Brown & Szaller on auto accidents-Cleveland, Columbus, Ohio, auto accident lawyers, attorneys, for injury caused in auto, car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.

Auto Accidents

Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, auto accident attorneys and lawyers dedicated to vigorously representing those injured in auto, truck, and motorcycle accidents.

Injuries received in motor vehicle accidents can have catastrophic consequences. Serious injuries can be disabling, affecting not only the injured person but family members as well. Even relatively minor injuries which necessitate lost time from work, and medical care, can have a great impact on a family. In Ohio, the injured person, and his/her family, may be entitled to compensation for injuries incurred in automobile, truck, motorcycle and pedestrian accidents. Compensation (i.e., "damages") include:

medical expenses already incurred
medical expenses to be incurred in the future
physical pain
mental suffering
loss of, or destruction to, property
loss of enjoyment of life
permanent physical disability
lost wages
grief, loss of love, and/or loss of companionship,
caused by the death of a family member

The Ohio Supreme Court has held that an injured person and his/her family are entitled to separate sums for each of those damages

If the accident was caused by the other driver, the injured person is entitled to receive money to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the other driver has insufficient insurance, or is not insured at all, the victim is entitled to compensation from his/her own insurance company under its uninsured/underinsured provisions. (See "Automobile Insurance: What's What ?", reprinted from the Spring 1994 issue of the Brown & Szaller Newsletter, The Quarterly). Furthermore, in many situations there are other policies of insurance (policies of other family members, employers, etc.) that may provide benefits to the injured person.

Even if the injured person was partially at fault, the law may permit a partial recovery. The comparative fault doctrine in Ohio permits compensation to an injured person who is less than 50% at fault in a motor vehicle accident.

Additionally, the injured person's family members may also be entitled to compensation, depending on the severity of the accident, and their dependence on the injured person

To protect yourself and your family, you must know your legal rights.

First, know what you should do at the accident scene. See "Automobile Wreck: Know your Rights", reprinted from the Summer 1994 issue of the Brown & Szaller Newsletter, The Quarterly
Second, describe exactly how the injury occurred, and how you were injured, to the medical personnel attending you after the accident. Make certain that you describe also exactly where you feel pain, and do your best to describe its severity.. Do not leave out details. Always be complete in your explanations.
Third, give statements to no one except the police.
Fourth, sign nothing (unless requested by the police) without first showing it to a lawyer.
Fifth, keep a daily diary describing how the injury affects you, and your family
Sixth, do not under any circumstance go to traffic court without first consulting an attorney.

Contact experienced lawyers...... Contact Brown & Szaller.

For twenty-five years we have protected the rights of the injured. We have the staff, the resources, and the experience necessary to successfully prosecute even the most complex motor vehicle accident cases.

We promise to diligently pursue the individuals or companies that caused the injuries, determine what insurance is available, and maximize the recovery. We are committed to championing the rights of the injured.

We will meet you in our offices, or in the hospital. There is never a charge for the initial consultation, and all personal injury matters are handled on a contingency fee basis. Should there be no recovery, in most situations you will owe us nothing.

Brown & Szaller will help you determine if you are entitled to compensation, how much, and from whom. To protect your rights, contact us immediately after an accident. The decisions that must be made immediately after an accident are very important, and can greatly affect how your claims are resolved.