It’s easy to feel like you can file a car accident claim on your own, especially with all the online resources available. But here’s the reality: insurance companies have teams of adjusters whose only focus is spotting errors and discrepancies to minimize payouts.
Don’t let their practices leave you with less than you deserve — what seems like a minor detail today could significantly impact your compensation tomorrow. Use this checklist to navigate those complexities when filing an Ohio car accident claim.
A Checklist for Ohio Car Accident Claims
The car accident happened less than two years ago
In Ohio, you have a two-year window from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. It may feel like you have plenty of time, but this deadline approaches faster than you think. Missing it means forfeiting your right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case might be.
What to do: If you’re nearing the two-year mark, don’t delay. Reach out to Slater & Zurz’s team of experienced personal injury attorneys right away at 330-762-0700 — we can assess your situation and guide you through the necessary steps.
You reported the car accident
Evidence is the backbone of your claim. Reporting the accident to the police creates a paper trail that protects you — it’s an official account of the accident, documenting details such as the date, time, location, parties involved, witness statements, and the officer’s observations.
What to do: If you haven’t already done so, report the accident to both the police as soon as possible. When speaking with the police, provide a clear and concise account of what happened, sticking to the facts and avoiding speculation or admitting fault.
You notified your insurance company about the car accident
Notifying your insurance company is often a contractual obligation under your policy. Failure to report in a timely manner could jeopardize your coverage and complicate your claim.
What to do: Your insurance company will want the rundown on the accident: the when, where, and who. Give them the info they need, but keep it simple. It’s best to hold off on discussing fault or your injuries until you’ve consulted with an attorney who can protect your rights.
You sought medical attention
Even if you feel okay after the car accident, don’t let that fool you. Some injuries can take days or even weeks to show up. Getting checked out by a doctor right away not only protects your health but also creates a clear record linking your injuries to the accident. This can be a game-changer when dealing with insurance companies trying to downplay your claim.
What to do: See a doctor. It’s that simple. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation can identify injuries you might not be aware of. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan diligently and keep all medical records, including bills and receipts.
You weren’t entirely at fault
Ohio’s laws recognize that accidents are rarely black and white, especially in t-bone crashes. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation — as your share of the blame is less than 50%. However, your compensation will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault.
What to do: The insurance company will try to pin as much blame on you as possible to pay you less. That’s why it’s important to be careful what you say at the scene of the accident and let your attorney handle the negotiations.
You have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
You can’t control other drivers’ insurance choices, but you can control your own protection. Uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re covered even if the other driver isn’t. It’s an investment in your financial security and your future.
What to do: Review your insurance policy carefully to understand your UM/UIM coverage limits. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is inadequate, talk to your attorney to explore the possibility of filing a UM/UIM claim.
You’ve hired a personal injury lawyer
Insurance companies operate within a complex system, and, like any business, they have financial responsibilities. This can sometimes lead to them offering settlements that don’t fully reflect the impact of your accident. In fact, they may try to:
- Downplay your injuries: Question the severity of your injuries or attribute them to pre-existing conditions.
- Shift blame: Suggest you were partially at fault for the accident, even if it’s not true.
- Offer low settlements: Pressure you to accept a quick, lowball offer to avoid paying what you deserve.
- Deny your claim: Find reasons to reject your claim altogether.
Luckily, an experienced personal injury attorney can protect you from these practices and:
- Investigate the accident: Gather additional evidence, consult experts, and build a strong case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: Deal with adjusters on your behalf and fight for fair compensation.
- Represent you in court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we’ll take your case to trial.
What to do: At Slater & Zurz, we understand that you’re facing more than just paperwork — you’re dealing with the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an accident. That’s why we’re here to help. Our track record speaks for itself: we’ve fought for the rights of car accident victims for over three decades, helping them recover nearly $75 million in compensation.
If you haven’t already, schedule a free consultation with us at 330-762-0700. We’ll listen to your story, assess your case, and provide honest, straightforward advice on your legal options.
The best part? You pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal battles while you focus on healing and moving forward.
