What to do after a car accident?

If you were involved in an accident, the first thing you should do is to call the police and rescue squads.  Make sure everyone involved in the accident is okay, and if there are serious injuries, state this to the dispatcher when you call.  If the accident was more than a simple fender bender, make sure you see the EMT or see your doctor right away.  Although you might not feel hurt, your injuries may still be significant after an accident.

When the police arrive, they will take statements and obtain all of the personal information of the drivers, passengers, and owners of the vehicles involved in the accident.  Fully cooperate with the police and make sure insurance information is collected.

After you have called the emergency personnel, addressed all of your injuries,  and spoken to the police, it is also a good idea to try and take photos of the scene.  This can provide invaluable evidence to you later in proving fault of the accident.

As soon as possible after the accident, call your insurance agent to make a claim for the accident.  It is also a good idea to contact an attorney that represents individuals that were hurt in car accidents.  An attorney will ensure that your interests are protected.  Insurance companies place profits first, even above paying you for a valid claim.

My car accident was a few days ago, what should I do now?

If your car accident was a few days ago (or weeks/months/year), you should seek some resolution to the accident as soon as possible.  There is no reason why this event should control your life for an extended period of time.  You will want your car fixed and your medical bills paid.  You may have already called the insurance company, but found they are not very helpful.  Make sure you document all of your attempts to contact the insurance company.  If they deny coverage or deny your claim, ask for their address to dispute their decision. Send a letter and contact an attorney to discuss the particulars of your case.    

The other driver did not have insurance, what can I do?

If the other driver did not have insurance, you may still be able to recover against the uninsured/underinsured portion of your policy.  Even if you did not have uninsured/underinsured coverage, you should still speak to a qualified attorney because there may still be ways to obtain a recovery.  Ryan, LLP can examine your specific case and find ways for you to get your car fixed and your medical bills paid.  

I was driving without insurance, but I was not at fault in the accident.  Can I still recover?

Yes.  If you were not at fault in the accident, you can still recover against the other driver.  This specific scenario is complicated, and you will need to speak to an attorney to ensure you are properly covered.  As long as the other driver has coverage, you may still be able to make a claim.  However, it really depends on the facts of the accident.  A qualified accident attorney can examine your case and determine your next course of action.

I am still feeling pain, and it seems to be getting worse.  What should I do?

You should go to the doctor immediately.  You may have experienced serious injuries that were masked by the trauma of the impact and accident.  At Ryan, LLP, we have represented clients that suffered a broken neck, but were able to walk away from the accident and only felt stiff and sore.  In these cases, the muscles tightened to protect the broken vertebrae.  If you still feel pain, it is imperative you seek medical treatment as soon as possible, if not immediately.  

Do I need to talk to an attorney?

If you are asking this question, then the answer is yes.  Even if the insurance company is cooperative, they may be undervaluing your case and attempting to undercut your loss.  You may have costs and bills that you were unaware of, including ambulance fees and emergency room doctor fees.  A qualified attorney will know where to look and how to obtain all of the correct information.  Most importantly, the insurance company does not represent you. Only an attorney can represent what is best for your particular accident and injuries.  

What kind of attorney do I need?

Car accidents have become very complicated over the past two decades.  It once was true that any attorney could handle an accident case, but this is no longer true.  The complexity of these cases can create issues not known to less experienced lawyers or firms.  The attorneys at Ryan, LLP have assisted those injured in car accidents for over forty years.  We have assisted individuals with resolution of their bills and claims against the other driver. The majority of our cases are in Cuyahoga County, but we have also represented clients in Lorain County, Medina County, Lake County, Stark County, and throughout the State of Ohio.

Call 1-877-864-9495 or fill out the form to the right to speak to an attorney today.