What Makes a 'Good' Car Accident Claim? | Kisling, Nestico & Redick
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Date posted
 
May 8, 2025
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Tens of thousands of Ohioans are injured in car accidents every year. The harm sustained in these wrecks can be significant. Going back to work can be impossible for a long time, and your medical bills can be costly. It’s important to act without delay to recover the compensation that you deserve. Many accident victims wonder what makes a good car accident claim. They may know that they are not at fault, but how can they make sure that they secure the financial help they need?

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we know what it takes to build a successful personal injury claim—and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-risk consultation.

Key Factors That Make a Car Accident Claim Strong

If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Ohio, proving that someone else was at fault is crucial. But even if it’s obvious to you, the insurance company needs evidence—and they’ll often try to minimize your payout or deny your claim altogether. A strong claim checks several boxes:

1. Clear Liability

Ohio is an at-fault state, which means the party responsible for causing the accident is also responsible for paying damages. Your attorney must show that the other driver was negligent—for example, by speeding, texting while driving, or running a red light—and that this directly caused your injuries.

In legal terms, proving liability includes:

  • Negligence – The other party acted recklessly. Many car accidents are caused by drivers who are intoxicated, speeding, or distracted.
  • Causation – Their actions directly caused your crash.
  • Damages – You suffered measurable losses, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Even if your case doesn’t go to trial, this evidence is key to getting a fair settlement from the insurance company.

2. Strong Evidence

You don’t need to have every piece of evidence on your own—that’s what your Ohio car accident lawyer is for. However, the more documentation available, the stronger your claim becomes. Here are common types of evidence we use to build winning cases:

  • Police reports from the accident scene
  • Medical records and treatment history
  • Photos and videos of the crash, damage, and injuries
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Accident reconstruction reports
  • Toxicology or sobriety test results
  • Expert medical opinions

Even if you’re unsure what information is useful, a skilled attorney can help uncover critical details that strengthen your case.

3. Prompt Medical Treatment

One of the first things insurers look at is whether you sought medical care right after the crash. Delaying treatment can give them an excuse to downplay or deny your injuries. Seeing a doctor promptly helps tie your injuries directly to the accident and supports your claim for compensation. Follow-up care matters too—attending appointments, following your treatment plan, and keeping documentation shows that you’re taking your recovery seriously.

Does Ohio’s At-Fault System Affect My Claim?

Yes—and it actually gives you more options. Since Ohio uses an at-fault insurance system, you can file a claim directly against the at-fault driver’s insurance provider. You aren’t required to go through your own insurance first unless you choose to.

However, this also means the other driver’s insurer may fight hard to protect their bottom line. That’s why having an experienced lawyer matters—they’ll push back against lowball offers and work to get you full compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.

How Quickly Should I File a Car Accident Claim?

Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.

Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover damages—no matter how strong your case is. And since evidence can disappear or become harder to verify over time, the sooner you speak with a lawyer, the better your chances of success.

Exceptions to Ohio’s Statute of Limitations

While Ohio’s statute of limitations is strict, it does have some exceptions:

  • Cases where the injured person is a minor – The two year limit can be delayed until the injured person reaches their 18th birthday.
  • Injuries that are not immediately apparent – Some injuries are not noticed immediately. The statute will not bar your claim so long as you were reasonable in not noticing the harm.

Ready to Build a Strong Claim? Our Car Accident Lawyers Are Here to Help

Don’t leave your future in the hands of the insurance company. If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve a team that will fight for you.

An experienced lawyer will gather the evidence while also negotiating with the insurance company involved. At KNR, we’ve been helping people after car accidents for over 15 years. We understand how important recovering damages is and what it takes to build the strongest possible claim. We will walk you through the process and explain the next steps. There’s no risk because we only get paid when you recover compensation.

Contact us today or call (888) 928-5051 to discuss your claim with an experienced attorney.