiations and represent you in court if needed, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Without legal guidance, you may unknowingly accept a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your losses.
We Can Explain More About What You Should Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Columbus
After a car accident in Columbus, you should immediately call the police, seek medical attention, document the accident, and consult a lawyer. The Stuckey Firm, LLC can help you protect your rights and pursue compensation from the at-fault driver.
Our lawyers have over three decades of combined experience holding negligent parties accountable. Call us today for a free consultation. We can explore your options for filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit and pursue the damages you deserve.
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