Cincinnati may be known for its sports teams, chili, and rich history, but there’s another reality that many residents don’t think about until it’s too late: how difficult it is to get fair compensation after an accident.
The moment you file, insurance companies start looking for ways to deny or reduce your claim. They might question the severity of your injuries, claim you were partially at fault, or use Ohio’s comparative negligence laws to lower your payout.
And if you don’t understand how these tactics work, or you don’t have the help of a competent Cincinnati personal injury lawyer, you could end up walking away with far less than what you deserve.
Here are 4 factors that can negatively affect the outcome of your personal injury claim in Cincinnati.
Not Seeing a Doctor Right Away
One of the biggest mistakes people make after an accident is delaying medical treatment. If you don’t go to the doctor immediately, the insurance company will argue that you weren’t actually hurt, or that your injuries weren’t serious.
When you’ve been injured, visit hospitals like UC Medical Center and Christ Hospital. They see thousands of injury cases each year, and they know how to document accident-related injuries properly.
Seeing a doctor right away also helps prevent your condition from getting worse. A minor injury, like a sore back, could turn into a chronic issue if left untreated. Also, medical records serve as critical evidence in your case. They show exactly what happened, when it happened, and how severe your injuries are. If you don’t have that documentation, proving your case becomes a lot harder.
Failing to Report the Accident Immediately
Failing to notify the right authorities right away can raise red flags with the insurance company. If there’s no official record of the incident, they may argue that it never happened.
In Cincinnati, if you’re in a car accident, you should call the police immediately and file a report. If you’re injured on someone else’s property, notify the property owner or manager as soon as possible. In workplace accidents, reporting to your employer is crucial. The sooner you document the event, the stronger your case will be.
There’s another advantage of reporting the accident immediately. Some, or most, insurance adjusters will argue that you didn’t report the accident immediately because it wasn’t serious enough or that the impact of the accident wasn’t worthy of reporting. This is a valid defense. This is why experienced personal injury lawyers always advise accident victims to report the incident as soon as possible.
Settling Too Quickly
After an accident, you might be tempted to accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company, especially if medical bills are piling up and you’re unable to work. This is a real concern. On top of having to deal with the physical impact of the injury, the financial consequences can be too much to bear. With funds quickly draining, some accident victims may accept the first settlement offer made by the claims adjuster.
However, accepting an early offer can be a costly mistake. Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly for much less than what they’re actually worth. Not just that, victims will have no idea of the injuries that are yet to show symptoms. Accepting an early offer means missing out on these conditions when they eventually show up.
Before accepting any offer, it’s best to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can evaluate whether the settlement is fair. You don’t want to find out later that the amount you initially accepted is barely enough to cover your long-term costs.
Not Hiring an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Trying to handle a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with aggressive insurance adjusters. They may easily end up succumbing to these tactics and receive a settlement that doesn’t compensate for all their losses.
Without legal representation, you may not know the full value of your claim or how to negotiate for a fair settlement.
A skilled Cincinnati personal injury lawyer can gather evidence, handle negotiations, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working against you, so having an experienced advocate on your side can turn the odds in your favor significantly.
Out-of-court settlement negotiations may fail sometimes. In such instances, the lawyer will take the case to court. They will present effective arguments and will work hard to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The chances of failure are high if you plan to deal with a trial without legal assistance.
