If you were hurt in a car accident, one of our skilled Lima car accident lawyers at Charles Boyk Law can help you through the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
Why Do I Need A Lima Car Accident Attorney?
Timing is key in a car accident case. Getting a knowledgeable car accident attorney involved early allows them to help gather witness statements, inspect vehicles, and take pictures of the accident scene. As time goes by, it becomes harder to find helpful witnesses, and important evidence, like video footage from nearby businesses or homes, may be lost. And the insurance companies will try to fight your claim right from the start, so make sure to meet with one of our Lima Car Accident Lawyers here at Boyk Law as soon as possible.
Our team of Lima Attorneys specializes in car accident cases and have a strong reputation for fighting insurance companies and big corporations. We know that experience matters. At Charles E. Boyk Law Offices LLC, we take pride in our knowledge and commitment to guiding our clients through their legal journey. We treat every client like family and work hard to protect their rights.
At Boyk Law, our goal is to ensure our clients get the compensation and justice they deserve. We have assisted many people in getting the financial support they need to heal physically and emotionally. We also help families who have lost loved ones in tragic accidents. Choosing the right personal injury attorney is crucial for your car accident case. Our top-rated attorneys can make a big difference in getting you a fair settlement.
What To Do After A Lima, Ohio Car Accident
After a car accident, things can feel overwhelming. What you do right after the accident is important for your recovery and for claiming damages from those responsible. Follow these steps to ensure your safety and protect your right to future compensation:
Ensure safety first: If you’re in a dangerous spot, move yourself and others to a safe area quickly.
Call emergency services: After everyone is safe, call 911 right away. When Lima Police or Allen County Sheriffs arrive, give them a full account of what happened and ask for a copy of the police report. If you’re not able to get a copy of the report at the scene, our office can help.
Collect evidence at the scene: Use your phone to take photos and videos of the cars and the accident site. Get contact information and brief statements from any witnesses. Write down your version of events as soon as you can.
Get medical help: Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can hide injuries. It’s important to see a doctor, urgent care, or an emergency room right away. Follow all medical advice and keep records of treatments and costs.
Avoid discussing the incident: If the other driver’s insurance company contacts you, don’t talk about the details. Let your attorney handle all communication to protect your interests.
Speak with a car accident attorney: Navigating personal injury claims can be complicated, especially with car accidents. One of our experienced car accident attorneys at Charles Boyk Law will help protect your rights, hold the responsible parties accountable, and assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
Will Boyk Law Help Me Get A Copy Of My Accident Report?
Yes! We are proud to be known as a renowned, full-service law firm in Northwest Ohio. If you hire us, we can get your accident report, usually within a day of signing up if the police agency has completed it. We just need some information about the crash and the police department involved.
Who Should Contact My Insurance Company?
You should contact your insurance company right away to report any injuries and damage to your vehicle. After you report everything, Boyk Law can take care of the rest, working with adjusters to ensure medical and property damage bills are paid.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Lima
Car accidents can happen due to a variety of reasons. Some common causes of car accidents in Ohio that Boyk Law can assist with include:
Speeding
Not yielding
Running red lights
Wrong-way and head-on collisions
T-bone and rear-end crashes
Impaired driving (In 2021, Allen County reported 154 crashes involving Impaired driving)
Distracted driving (In 2021, Allen County reported 186 crashes caused by Distracted driving)
Bike and Pedestrian Crashes (In 2021, 38 crashes involved bikes, pedestrians, or other non-motorized persons)
Road rage
According to the Lima-Allen County Regional Planning Commission, the City of Lima had the highest crash total with 1,191 crashes in 2021, followed by American Township with 395 crashes in Allen County.
This is why people buy car insurance. Unfortunately, insurance companies may not always keep their promises. They often try to reduce their liability. When this happens, accident victims can face long-term financial struggles and a lower quality of life. Thankfully, a Charles Boyk Lima Car Accident Lawyer can help.
When you reach out to one of our experienced injury attorneys, you gain someone who’s well-informed with the state laws and can help gather evidence for your claim and guide you through the legal process.
Should I Talk To The Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company?
Our Ohio car accident lawyers at Boyk Law advise against speaking with the other driver’s insurance adjusters. They don’t have your best interests in mind; they want to pay you as little as possible. If an insurance company contacts you, reach out to us right away.
When you call us, we’ll start working for you immediately. We promise to:
Get copies of the crash report and witness statements.
Communicate with your insurance company directly.
Work with the adjuster to make sure your benefits are paid.
Request your necessary medical records and treatment documents.
Take necessary legal action against the driver who caused your injuries.
Negotiate with the other driver’s insurance adjusters.
How Is Negligence Determined In Lima, Ohio?
To prove negligence, you must show that the driver had a legal duty to be careful. All drivers must follow traffic laws and drive safely to avoid accidents. You also need to show that the driver broke this duty, like by changing lanes illegally for example.
The driver’s mistake must directly cause the accident that hurt you, and your injuries must lead to damages that entitle you to compensation.
After a car accident, hiring a skilled Lima car accident lawyer is crucial to navigate the situation. Those who seek legal help usually get 2 to 3 times more money than those who don’t. Statistics show that having a lawyer increases the chances that your insurance company will take your claim seriously.
Chuck Boyk is a respected Ohio trial attorney known for his excellent legal support for car accident injury clients. If you’re frustrated with delays from your insurance company, our auto accident attorneys are ready to help you get quick and fair results.
What Evidence Is Needed to Prove a Lima Car Accident Case?
Our attorneys will gather different types of evidence to show that the other party caused your injuries. If you have any of the following, please bring it to your meeting:
Police report: Ohio law requires that any car accident causing injuries be reported to the police. The responding officers will write this report, which is valuable evidence.
Medical records: Keeping track of all medical exams, diagnoses, and treatments helps prove how serious your injuries are.
Photos and videos: Pictures or videos of the accident scene or your injuries can be helpful. Dashcam or security footage can also be crucial.
Witness statements: Eyewitness accounts can back up your story. We’ll want contact info for anyone who saw or heard the accident.
Expert opinions: We might work with experts to strengthen your case, like accident reconstructionists or medical professionals.
Employment records: If the accident affected your ability to work, we can use employment records and pay stubs to show lost wages.
What Kinds Of Injuries Are Common In Lima Car Accidents?
The most common injuries after a Lima car accident include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Neck and back injuries, including herniated discs
Broken bones, like ribs and hips
Arm and hand injuries, including shoulders
Knee and leg injuries
Nerve damage
Scars and disfigurements
Emotional trauma
Death
How Much Is My Lima Car Accident Worth?
Figuring out how much a car accident is worth depends on many factors, and each case is different. Compensation may include:
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Psychological injuries
Scars and disfigurements
Disability from work
Lost income and wages
Claims from bystanders
Wrongful death: This means filing a lawsuit for someone who has passed away, covering their pain, loss of companionship, and financial losses.
Emotional and Psychological Impact of Car Accidents
The aftermath of a car accident isn’t solely physical; it can also have profound emotional and psychological effects. Many accident victims experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues can be just as debilitating as physical injuries and may require therapy or counseling, leading to additional expenses. An experienced attorney understands the importance of including these non-economic damages in your claim, ensuring you are compensated for the totality of your experience.
The Importance of Medical Documentation
One of the key aspects of a successful personal injury claim is maintaining thorough medical documentation. This includes not only immediate treatment records but also ongoing care, rehabilitation, and any psychological treatment you may require. Proper documentation strengthens your case by providing a clear picture of the injuries sustained and the associated costs. Our team at Boyk Law emphasizes the importance of following through with all medical recommendations and keeping meticulous records of your treatments, as these will play a critical role in your case.
How Long Does It Take To Receive My Settlement?
Every case is different. Some cases are settled quickly, especially if injuries are serious and policy limits are low. However, many cases can take over a year to settle because it can be hard to understand the full impact of injuries while treatment is ongoing. The timeline may also change when a lawsuit is filed, as the case can be slowed down by the court process. We work hard to get the best outcome for you.
How Much Does A Lima Car Accident Lawyer Cost?
Hiring our Lima car accident lawyers costs you nothing until you receive your settlement check. We only take cases we believe we can win, so there are no upfront fees. We work on a contingency basis, meaning if your case doesn’t settle, you don’t owe us anything. Any contract we give you will clearly state this guarantee for those hurt in an Ohio car accident.
What Happens if I’m Partially at Fault for the Accident?
In Ohio, the law follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $10,000, you would only receive $8,000. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be entitled to any compensation. This is another reason why having a skilled car accident attorney is crucial; they can help establish the facts and protect your interests.
How to Choose the Right Car Accident Lawyer
Choosing the right lawyer can be overwhelming, but there are a few key factors to consider:
Experience: Look for a lawyer who specializes in personal injury and has a track record of successful car accident cases.
Reputation: Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to gauge their satisfaction with the attorney’s services.
Communication: Ensure that the lawyer is approachable and willing to explain the legal process clearly.
Resources: A firm with ample resources can better handle the complexities of your case, including investigations and negotiations.
Fee Structure: Understand how the attorney charges for their services and ensure it aligns with your financial situation.
The Role of Insurance Companies in Car Accident Claims
Insurance companies play a significant role in car accident claims, but it’s important to remember that they are businesses aiming to minimize payouts. After an accident, the insurance adjuster may contact you to gather information. It’s critical to remember that anything you say can be used against you. This is another reason why having an attorney represent you is beneficial; they can communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation.
Lima Car Accident Case Results
Settlement Example 1
After a nice Sunday afternoon together, our client was driving her grandchild home when a car went left of center, hitting her head on. Our client was trapped in her vehicle while the grandchild suffered minimal injuries. After the police conducted a full-scale investigation, it was determined that the at-fault driver was both drunk and under the influence of fentanyl. Because of the accident, our client has multiple fractures throughout her back, arms, and legs, which required her to undergo several different surgeries. She spent a month in the hospital, followed by 3 weeks in inpatient rehabilitation. Eventually she was able to return to her home under the care of her children but was left with serious, permanent injuries. Our team at Boyk Law was able to substantially reduce her health insurance lien, so she could use the settlement to live a quality life in a new house and be financially set for the rest of her life.
Settlement Example 2
Another client of ours was driving home from work and only about ½ mile from home when she was rear-ended at a high speed of 50 miles per hour. Due to the high rate of speed, her head was thrusted forwards, causing her nose to smash against the steering wheel. The client went to the emergency room where they explained she suffered a very serious fracture nose. She underwent surgery that was supposed to fix the problem, but she developed subsequent breathing problems. A second surgery was recommended due to the unintended results of the first, but this made the problem worse. Besides breathing issues she developed ear pain, sinus pressure, migraines, and her nose was now severely deformed. She was left no choice but to undergo a third surgery. Our Car Accident Attorneys at Charles Boyk Law Offices filed a lawsuit, conducted discovery, obtained professional photos, and acquired several prognosis reports. We were able to secure a satisfactory $300,000 settlement prior to the case proceeding to trial.
Settlement Example 3
We had a client who was driving through an intersection when another oncoming driver failed to yield while make a left-hand turn at 45 miles per hour. Our client was taken to the emergency room and was diagnosed with a fracture knee and a concussion. The fracture required surgery to implant a plate and seven screw in her knee. She then underwent extensive physical therapy and was off work for the year that followed. After regaining mobility, a second surgery was completed to remove the plate and screws. We were able to settle the case for over $150,000 without the need of filing a lawsuit after obtaining prognosis reports from her doctors, lost wage verification from her employer, and a reduction of her health insurance lien. By allowing our Car Accident Attorneys at Boyk Law to handle the legal process, our client was able to move on from the accident and get the justice she deserved.
Settlement Example 4
In early 2024, we were contacted by a gentleman who was injured in a car accident with what would seem to be minor property damage. While outside of the vehicle, the client was on the phone with 911 when he fell down because he was suffering a stroke. Unfortunately, the at-fault driver had no insurance, but our client did have $300,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. The legal battle involved was linking the stroke to the accident. At Charles Boyk Law, we have a full-time nurse paralegal, and we utilize the same medical literature resources that doctors use in their office. Using such, we were able to find medical journal articles indicating that car crashes are a substantial cause of cerebrovascular injuries. We sent this research to the treating neurologist who reviewed it and wrote a report linking the stroke to the accident, which would be critical in our fight with the insurance company. Using this, our office was able to secure the $300,000 policy limits without filing a lawsuit. But our work wasn’t done there. Our team then negotiated down our client’s short term disability wage lien and health insurance lien in order to get the maximum in our client’s pocket. Our Car Accident Lawyers at Charles Boyk Law Offices go the extra mile to ensure you feel heard and get the justice you deserve.
Contact One of Our Lima Car Accident Attorneys Today
A car accident can change your life in an instant, affecting not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being and financial stability. If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident in Lima, Ohio, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team at Boyk Law. Our skilled car accident lawyers are dedicated to advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. From navigating the complex legal process to negotiating with insurance companies, we are here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you on the road to recovery.
