While some car accidents are unavoidable, others occur because of the negligent actions of a motorist. In these situations, an injured driver may have the right to collect compensation for their losses.
However, obtaining proper payments can be difficult. Defendants and insurance companies may deny liability, allege that the claimant shares blame, or dispute the extent of an injury. When this happens, it may benefit an injured driver to work with an injury attorney. A Chardon car accident lawyer could pursue a claim for its full value. We could work to prove defendant fault, measure the impact of a crash, and seek proper compensation.
What Legal Duty of Care Do All Motorists Have?
Getting behind the wheel of the car enters a driver into a social contract. In exchange for the right to use public roads, a driver must take appropriate care not to place other people at risk of harm. This includes following the rules of the road and staying alert.
These duties form the core of many car wreck cases that claim negligence as the source of injury. A plaintiff must prove that a defendant’s actions were careless or violated a law, and as a result, led to a crash. It is important to remember that courts will evaluate the actions of all parties involved in the incident.
Under Ohio Revised Statute §2315.33, defendants may argue that a plaintiff was partially or completely responsible for an accident. If a court accepts this argument, the judge may award partial compensation or no payment at all. An attorney in Chardon could help a claimant establish negligence on the part of the defendant in a car wreck case.
Determining the Value of a Car Wreck Claim in Chardon
Proving defendant fault is an essential part of a car accident claim. However, just as important is demonstrating how that fault affected a plaintiff’s life. The main focus of many injury cases is the physical injuries an individual suffers. Car wrecks may cause broken bones, severe cuts, separated joints, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. No matter how extreme an injury is, an at-fault defendant is liable to provide payments for the costs of all necessary medical care.
Injured motorists also should evaluate how the incident has affected their quality of life. It is a rare crash that does not inflict some form of emotional trauma. In addition, a person may miss valuable family time or the ability to participate in hobbies. A claim for damages could place a dollar value on these losses and seek compensation for them. Other types of damages that a person may be eligible to recover include repair or replacement costs as well as lost wages. An experienced lawyer could evaluate a Chardon auto accident case and demand proper compensation from all at-fault defendants.
Speak with a Chardon Car Accident Attorney
Seeking compensation for your injuries after a car crash should not be a complicated process. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, especially if insurance companies are not being cooperative
Thankfully, our Chardon car accident lawyers are here to help. They could explain your rights after a crash and gather the necessary evidence that proves defendant fault. With this information, they also could form demand packages that accurately reflect your losses and seek appropriate compensation. Contact our attorneys today to get started on your case.
This guide is designed to help you understand the steps to take in the hours and days following a car accident. If you have any questions not covered by the guide, please don’t hesitate to contact us right away.