Best Car Accident Lawyers in Cincinnati

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Cincinnati, Ohio?

  For non-emergencies, you can contact the Cincinnati police at 311 or 513-765-1212.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Cincinnati, Ohio?

  It is the responsibility of your insurance company to get this information. You can also contact the Cincinnati Police Records Section at 513-352-3559 if required. Typically, reports are available 7 to 10 business days following the accident. Personnel from the Records Section will inform you of their working hours and of any fees for obtaining a copy of the report.

• Where do automobile collisions occur most frequently in Cincinnati?

  According to the records of the Cincinnati Police Department, the majority of traffic collisions in the city over the past two years occurred on the following streets: Glenway Avenue, Reading Road, Vine Street, Harrison Avenue, Queen City Avenue, Colerain Avenue, Madison Road, Montana Avenue, Paddock Road, and Hamilton Avenue.

• How is fault determined in a Cincinnati automobile accident?

  Ohio uses an at-fault insurance system. The motorist at fault in an automobile accident is accountable for damages, such as those that cover medical expenditures, lost pay, physical discomfort, and mental suffering. The insurance company of the at-fault driver is responsible for paying for the damage incurred by the driver who is not at fault. In Cincinnati, as with the rest of Ohio, every licensed motorist operating a registered vehicle must carry auto insurance.

• How do you file an appeal for a car insurance claim in Cincinnati?

  When insurance companies contest a claim, they will present a justification. Therefore, you must inform insurance carriers that you disagree with their decision. The basis for the dispute should also assist you in composing the most suitable response. For instance, if they dispute your claim based on a lack of medical evidence, you may be able to produce copies of the receipts for the treatment you received following the accident. Additionally, you can submit copies of the physician's report. When they recognize that you may have a legitimate case against them, the majority of insurance companies will try to settle the case quickly to prevent you from contacting a car accident attorney. Another option is to submit a complaint against the insurance carrier to the Ohio Department of Insurance. However, this option has some restrictions.

• What is the most common type of car accident in Cincinnati?

  According to the city of Cincinnati's Crash Report Dashboard, the most prevalent type of accident is an angle crash, which has a total record of 12,837 incidents from 2020 to January 2023. In addition, there have been 10,544 reported rear-end collisions in the same period. Sideswipes and not-between-moving-car traffic crashes were reported at 9,672 and 11,588, respectively.

• How are life-threatening injuries and deadly auto accidents handled in Cincinnati?

  Serious injury or fatality resulting from car and pedestrian accidents are treated as felony assaults or homicide cases. The Traffic Unit of the Cincinnati Police Department is in charge of looking into these crimes. The same procedures are used to handle and process accident sites as homicide situations. Accident scenes are treated and processed identically to crime scenes. It involves several steps to gather evidence, including interrogating witnesses, collecting physical evidence from the road, getting evidence from drivers, and measuring and diagramming the entire scene.

• How do I choose a car accident lawyer?

  To select a car accident lawyer, consider the lawyer's experience, focus, and reputation. While nearly any attorney can negotiate with insurers for a settlement, not all attorneys have amassed experience litigating a claim in a court of law. Choose an attorney with a background that includes car accident claimants; it's helpful if the attorney is focused on personal injury law. Lastly, read reviews from previous clients to get a feel for the attorney's helpfulness and responsiveness to clients. The best lawyer for your case is one that you feel comfortable and confident working with.

• What steps should I take after a car accident?

  Immediately following a car accident, get out of traffic as soon as possible and dial 9-1-1. Exchange car insurance information with any other involved drivers and get a police report as soon as possible. Be truthful about what happened, even if you are at fault, but stick to reporting the facts of the accident without offering an opinion on who is to blame. If possible, take photos of your car, other cars at the scene, and the scene itself.

• (When) Do I need a lawyer after a car accident?

  Start working with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible following your car accident (some attorneys even make hospital visits). By reaching out for legal help early on, you avoid some of the pitfalls of trying to handle your claim on your own. Your attorney can also get the ball rolling on reimbursement for your medical bills and lost wages while awaiting the outcome of your claim.

• How long after a car accident can you claim an injury?

  The length of time you can file a claim for an injury following a car accident is governed by the statute of limitations in your state. Although it varies, most states set the statute of limitations for injured parties to seek compensatory damages at three years following the accident or three years after you discover your injuries. In cases where children are injured, the statute of limitations may be longer.

• What do I do after a car accident that I'm not responsible for?

  After an accident that's not your fault, seek immediate medical help if you are injured. Once it's safe to do so, obtain the other driver's contact and insurance information, any statements from witnesses, and photos of the scene. Obtain a police report and contact your insurer and the at-fault party's insurer. If you are injured, schedule a consultation with a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options.

• What happens if someone sues you after a car accident?

  If you have car insurance in force at the time of the accident, your insurance is contractually bound to represent you on any claims that arise, indemnifying you against loss up to the limits of your policy. You can help your insurance company by cooperating fully. If the plaintiff in any lawsuit obtains a judgment above your policy limits, then you can be held personally responsible for any damages awarded.

• What/how much can I expect from a car accident settlement?

  According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average bodily injury claim in 2018 was $15,785. The amount of any particular car accident settlement hinges primarily on the severity of the injuries sustained as a result and whether or not any partial or total permanent disability was caused by the accident. Claims that involve broken bones or nerve damage likely settle for more than claims where soft tissue injuries are present.

• How do I arrange a rental car after an accident?

  To arrange a rental car after an accident, first consider whether your insurance or the other party's insurance will be paying for the rental. If another driver is found to be at-fault for the accident, that driver's insurance may pay the costs. If you are responsible, your insurance may pay if your policy covers such expenses. Speak with your insurance adjuster to determine if you have benefits available.

• How long does it take for car insurance to go back down after an accident?

  Post-accident rate spikes can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on your insurer. However, if damages incurred during the accident are less than $2,000, your rate may not go up at all. Three years is typical for collision and property damage claims. Five years is not uncommon in accidents involving bodily injury claims, DUI or DWI, reckless driving, or serious violations at the time of the accident.

• How to settle a car accident claim without a lawyer?

  To negotiate a car accident settlement without a lawyer, you'll have to prove that the other party was to blame for your damages. Gather evidence at the scene to support your claim, including witness statements and photos. Seek medical treatment for your injuries immediately. Notify the other driver's insurer of your intent to file a claim. If you reside in a no-fault state, you will need to use your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits first before filing a claim against the other party for medical expenses and bodily injury. Be prepared with medical records, police reports, receipts for out-of-pocket accident-related costs, and proof of lost income due to the accident before beginning negotiations.