Question 1

How much time do I have to file my case in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Each state has a statute of limitations for each type of claim, which sets the window in which your claim must be filed in court. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is 2 years from the date of the accident. The only time this differs is for minors, in which case the minor has 2 years from his or her 18th birthday to bring a claim.

Question 2

Can I still recover even if the at-fault party has no insurance?

Accepted Answer

If you are in an accident and the at-fault driver has no insurance or very minimal coverage, you can still recover compensation if you have uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage. Uninsured coverage pays for damages in the event the at-fault driver has no coverage at all. If the at-fault driver has insurance but low liability limits, your underinsured coverage can cover what the at-fault driver's insurance company cannot.

Question 3

What type of damages can I recover from my personal injury claim?

Accepted Answer

Current and future medical bills; lost wages; disability; scarring and disfigurement; miscellaneous expenses such as medical devices and aids, renovating your home to accommodate a disability, or hiring help around the house; emotional stress, depression and anxiety; pain and suffering; mental anguish; vehicle repair; and more.

Question 4

How long will my personal injury case take?

Accepted Answer

It is almost impossible to know exactly how long your claim will take because every accident and every client's health is different. A settlement can take anywhere from two weeks up to a couple of years. It is always smart to contact an attorney as soon as possible after receiving initial medical treatment so they can start working on your case. The biggest factor in the lifespan of your case is usually the severity of your injuries and the treatment necessary to make you healthy again. Generally, minor injuries have a better chance of settling within a few months, as opposed to complicated injuries that could take years to settle.

Question 5

How much money will I receive for my personal injury claim?

Accepted Answer

Your compensation depends on many factors, including but not limited to: the sum of hospital bills, coverage of future care and rehabilitation, property damage, lost wages, damages for emotional and mental pain, and the amount of available insurance.

Question 6

Do I owe legal fees if we don't win?

Accepted Answer

No. All of our clients are represented on a contingency basis. Simply put: if there is no recovery, there is no fee.

Question 7

Can I make an injury claim if the accident was not my fault but I don't have a valid driver's license or insurance of my own?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Not having a valid license or your own insurance does not erase your right to be compensated by the driver who caused the crash. Your damages — medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering — are still recoverable from the at-fault party. Call us and we'll walk you through exactly where you stand.

Question 8

Does McKenzie & Snyder LLP take injury cases that occur anywhere in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The law firm of McKenzie & Snyder LLP takes car and truck accident injury compensation claims from the entirety of Ohio. We solely focus on injury claims and are proud to provide an experienced, competent legal team approach to our rural Ohio residents.

Question 9

Can McKenzie & Snyder LLP handle a large truck accident claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our law firm has successfully handled large truck accident claims in Ohio. We have the team of experienced attorneys and paralegals to fight large claims in a timely manner.

Question 10

Should I get an attorney if the accident was not my fault?

Accepted Answer

It's highly recommended. An attorney is experienced at dealing with insurance adjusters and settling car accident cases for top dollar. On average, an attorney will reach a settlement three times more than you will get on your own.

Question 11

Do you offer a free consultation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can find out if you have a case by scheduling a free consultation with us at your convenience — use the scheduling button anywhere on this site, or call 513-788-4699. There is no cost and no obligation.

Question 12

Do you take Spanish-speaking clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have an in-office full-time staff member fluent in Spanish who is with our Spanish-speaking clients at every step.

Question 13

How is a vehicle determined to be a total loss?

Accepted Answer

Different insurance companies use different methods, but typically when the insurance company determines that the cost of repairs equals or exceeds 70-80% of the pre-accident value, then it is a total loss.

Question 14

If my vehicle is a total loss, what can I get in return?

Accepted Answer

The value of the vehicle right before the accident occurred; rental/loss of use; and sales tax on the settlement amount.

Question 15

If my vehicle is a total loss, can I keep it and get my total loss settlement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you must obtain a salvage title to drive it legally, and the settlement will be reduced by the salvage value of the vehicle.

Question 16

If my vehicle is repairable, what can I recover?

Accepted Answer

Generally you are entitled to have your vehicle fully repaired by a body shop of your choice, but the insurance company is only required to pay the "usual, customary, and reasonable" rate for any repairs. You are also entitled to loss of use/rental for a reasonable time during repairs or for when the vehicle is inoperable.

Question 17

Can the insurance company use aftermarket and/or used parts for my repair work?

Accepted Answer

Generally, brand new vehicles will get new parts, but if the vehicle is older it may be reasonable to use used and/or aftermarket parts if they fit well.

Question 18

How long can I have a rental car?

Accepted Answer

This depends on a lot of factors, but you are generally owed a rental for the entire period of time you are without a safe and functional vehicle, plus about 3-5 days after you receive your total loss settlement funds.

Question 19

What if the insurance company is delaying payment for a rental car?

Accepted Answer

Generally you can get reimbursed for out-of-pocket rental expenses if you actually paid, have the receipt, and rented a vehicle comparable to the one in the accident.

Question 20

If the other party is at fault, who pays for the damage to my car and for my rental?

Accepted Answer

The at-fault party must typically cover costs associated with a property damage claim, including a rental while your car is being fixed. Nevertheless, if the at-fault party does not have insurance or enough insurance to cover damages, your insurance may need to cover the costs. However, your insurance will only cover the damage if you have collision and/or uninsured motorist property damage ("UMPD") coverage. If you do not, you may be stuck covering both the repair costs and rental costs.

Question 21

If my car needs to be towed from the scene, do I have to use the tow company the police want?

Accepted Answer

No, you can decide where your car is towed. You can also ask your insurance company if there is a particular lot they recommend.

Question 22

Are there limits on how much I can be charged while my car is at the tow lot?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ohio limits how much tow lots can charge. Per Ohio Administrative Code 4901:2-24-03, charges are based on the weight of the vehicle — see the rate table below.

Question 23

Can I retrieve personal items from my car when it is at the tow lot?

Accepted Answer

Yes. According to Ohio Revised Code 4513.61(C)(2), the tow lot must allow vehicle owners to retrieve any personal items with presentation of proof of ownership, without actually retrieving the car or paying a fee (unless after-hours).

Question 24

How long should I leave my car at the tow lot?

Accepted Answer

If the car is drivable, you should attempt to get your car out of the tow lot as fast as possible, even if you have to front the fee. If the car is not drivable you may be able to sell it to the lot. Even if you are not at fault and the at-fault party's insurance is responsible, you still have a responsibility to keep the cost as low as possible.

Question 25

How long before the tow lot can lawfully deem my vehicle abandoned and take title?

Accepted Answer

Within five days of your car being towed, a notice should be mailed to you regarding your towed vehicle. While tow yards typically wait at least thirty days, by law you have ten days from the date the notice is mailed out to claim the car or it could be declared a nuisance and disposed of (ORC 4513.61(C)(1)).

Charge	Under 10,001 lbs.	10,001 lbs. and over
Towing	$129	$216
Storage (per day)	$17	$29
Administrative	$25	$25
After-hours retrieval	$150	$150

Your Ohio Accident Questions, Answered

Personal Injury Questions

Property Damage Questions

Ohio Tow & Storage Fee Limits

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