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Ohio and Kentucky Car Accident Attorney
Car accidents are often physically and emotionally traumatic experiences for the people involved. Not only do car accident victims have to worry about paying for medical treatment and healing from their trauma, but they also have to deal with the auto insurance process, which may or may not provide maximum compensation on its own. Some victims even have to deal with a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Our Kentucky car accident attorneys at The Lawrence Firm, PSC know just how physically and emotionally demanding it can be to get your life back on track after an accident. That’s why we’re here to help. We prioritize every single attorney-client relationship while fighting for your justice and right to fair compensation so you can focus all your energy on healing. Call an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney in Kentucky at 859-898-2472 or in Ohio at 513-643-1689.
Causes of Car Accidents in Kentucky & Ohio
No matter how safe you drive, there will always be someone out there who drives recklessly and puts you at risk. Other drivers can be unpredictable, and outside elements such as weather, heavy traffic, and unsafe road conditions can all be out of your control when it comes to driving safely.
Here are some of the more common causes of car accidents in Cincinnati and Covington:
- Speeding gives the driver less time to react if a car stops suddenly or pulls out in front of them. Drivers will also have less time to avoid some kind of road obstruction, which can naturally lead to a major accident.
- Distracted Driving is the most common form of distracted driving is texting while driving. 48 states, including Kentucky and Ohio, ban texting and driving due to how deadly it can be. In fact, 3,142 Americans died from texting and driving and thousands more suffered serious injuries in 2019.
- Poor Weather Conditions like heavy rain, snow, fog, and ice can cause slick roads and poor visibility while driving.
- Traffic Violations such as running red lights can easily cause T-bone and rollover accidents.
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol proves to be very deadly to Americans year after year. In fact, 10,497 Americans died from drunk driving in 2016. Meanwhile, drug use while driving causes about 16% of car accidents in the U.S.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Even though modern cars come with built-in safety mechanisms such as airbags, seat belts, and anti-lock brakes, people can still suffer severe injuries and death from a car crash. Common car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Neck, back, and spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Internal injuries such as organ damage
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of a limb
- Major scarring and bruising
- Whiplash
- Ankle, foot, wrist, hand, and knee injuries
- Broken bones
- Burn injuries
- Cuts and scrapes
- Road rash
- Crush injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- PTSD and other emotional distress from an accident
If you suffered injuries like these due to your crash, call an experienced car accident lawyer from our law firm to fight for your right to compensation in the courtroom.
When Can I File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Kentucky?
In Kentucky, a person can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if the crash caused more than $1,000 in medical bills or if they suffered one of the following injuries:
- Lifelong disfigurement
- A permanent injury or disability
- Compound, compressive, or displaced bone fractures
- A permanent loss of a bodily function
A Cincinnati auto accident lawyer at the Lawrence Firm can help you determine whether you have grounds to sue a negligent driver following an accident.
Is Kentucky a No-Fault State?
Kentucky is a “choice no-fault state.” This means that every vehicle, except for motorcycles, must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance and must file all accidents through their own insurance policy. PIP generally pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and even funeral expenses after a fatal car wreck. Choice no-fault means that car accident victims can choose between mandatory auto coverage or no-fault compensation, which may not allow them to recover non-economic damages.
Is Ohio a No-Fault State?
Ohio, on the other hand, is an at-fault state. So drivers need to file an initial claim through the negligent driver’s insurance first, not through their own insurance company. If the at-fault driver’s insurance doesn’t provide enough coverage, then that’s when the injured driver’s insurance company provides compensation.
What’s the Difference Between a No-Fault State and an At-Fault State?
Determining fault in a motor vehicle accident is crucial for the people involved to receive full and fair compensation. Basically, the main difference between no-fault and at-fault states is that PIP covers only one driver’s expenses in no-fault states, while insurance companies cover other driver’s expenses in at-fault states.
How to File a Car Accident Injury Claim
Dealing with insurance companies after an accident can be incredibly confusing and overwhelming. A Kentucky car accident attorney at The Lawrence Firm can walk you through the process of dealing with insurance companies after an auto accident.
First Party Claims vs. Third Party Claims
Firstly, it’s important to understand the difference between first-party and third-party insurance claims, especially because Kentucky and Ohio differ on whose insurance you should file a claim with. A first-party claim is one that you file with your personal insurance provider, while a third-party claim is one that you file with someone else’s insurance. So in Kentucky, drivers will generally file first-party claims while drivers in Ohio will generally file third-party claims.
The Insurance Claims Process
When filing a claim with an insurance company, it’s important to include as many details about the accident as possible including the location, whether you or the other driver suffered injuries, the damage of all vehicles involved, etc. You may be asked to provide pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and your car damage along with witness statements.
The insurance company may then either deny your claim or approve it. If it is denied, you’ll need an experienced car accident attorney to help. However, if it is approved, it is still very likely that they will offer you a settlement for your damages that is significantly less than your claim is actually worth. In both cases, it is best to hire a car accident lawyer immediately to help negotiate your settlement, appeal your denied claim, or pursue a higher settlement in court.
Claim Denial and Appeals
There are many reasons an insurance company might deny your claim. Maybe you waited too long to file a claim, maybe you didn’t submit enough information about the crash, or maybe your damage isn’t covered by the policy. You can either appeal the claim denial, or you can file a lawsuit against the insurance company and the other driver with a car accident lawyer at The Lawrence Firm. This is often your best chance at receiving just compensation for your injuries.
Should I Get an Attorney After a Car Accident?
Hiring Covington and Cincinnati car accident lawyers at The Lawrence Firm is certainly recommended if you are having to pay for medical bills or property damage due to someone else’s negligence. Additionally, if you’re struggling to receive enough compensation from an insurance company, a car accident lawyer can help with that too.
We understand the hesitation in hiring legal representation following motor vehicle accidents. Most people just see it as another thing they have to deal with and pay for. But hiring a strong legal team can relieve you from the stress of dealing with insurance companies and the other driver while you heal and seek compensation. We also know that clients often fear the expenses associated with car accident cases. The last thing an auto accident victim wants to worry about is attorney fees. That’s why the Covington personal injury lawyers at The Lawrence Firm are proud to offer all of our clients a free consultation and take your case on a contingency-fee basis. This means you wont pay any attorney fees unless we’re able to recover financial compensation for you.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Car Accident?
Many factors determine the amount of damages you are able to recover after a car accident. An experienced car accident attorney from our law office may be able to help you recover damages for:
- Bills for medical care received after the accident
- Future rehabilitation, physical therapy, or medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Car repairs and rental car expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages
The personal injury lawyers at The Lawrence Firm will help you build the strongest car accident case possible so that you can receive a fair settlement.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
The statute of limitations for personal injury claims differ from state to state. Kentucky residents have one year to file a car accident lawsuit following the crash, while Ohio residents have two years to file a lawsuit.
Call the Ohio and Kentucky Car Accident Attorneys at The Lawrence Firm Today
If you’re suffering physically, emotionally, and financially after a wreck, you need a Kentucky car accident attorney from The Lawrence Firm on your side. We truly care about our client’s well-being while providing the strongest legal representation in both Kentucky and Ohio. For a free case evaluation call 859-898-2472 (Kentucky) or 513-643-1689 (Ohio) today.
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You Pay No Fees Unless We Win!
We are happy to offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you hire us as your legal counsel, we will represent you on a contingency-fee basis. You will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover financial damages.