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What can I expect from my car accident claim?

Cleveland auto accident attorney

If you’ve never filed a car accident claim before, the legal process may seem unfamiliar to you. You may have recently been involved in a low-impact collision that left you with a minor injury (whiplash or “mild” head injury).

Perhaps your crash happened weeks or months ago, and you have since been treated for a serious injury.

You know that the at-fault driver’s insurance company is responsible for compensating you for your medical expenses, wage loss, and damage to your car. Unfortunately, obtaining the compensation you need is not as easy as it sounds.

Can I negotiate with insurance companies?

There are few things that are more frustrating than dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They can either come across as friendly and attempt to trick you into accepting a small settlement. Or they can be pushy and attempt to place the blame on you.

To put it bluntly: you can’t negotiate with insurance companies. That’s why you should never, under any circumstance, speak to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. You want an experienced car accident attorney with knowledge of Ohio’s complex legal system successfully advocating for you.

How much is my car accident claim worth?

Car accidents are costly. The money needed to repair your car is small potatoes compared to the thousands of dollars you may owe in medical expenses. Moreover, you may have a difficult time making ends meet if you have to take time off from work.

Your attorney will place an accurate value on your claim by examining the following:

  • Your medical evaluation, current medical bills, and potential future medical expenses
  • Any income lost from days missed at work
  • Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering

How soon can I expect to receive compensation?

There is no specific time frame as to when you’ll be compensated from the time you file your claim. It could take time for your attorney to tally up the total damages and begin building a solid claim.

Furthermore, the time frame of your compensation may depend on whether or not your attorney and the insurance company can agree on a settlement. If the insurance company refuses to agree on a settlement, then your case will have to go to trial.

It can take several months in some cases, and possibly longer if the insurance company appeals the court’s decision.

How should I get started on my car accident claim?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations to file a car accident claim is two years. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t act sooner.

You can get started by consulting with an attorney at Merriman Legal, LLC. We’ll leave no stone unturned when investigating and handling your case.

We serve clients in Cleveland and throughout Ohio. We offer free, confidential consultations and operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Contact us online or call 866-823-3332 to get started.

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