Author: Christopher A. Deal

There are few things that can have as big an impact on someone’s life as being involved in a car accident. Unfortunately, auto accidents occur all of the time. In Dayton, Ohio we have I-75, I-675, I-70 and U.S. 35 all right near us, and accidents happen daily on these busy highways. If you happen to find yourself involved in an auto accident there are some things you should be sure to do. The first thing is to stay at the scene and make sure the police are called. If you are not seriously injured you should attempt to find eyewitnesses and get their contact information. You should exchange your insurance information with anyone else involved in the accident. If you have any injuries you should promptly seek medical attention. You want to be sure to protect yourself from the other driver attempting to pass the blame onto you if you were not at fault.

Once you make it through the initial shock you should promptly consult with an experienced attorney. You should do this before giving any statements to an insurance adjuster. If you fail to do so you risk making statements that can have far-reaching consequences. Insurance companies typically are not worried about your lasting health, but would rather pay attention to the bottom line. They want to avoid paying out on a claim if possible, and if not, they want to pay as little as possible. Consulting with an experienced attorney is important because he or she can explain to you what recovery you may be entitled to. This typically includes related medical bills (including any future medical bills related to your injuries), lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, property damage, rental and/or replacement value, etc. The attorney can also tell you when and how to file a lawsuit, if necessary, and who you can pursue for your recovery.

Our attorneys have experience in promptly settling cases when appropriate, and trying auto accident cases when settlement is not in the best interest of our clients. This has led to our clients receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in some of the more serious cases. It is our philosophy to involve our clients in the decision making process every step of the way. The ultimate decision on whether or not to accept a settlement offer is the client’s decision to make. We have handled auto accident cases in courts and counties throughout Ohio. We negotiate with the insurance companies all the time, and if the other driver did not have insurance we know how to negotiate with the other driver and your uninsured/underinsured policy.