Free Consultations 24/7
Home > Blog > Questions from ...
We are asked many questions about being involved in an auto accident. Zachary Belcher is our Intake attorney at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy and he is here to answer those questions.
Q: The insurance company wants to total my car, but I think it’s still drivable with just a few repairs. What should I do?
A: Under virtually all auto insurance policies, an insurance company is only responsible to pay up to the fair market value for a vehicle. If, in their estimation, it would cost more to repair it than to buy it for the fair market price, they are only legally bound to pay up to the fair market price. When they do this though, they take ownership of your vehicle.
If, however, you want to keep your vehicle, you may have options. Depending on your situation, there may be ways to take less money and retain your vehicle. This may be the option for you – but it is always best to discuss your options with an experienced and knowledgeable auto accident attorney to ensure that you’re making the best decision for your specific situation.
Q: What do I do if the person who hit me did not have car insurance?
A: An accident is stressful enough even when both parties have insurance. If the at-fault driver was also uninsured, a hard situation can become exponentially more complicated. That said, the fact that the other driver did not have insurance does not always mean you can’t get your bills paid or your car fixed. If you opted for uninsured motorist and collision coverage when you bought your own insurance, you may be able to have your expenses covered by your own insurance carrier. Even if you did not, there may be other options to pursue. A qualified auto accident attorney can walk you through the specifics of your situation and help you determine what the best option is, even if the at-fault driver didn’t have car insurance.
Q: Do I need to report my accident to the police?
A: You might think a small accident is “no big deal.” The other driver might even give you his number and say he’ll pay for everything if you don’t involve the police. But what if the number he gave you doesn’t work? What if his insurance company doesn’t believe your side of the story? Without an official record of what happened, you may be left paying for damage from an accident that you didn’t cause.
Even if the other driver seems nice and admits fault, disputes may still come up. Calling the police to the scene of the accident is always the best first step. If you were already involved in an accident and didn’t call the police, you can still file your report in person at the police department. By creating an official record of what happened, you’re much more likely to reach a favorable resolution for your claim.
Get to Know Your Attorney
Zachary Belcher joined Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy and ensures that every individual who contacts the firm receives outstanding service and support throughout the intake process.
Zack graduated from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 2015 and has handled more than 500 injury cases for clients injured in automobile accidents. He understands the stressful and life-altering situations clients face before seeking a personal injury attorney.
Contact Our Cleveland Auto Accident Attorneys
Don’t let an auto accident consume your life. Let our Cleveland auto accident attorneys do the heavy lifting and pursue the compensation you are owed for your injuries. Call us today at (216) 230-6352 or complete a free initial consultation form online.
Mar
25, 2024
Even when maintained, set up, and operated safely, semi-trucks still pose risks to both their drivers and other drivers on Ohio’s roads. That’s because they outweigh the average passenger vehicle 20:1. Unfortunately, semi-trucks aren’t always hooked up properly or safely, and when they aren’t, devastating accidents can occur. One of the most dangerous events that […]
18, 2024
Patients are often required to sign release forms before undergoing many types of medical treatments, from major surgeries to minor outpatient procedures. These forms are intended to acknowledge the patient’s consent to the procedure and understanding of the risks involved. However, many patients wonder whether these release forms protect doctors, surgeons, and hospitals from malpractice […]
11, 2024
Proving medical malpractice is notoriously difficult. That’s because every patient is different, and bad outcomes can happen even when doctors, surgeons, and other healthcare providers are thorough, attentive, and follow all protocols and guidelines when treating patients. In addition to being difficult to prove, doctors, surgeons, and other providers rarely admit to malpractice when it […]
04, 2024
When people are hospitalized, they and their loved ones expect for them to get better. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, and sometimes, their health declines because they contract diseases that are primarily found in hospitals. One of the most dreaded hospital-related illnesses is an intestinal illness caused by a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile, or C. […]
Feb
26, 2024
One of the most common traffic violations committed by any driver is driving with a burned-out headlight, taillight, brake light, or turn signal. While these traffic violations can be dangerous for drivers of pickup trucks, sedans, and SUVs, they can be extremely hazardous for drivers of semi-trucks—and the people driving near them. Burned out semi-truck […]
Accessibility Tools