Defiance Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, our skilled Defiance lawyers can help you get the money you deserve. Reach out today to work with a trusted personal injury attorney.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Defiance, Ohio

After a car accident, things can be confusing and stressful, especially when dealing with insurance companies. Here’s what you should do to help yourself and protect your claim:

Stay Safe: If you’re in a dangerous area after the accident, move to a safer place as quickly as you can. If you can’t move your car, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers and avoid further accidents.
Call for Help: Contact 911 immediately and explain the situation to the dispatcher. The police will come to the scene and create a report of the accident. Be sure to get a copy of this police report, as it contains crucial information that will help with your case.
Gather Evidence: Use your phone or camera to take photos and videos of the accident scene, the damage to the cars, and any injuries you or others may have. Make sure to get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened. Write down your version of what occurred as soon as you can, while the details are still fresh in your mind.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you don’t feel pain right away, it’s important to see a doctor. Sometimes injuries from car accidents don’t show symptoms immediately. A medical evaluation can help identify any hidden injuries and ensure you get the treatment you need. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses.
Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company: If the other driver’s insurance company reaches out to you, don’t discuss the accident with them. They may try to get you to say something that could harm your case. Let Charles Boyk Law Offices handle all communications to ensure your interests are protected.
Talk to a Lawyer: An experienced Defiance car accident lawyer will help protect your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help you get the compensation you deserve. Car accidents can be complex, and having a knowledgeable attorney can make a big difference in how your case is handled.

Why Do I Need a Defiance Car Accident Lawyer?

Timing is crucial after a car accident. Boyk Law’s car accident attorneys understand this and can quickly gather important evidence such as witness statements while their memories are fresh, photos of the scene, and any available video footage. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of collecting the evidence you need. Insurance companies start working immediately to avoid paying you, so getting a car accident lawyer from Boyk Law as soon as possible can make a significant difference in your case.

At Boyk Law, our goal is to ensure you get the compensation and justice you deserve. With over 40 years of experience, we have helped many clients receive the money they need to recover from their injuries and losses. Our office also has a long history of providing compassionate support to families who have lost loved ones. Choosing an attorney with the skills and experience like those at Boyk Law can make a big difference. If you’ve been wronged, we’re here to help!

Our experienced lawyers in Defiance focus on car accident cases. We are known for successfully challenging insurance companies and big corporations. Our knowledge and dedication set us apart from other law firms. At Charles E. Boyk Law Offices LLC, we treat each client like family and work hard to protect their rights and well-being.

Will Boyk Law Help Me Get a Copy of My Accident Report?

Yes, we will. We can usually get your crash report and any photos the police took very quickly, often within a day of you hiring us. Just provide us with details about the accident and the police department that responded, and our office will handle everything from start to finish.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Defiance

Accidents can be caused by a number of factors. Based on your specific accident, our office will work to create an individualized plan for your case. Many accidents in Ohio are caused by:

Speeding: Driving faster than the posted speed limit increases the risk of losing control of the vehicle and makes it harder to stop in time.
Not yielding: Failing to give the right of way can lead to dangerous collisions at intersections.
Running red lights: Ignoring traffic signals often results in T-bone accidents where one car hits another on its side.
Driving the wrong way or head-on collisions: Entering a road or highway in the wrong direction can lead to severe accidents.
T-bone and rear-end accidents: T-bone accidents occur when one vehicle hits another from the side, while rear-end accidents happen when one vehicle hits another from behind.
Drunk driving: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction times, making drunk drivers a significant risk on the road.
Texting while driving: Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone, reduces a driver’s ability to focus on the road.
Road rage: Aggressive driving behaviors can escalate into dangerous confrontations and accidents.

These negligent acts create real dangers for drivers and passengers in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, about 100 people die in car accidents each month, and around 1,000 people suffer serious injuries each month. Serious injuries can affect a person’s ability to work and support their family. Insurance companies sometimes try to avoid paying for these costs, which is why having one of our knowledgeable Defiance car accident lawyers can be crucial.

Examples of Charles Boyk Law Winning Defiance Car Accident Cases

Settlement Example 1

Defiance Father Receives Substantial Confidential Settlement – Our client was on the way to work in Hicksville, Ohio. Another driver driving a company car ran a stop sign resulting in our client being trapped in his car. The Jaws of Life were needed to get him out of his car. What followed was tragic. Our client was in intensive care for weeks. He suffered from a traumatic brain injury, brain bleeds, a fractured jaw, and a broken ankle. Surgeries and a long inpatient rehabilitation followed. In total, our client had 8 surgeries and 50 days of hospitalizations. He was unable to return to his job as a roofer. He had 2 small children under the age of 6. We did a substantial investigation, found independent witnesses, did an accident reconstruction, and then filed the lawsuit. We retained medical experts, a vocational expert, and an economist to determine future lost wages. Prior to trial a mediation was unsuccessful. As the case was proceeding to trial the insurance company tremendously increased their offer and we recovered a high confidential resolution. This result allowed his family to continue their prior lifestyle with a structured settlement for their future economic needs.

Settlement Example 2

Wife Dies After Husband leaves Vehicle to Seek Help – Our client was driving his wife to work on a January workday. The at fault driver went left of center on a county road hitting our client head on. The husband was injured but ran from the car to get help for his wife. The wife was bleeding from the impact. The local sheriff was called. As the sheriff’s department was rendering first aid the wife died. The husband was in shock, suffered orthopedic injuries, and was severely depressed that he left his wife alone trapped in the car to die alone. We made sure the husband received the best medical and psychological care to make the best of this tragic situation. We opened an Estate for the wife, filed a lawsuit, and pursued a claim against the driver and our client’s uninsured motorist insurance company. Discovery was taken and depositions were made. We were able to recover the insurance policy limits against the at fault driver and an additional $1 million under the uninsured motorist policy at mediation. This tragedy still impacts the husband and the extended family. They at least feel they made the best out of a tragic situation.

Settlement Example 3

Policy Limits Settlement for Left Turn Accident – Our client was driving home from work when a car making a left turn failed to yield the right of way and a front-end accident resulted. The client was taken to the hospital by ambulance and the initial diagnosis was just minor neck and leg sprains. A few days later our client developed severe stomach pains. He was rushed to the hospital and the result was a diagnosis of a renal infarction. There was not an adequate blood supply going to his kidneys. A lengthy hospital stay followed. We obtained the policy limits from the at fault driver’s insurance company. Our client was a returning client who we had previously settled a smaller injury case. Our belief is once you are a client you are a friend and a client for life.

Settlement Example 4

Large Settlement for a Broken Back and Sternum – Our client was about to turn on the entrance ramp of a rural state highway when the at-fault driver failed to yield the right of way. Our client was rushed to the hospital with a fractured sternum, two broken ribs, and a broken lower back. We did an extensive investigation and found some independent witnesses and video of the accident. We were able to find insurance coverage from the at-fault driver and from our client’s own uninsured motorist coverage. Our client has recovered, gone back to work, and is happy to resume his prior lifestyle.

Who Should Contact My Insurance Company?

You should report the accident and any injuries or damage to your vehicle to your insurance company right away. This helps start the process of getting your vehicle repaired and medical bills covered. After you’ve reported everything, Boyk Law will handle the rest, including working with adjusters to make sure your medical bills and property damage are paid.

Should I Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance Company?

Our advice is not to talk to the other driver’s insurance company. The adjusters for the at-fault driver’s insurance company are often trained to pay as little as possible to settle a claim. If they contact you, let our office handle it. We will:

Obtain the crash report, witness statements, and other police details.
Communicate with your insurance company on your behalf.
Ensure all your benefits are paid.
Order all your medical records.
File a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident for your pain and suffering.
Negotiate with the other driver’s insurance adjusters.

How is Negligence Determined in Defiance, Ohio?

To prove negligence, you need to show:

The driver owed you a legal duty to drive safely.
The driver breached that duty, such as by making an illegal lane change or some other traffic violation.
The driver’s breach caused the accident and
Your injuries resulted in damages that allow you to seek compensation.

Every driver has a legal duty to follow state laws and drive with reasonable care to prevent accidents. You can prove the driver breached this duty by showing they violated traffic laws or were otherwise careless. The driver’s breach must also be the direct cause of the accident that harmed you. Finally, you must have damages resulting from your injuries to be entitled to compensation.

In cases where drivers or passengers suffer injuries, hiring an experienced Defiance car accident lawyer can make a big difference. On average, those who hire car accident lawyers for their claims receive 2 to 3 times more compensation than those who don’t. This shows that your insurance company will take your claim more seriously, and your chances of getting a fair settlement improve when you have a knowledgeable attorney investigating your case.

Chuck Boyk is an Ohio trial attorney known and respected throughout Northwest Ohio for his exceptional work on behalf of car accident injury clients. If you’re frustrated with delays from your insurance company or dealing with conflicting statements, contact our car accident attorneys for fast and fair results.

How Much is My Defiance Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors and varies for each situation. Compensation can cover:

Pain and suffering: This includes physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
Scars and permanent injuries: Compensation for any lasting physical effects from the accident.
Emotional distress: Includes anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues resulting from the accident.
Psychological injuries: This can involve trauma or long-term emotional impact because of the accident.
Lost income and wages: Compensation for money lost due to an inability to work while recovering.
Wrongful death: If a loved one died in the accident, compensation could include the victim’s pain and suffering before death, loss of companionship for the family, and the family’s economic losses due to the death.

At Boyk Law, our mission is to maximize your recovery by ensuring all your damages are fully addressed and included in your settlement.

How Long Does It Take to Get My Settlement?

The time it takes to receive your settlement depends on the complexity of your case. Some cases are resolved quickly, but others may take over a year. This is because it takes time to assess the full impact of your injuries, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement. At Boyk Law, we’re focused on maximizing your recovery and won’t settle your case until we fully understand the extent of your pain, suffering, and economic damages.

How Much Does a Defiance Car Accident Lawyer Cost?

There is no upfront fee for hiring our Ohio car accident lawyers. We only get paid if you receive a settlement. Our lawyers work on a “contingency basis,” meaning our fee is a percentage of what we’re able to collect. So, if you don’t win, you don’t owe us anything. This guarantees that you can get the legal help you need without worrying about paying upfront.

Can My Injured Passenger Sue the Other Driver Too?

Yes, anyone injured by the careless driver can file a lawsuit. This includes passengers in the negligent driver’s car, other parties involved in the accident, and even passengers in rideshare vehicles like Uber or Lyft.

What Kinds of Injuries Are Common in Defiance Car Accidents?

Common injuries from car accidents include:

Brain injuries and concussions: Head injuries can have long-lasting effects on cognitive function and overall health.
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to permanent paralysis and significant lifestyle changes.
Nerve damage: Injuries to nerves can cause chronic pain, loss of sensation, or impaired movement.
Neck and back injuries: These can range from minor strains to severe conditions like herniated discs.
Broken bones: Fractures can require surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Arm and leg injuries: Injuries to the limbs can impact your ability to work and perform daily activities.
Scars and other serious injuries: Visible scars and severe injuries can affect your appearance and self-esteem.
Emotional and psychological trauma: The stress and emotional impact of an accident can affect mental health and quality of life.

At Boyk Law, we have strong relationships with medical providers across Northwest Ohio. We ensure you receive the best care based on your specific injuries, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the legal aspects of your case. Connect with our team today to learn more.