Could Ohio’s New Distracted Driving Law Affect Your Car Accident Case?
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Finding out that your child has been hurt in a car accident is terrifying for any parent, especially if it was caused by someone else’s negligence. The good news is that you may be able to file a claim against the liable party’s insurance company and recover the fair and full compensation you and your child may be entitled to.
This compensation can be used to pay for doctor visits, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages. If you want to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you’ll need to do so within the statute of limitations in Ohio for injured minors.
If your child has suffered from injuries in a car accident, consult our experienced Ohio child injury accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico, & Redick. We can perform a thorough investigation and inform you of your legal options.
Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW today or contact us online. Initial consultations are free and there are no up-front costs. We’re only paid when you recover compensation.
You can’t file a claim for the car accident your child has been involved in whenever you feel like it. Here’s why: Every state sets laws that limit how long you have to file a claim after an accident. This limit is referred to as the statute of limitations. In Ohio, the statute of limitations differs for adults and minors.
After a car accident in Ohio, adults over the age of 18 have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Minors who are under the age of 18, however, have two years after their 18th birthday to file a car accident claim.
If they fail to file the claim within that period, they lose the right to pursue it.
Once you receive the phone call that your child has been involved in a car accident, visit the accident scene (if you’re not already there with them). Make sure you remain calm as acting terrified in front of your child can make the situation more stressful for both of you.
Use your smartphone or camera to take photos of the accident scene as well as your child’s injuries. Then, collect the contact information of any drivers involved as well as any witnesses who may have seen the crash.
Next, take your child to the doctor to get checked out. This is a crucial step even if you think they’re fine or they haven’t been injured. Sometimes, injuries aren’t immediately apparent and require x-rays and other diagnostic tests to pinpoint.
After your child has received the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for their injuries, reach out to an Ohio car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Even though you have two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim, the sooner you seek legal representation, the better. Your lawyer can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and communicate with the liable party’s insurance party on your behalf so you can focus on helping your child recover.
If your child has been hurt in an Ohio car accident, contact Kisling, Nestico, & Redick. Time is of the essence when it comes to being successful in car accident claims so call our highly skilled Ohio car accident lawyers today at 1-800-HURT-NOW.