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Car Accident Attorney In Toledo, OH: What Can These Lawyers Do For You?

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 19:47:32 GMT

Car Accident Attorneys In Toledo, OH

In 2017, there are 23 fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents that happened in Toledo, Ohio. That is considering the deaths alone; 11 of which involved a drunk driver. With these statistics taken into consideration, a car accident is most likely to occur to anyone who is out there either walking or driving in the streets of Toledo. These facts make it all the more important to get the services of a car accident attorney in Toledo, OH .

Given that there could be a lot of car accidents in Toledo, OH , it only proves that nobody is guaranteed to be safe. That is, even if one will properly follow all the traffic rules by the book. There could be other drivers on the same road that is not practicing any care in driving at all. These could be the people that could cause car accidents no matter how cautious you are whenever you are on the road.

How Can A Car Accident Attorney Help You With Your Claims

Now that you know that car accidents happen all the time in Toledo OH, you should then know how could a car accident help you out in these kinds of situations. Although reporting a simple car accident to the police will not require the presence of a lawyer, once you have decided to push through with a car accident claim, you should seek for the help of a car accident attorney in Toledo OH .

Here are some of the things that a car accident attorney can do for you.

Communicate with the other driver’s insurers

For any personal injury case, there will always be an insurance company involved. Since these companies are still aiming to get a profit from the payments that have been done to them by their clients, it is important that they minimize the insurance payout. Although as the person who is on the receiving end of things, the last thing that you would want to happen is for your injuries to be downplayed by insurers. Getting in an accident and recovering from the injuries you have sustained from the crash is already stressful enough. Hiring a car accident attorney in Toledo, OH would help solve this problem. They are the ones that can negotiate with the insurers so you can get the best compensation from your injuries.

Obtain the necessary evidence

If your goal is to get the best deal of compensation from the offending party or insurers, you would have to secure credible and reliable pieces of evidence. This evidence will help strengthen your case. A good car accident attorney would know how important it is to have concrete evidence that your side could use against the other party. It is recommended that as soon as you have been involved in a car accident, your lawyer would be able to see the scene himself. Although there could be a lot of pictures taken in the accident, witnessing the scene itself can give other clues that the pictures were not able to present.

Obtain the necessary evidence for your damages

Since you are most likely to pursue a personal injury claim, this would have to be backed up by evidence. The type of evidence used for this matter, however, cannot be recovered from the scene. Instead, these pieces of evidence are the police reports and medical bills that were recorded during the time of your recovery. These records are not easy to hold of, as it may take a long time before you can request these. If you should know anything about personal injury cases, it is that time is of importance. A car accident attorney in Toledo, OH will be able to get hold of these files sooner than expected.

These are the records that can be used to account for the damages you have sustained. It should help your lawyers quantify how much you should get as compensation.

Deal with the lien holders

If you have received benefits from your health, disability, or workers’ compensation insurer, then the insurer will get a lien on your claim. This is an important step because your lawyer can decrease the lien that the lien holder should get. In return, you will be able to get a dollar for every decrease that your lien holder should get. The process for this is relatively technical and would require the convincing and negotiation abilities of your car accident attorney in Toledo OH. This should be a task assigned particularly to the lawyers.

Negotiate the settlement

Once all evidence has been collected, analyzed, and placed into the table, the next goal of a car accident attorney is to get you the settlement that you deserve. It may sound like it is a fairly easy job, but it requires a lot of convincing more than you think. Negotiation is a highly specific skill that personal injury lawyers would be good at. You can negotiate the settlement yourself, but it will not be as effective and successful compared to when you are working with a lawyer. Since your lawyer may have handled a lot of similar car accident cases, he should know how much your case will be worth in terms of settlements. Getting the settlement that you want is not only hard, but it is extremely stressful as well. With a car accident attorney around, you get to focus on other things and let your lawyer handle these cases. The next thing you know, you will receive the amount that you were aiming for.

Always Work With A Personal Injury Lawyer

For cases like these, it is important that you get the services of a car accident attorney in Toledo, OH. Filing a personal injury case is something that you cannot just do on your own – you have no other choice but to work with a lawyer. Listed above are the important things that an attorney can do for you. Skip the troubles of dealing with this all on your own and let a lawyer help you out.

Law Firms In Toledo, Ohio: What To Look For In These Types Of Law Firms

Sat, 21 Sep 2019 19:41:10 GMT

Law Firms In Toledo, Ohio

There are a lot of law firms in Toledo, Ohio. This can be attributed to the fact that the legal cases stacked in the courts of Toledo are quite a lot. According to Toledo’s Supreme Court, there are about 2,107 new cases in 2015 alone. Come four years later, and one would expect that this numbers have risen exponentially.

That is why it is only justifiable that there is such a strong presence of law firms in this area. With that said, have you ever considered getting the services of a law firm in Toledo, Ohio? If you have, or you are planning to get one for any kinds of your legal needs, how will you be able to pick the best one from the bunch?

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Law Firm In Toledo, Ohio

There are a lot of factors that can come to play. But when you are talking about getting the services of the best law firm in Toledo, Ohio, you have to narrow down your options. Narrowing your choices may help you eliminate which law firms you are not going to be compatible with professionally.

Let’s take a look at the things you should consider when getting the services of a law firm in Toledo, Ohio.

The law firm’s track record

One of the things that you can quantitatively look at for basis in choosing the best law firm in Toledo, Ohio is a law firm’s track record. It is through this data that you can have a glimpse and understanding of how the law firm works. You should want to work with a law firm with an outstanding track record. Usually, this means that the legal firm has a high success rate when it comes to their cases, and the amounts of settlements they have won for their clients.

This is probably the most important element that you should consider. It is through the company’s track record that you are also going to know your chances of winning your case. If a law firm has a bad winning record, then that could say something about their lawyers’ capabilities to represent their clients. So, if you are choosing a law firm in Toledo, Ohio that could best represent you for your case, make sure to check their track records first before signing a deal with them.

The cost of their services

Legal services in every state could differ with regards to their price ranges. There are some law firms in Toledo, Ohio that offer their services at a very low cost. While there is the lower part of the spectrum, there is also the other end of it which offers services at a premium price. These can be justified, however, in terms of the quality of their work. Law firms in Toledo, Ohio who have been deemed to be the experts in the legal field tend to charge a higher price compared to newer law firms. But always remember that experience does not necessarily equate to a number of years in service. This means that a newer law firm could offer the same legal services at a fraction of the cost of established law firms.

The cost of attorney’s fees and other legal matters are two of the main reasons why some people do not mind hiring a law firm in Toledo, Ohio. All legal cases, however, are required to be presented in court by an attorney. This just means that when you have a case on hand which really needs the services of a lawyer, you will definitely be required to get one. Choose the best law firm in Toledo, Ohio that could handle your legal case properly – and with a budget that you can work with.

Alternative billing methods

The cost of legal fees should be something that you do not first think of when you are going to get the services of a law firm in Toledo, Ohio. After all, everyone deserves to get a competent legal counsel. If the budget is tight, there are solutions to this problem.

There are law firms which offer various alternative billing methods which you can take on. There are firms that are willing to offer alternative billing structures. Some examples of this scheme would be given a flat rate or cap on the amount for the project.

Their expertise

A law firm’s expertise could be something that a client can easily forget when it comes to the selection process. Some clients do not understand that they should hire a law firm that will match the nature of the cases they have on hand. It is also important for you to know that not all law firms in Toledo, Ohio are considered to be experts in all fields. There are the strengths of a legal firm which could be advantageous to your case.

Say, for example, you have a personal injury case on hand, then it only fits that you choose a law firm that deals with personal injury cases. Again, not all law firms in Toledo offer this kind of legal services. That is why it is important for you to know a law firm’s expertise.

The personality of the lawyers that are going to be assigned to your case

Lawyers are human beings, too! That means they have their own set of views, personalities, and attitude. Although it is most likely given that these lawyers will have their best foot forward when dealing with your case, it is very crucial that you choose a law firm with lawyers that you know you can work with harmoniously.

The time you are going to spend in one case is not definite. It can range from as short as three months to as long as several years or so. Changing of legal counsel when the case is ongoing can be something that can be tedious and quite of a hassle too. So, as much as possible, if you can get it right the first time around, then it would be to your advantage. At least, you do not have to deal with a personality clash in the long run or encounter some falling out situations with your lawyer.

Get The Services Of The Best Law Firm In Your Area

When you are dealing with a very serious case, always make sure that you hire only the best lawyer whom is capable of representing you. Before signing on a deal with a law firm, ensure that you have all factors covered: from the costs, alternative billing methods, law firm’s track records, and lawyer’s personality. When you carefully pick out the law firm that matches all of these requirements, you have a high chance of winning your case.

Here's Everything You Need To Know About Hiring A Truck Accident Lawyer

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 19:33:58 GMT

In 2016, there were a total of 305,000 traffic accidents in Ohio. Out of these car accidents, 23,000 crashes involved a medium or heavy truck. That accounts for around 7% of the total traffic accidents in Ohio. This is according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety ‘s annual traffic crash report.

Usually, semi-trucks are the kinds of trucks involved in such truck accidents. Even if you keep yourself in the right lanes, you cannot control what is going on around you on the freeway. With that, here’s everything you need to know about truck accidents and why you should consider getting a Toledo truck accident lawyer when you are involved in these kinds of situations.

Negligence: The Common Cause Of Truck Accidents

It may be a full-sized ten-wheeler truck or a semi-truck, their weights and sizes are significantly larger compared to a car. With that in mind, truck drivers should be aware that there is very little room for error. One accidental wrong move may cause severe damages and injuries, or worse, the death of those who are involved. These are the reasons why trucking companies and drivers would have to ensure that their vehicles are working well and are properly maintained before use.

The most common cause of truck accidents is due to negligence. This includes the following:

Inadequate training of the driver
Distracted driving
Overloaded vehicle
Poorly connected cargo
Fatigued or intoxicated driver
Lack of truck maintenance

Although the trucking industry is heavily regulated to minimize risk for other drivers on the road, not being able to meet the requirements listed above would increase the risk for a truck accident.

Who Is Liable For These Truck Accidents?

A truck accident can be a result of two causes. Either it was from a natural cause or due to negligence. Whatever the nature of the accident is, there will always be someone liable for it. A Toledo truck accident lawyer can point out which one you can press legal charges on in case you are involved in a truck accident.

Your lawyer may point out the following legal persons liable for the accident:

Truck Driver
Truck Owner
Owner of the trailer
Loading company
Manufacturer of the defective component

These are the possible people you can press charges on, just in case you decide on pursuing a case for it. A Toledo truck accident attorney will be able to help you determine whether you should push through your case or just settle for compensation. Whatever it is that your truck accident attorney will recommend to you, be ensured that they are acting on your best interests.

How Can Getting A Truck Accident Attorney Help You With Your Case

Now that you know the possible causes of truck accidents and who might be the person responsible for it, the next thing that you should consider is the action you are going to do for this. This is the perfect time for you to hire a Toledo truck accident attorney. These lawyers are highly skilled in this field of expertise and have had a lot of experience dealing with similar cases. Here is the list of things that your truck accident attorney can do for you:

Interview witnesses

Whether the accident happened on a major road or an isolated street, there will always be a possibility that a witness had seen what happened. Your lawyer will be the one responsible for finding and contacting these possible witnesses.

Upon reaching these witnesses, your lawyer will ask them questions regarding the incident. Mostly, it will be a recount of what had happened based on their perspective. Who did they think was speeding? Did someone swivel or was the truck not in the right lane? Did a mechanical part of the truck disengage? Your lawyer will ask these people every detail they might have seen and remembered from the accident. Your lawyer will take this information into consideration and will arrange things to help you build your case.

Examining accident reports and medical records

Since lawyers can build a strong case based on the evidence they have collected, your lawyer should look into police accident reports and your medical records. Aside from these records being a crucial part of the investigation process, your medical records will also help in determining how much you should receive for your compensation based on the damages you have sustained.

Review all photos and videos related to the accident

Not every shot of the camera or minute on the highway CCTV video will be beneficial for your case. Your lawyer will spend time to analyze the authenticity and credibility of these documents before your camp takes it in as evidence. It is your Toledo truck accident attorney‘s job to analyze which one will be the best evidence you should use for your case.

Determine the history of the trucking company and truck driver

Your lawyer can use a bad record of incidences as something that will benefit your case. It is through these records that your lawyer will be able to prove that these people are at fault because of their negligence and therefore should be liable for the damages.

Do Not Think Twice, Get The Services Of A Truck Accident Lawyer

When you are involved in a truck accident, make sure that one of the first steps you take is to get a truck accident lawyer. This is so you are immediately protected by the law and you will know what your legal options are. Chances are, you have serious injuries and have encountered a lot of physical damages. The last thing you want to deal with will be talking to insurance companies, law enforcement, and the trucking company. This is why it is very important that you let a Toledo truck accident lawyer handle all of these.

Common Situations That Could Require You To Hire A Car Accident Lawyer

Sat, 17 Aug 2019 19:29:44 GMT

No one knows the certainty of when and where a possible car accident may take place, which makes it all the more reason for you to be prepared if you are ever involved in a car accident.

One of the first things that you should do after a motor vehicle accident is to file an accident report. If it is your first time in a car accident, you may not know that you do not need a car accident attorney to file an accident report. You can file this type of report all on your own. This type of document is only filed so that the proper authorities would be informed of what has happened.

On the other hand, if you decide to push through with filing a lawsuit case against the other party or parties involved, then you would want to hire a car accident attorney. With that being said, here are the instances when you should hire a Toledo car accident attorney .

You Have Decided To File A Case

This is when you should hire a car accident lawyer. You generally cannot move forward with your lawsuit without a car accident attorney. The sooner you have an attorney working on your case, the better off you are.

There Will Need To Be Evidence Collected

A strong case is built on rock-solid evidence. Evidence is collected right after the accident, which could support your claims and defeat the other party’s arguments during the lawsuit hearing. Your Toledo car accident attorney will be the one to gauge which pieces of evidence would be beneficial to your case and negate any evidence that he or she does not find important to your case. In some instances, your lawyer will have to go to different police investigators who were at the scene of the accident so your case could obtain the proper evidence. This may require a thorough analysis of the evidence on hand.

You Have Sustained Serious Injuries

One of the most common reasons why most people get the services of a car accident lawyer is because they have sustained damaging injuries from the accident. These injuries are quite extensive as it could go from minor to major, and range from physical to psychological damages. Your attorney will fight for your rights and would try to obtain a settlement that would financially compensate you for your suffering. The value of the compensation should be based on the physical cost of the damage, medical bills, salary loss from absences, and future incapabilities. With the help of your auto accident lawyer, he or she should be able to determine the right amount that the other party should settle.

There Are Three Or More Parties Involved

A fairly simple motor vehicle accident would entail just two parties. However, the moment that three or more parties are involved in the accident, requesting the counsel of an accident attorney would be in your best interest. The reason being is that there are too many people involved in the case. The more parties involved in the accident, the more points of view investigators are going to have to take statements from. There could also be different investigators for each party present as it is duly needed for insurance claims. Even if you know that you are not at fault, as long as there are three or more parties involved in the crash, you should consult with your car accident attorney as soon as possible.

You Are Encountering Problems With Insurance Companies

Having accident insurance does not mean that you will be covered one hundred percent of the costs that you incur. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of, or that they are not following what is indicated in the insurance contract with them, your lawyer will be the one to deal with the insurance company. Car accident lawyers have the experience and expertise to deal with insurance companies in situations like this. Remember, your car accident attorney’s focus is to help you receive the best compensation for any injuries and damages.

There Are Other Lawyers Involved In The Case

If another party hires a car accident lawyer, it would be wise that you follow suit and hire one too. Your car accident lawyer will fight for your legal rights. It is both logical and strategic that you would get one too just so you can be sure that you will be represented properly against the other party.

The Moment You See Yourself In These Kinds Of Situations, Immediately Lawyer Up

The moment that you see yourself in of the above situations, you should immediately consult with the best Toledo car accident attorney to help you out with your case. Car accident attorneys have the means necessary to investigate your auto accident, collect the evidence, and determine the cause of a crash to help your case.

Everything You Need to Know About Toledo Personal Injury Attorneys

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 19:26:09 GMT

Accidents are one of the most unfortunate events that could happen in your life. The more you expose yourself to possible accidents, the more you are considered to be high-risk as much as it’s best for you to just stay at home. It’s not possible and viable to do so! Of course, you would have to go to work or school every day. Thus, staying at home just to lessen your risk to encountering any accidents isn’t possible.

You shouldn’t fear being exposed to accidents! If it’s any consolation, you have legal assistance that could back you up in times of need. Toledo injury attorneys such as Schuller Law Office is one of the best that you could find around Toledo, Ohio area.

What is a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A personal injury lawyer is the one that you should call immediately after encountering any kinds of accidents. Specifically, Toledo personal injury attorneys are tasked to provide any legal representation to any individuals. Usually, personal injury lawyers or accident attorneys are working in tort law. This branch of the law covers the negligent and intentional acts. The main goal of a personal injury lawyer is to give their clients a fair compensation for the accidents their clients have been to.

What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?

Toledo personal injury attorneys are based specifically in Toledo, Ohio. If you have encountered any accidents around this area, then it’s best to hire attorneys in Toledo. These lawyers would know the way around with the specific local laws in Ohio. But what does a personal injury lawyer specifically do? Here are some of the things that injury attorneys can do for you.

They investigate your claims

If you’re having troubles whether or not you should hire a personal injury attorney, it’s still recommended that you seek after the advice of one. Most of the times, they give out free consultations. Some would even give a contingency fee basis, which means they would only charge attorney’s fees once the settlement has been made. After any major accidents, you should always get a Toledo injury attorney. They would be the ones responsible for investigating your claims and recommending any legal actions. You don’t have to be one hundred percent sure in your situation if you should pursue any legal claims. But hiring a personal injury lawyer would be the best way to go to decide whether or not you should push your legal claims.

They will help you gather evidence

In some cases, this would be probably your first major accident. You won’t have any idea on what kind of evidence will you need to support your claim. If you decide on to take your case to court, then it’s best that you hire a personal injury lawyer. They would help you sort out your claims and find any kind of evidence that would make your case stronger. Any kind of Ohio personal injury lawyer would know that they would know what kind of technicalities that they should look for when gathering evidence.

They will be the ones to negotiate with insurance companies

For any kind of legal claims that would be taken up to court, most likely there’s an insurance company that would downplay your claim. It is the job of the lawyers to negotiate with the insurance companies. They will also be the ones responsible for any kind of policy details. From there, they would be the ones to determine the maximum amount of compensation that you can receive.

They will represent you during your trial

If your lawyers have gathered enough evidence to support your claim, they will be the ones to represent you when you’re at court. Toledo personal injury lawyers are very much familiar with any procedures when it comes to bringing your case to court.

What Is Considered to Be a Personal Injury?

In legal matters, the term “ personal injury ” refers to any civil action cases. A personal injury case would mean that the accused party is legally responsible for causing any kind of injuries. For any kind of personal injury case, the damages would be in the form of money that will be paid by the liable party.

The scope of the definition of personal injury cases is quite broad. To sum it all up, these are all governed by the law of negligence. This would dictate the level of reasonable care that was owed to the liable party to the injured one.

Some examples of personal injury cases are any kinds of injuries that are brought about by any defective product. There are also cases when there is a need to establish any kind of negligence or carelessness.

Is Pain and Suffering a Personal Injury?

To some extent, pain and suffering are considered to be a strong case for any kind of personal injury claims. Although the scope of pain and suffering is broad, there are two major types to differentiate one from the other. These types are physical and mental pain and suffering. For the physical pain part, this would pertain to any kind of actual physical injuries. This would include discomfort and pain brought about by accident. Mental pain and suffering, on the other hand, is more of an effect of the physical injuries. Most of the time, this would include any trauma or emotional distress that’s brought about by accident. Mental pain and suffering will also include fear, anger, anxiety, shock, and loss of enjoyment of life.

If either of these types of pain and suffering would be one of the arguments that you intend to file, you should first consult your Toledo injury attorneys about it. They would be the best people to know whether or not the evidence that your party has at hand are strong enough for you to create the claims.

Best Attorneys in Toledo

If you’re looking to hire personal injury attorneys, the best one you could find in the Toledo area are from the Schuller Law Office. It’s understandable that you don’t know everything there is about personal injury cases. But you shouldn’t worry about this as your lawyer would handle it for you!

What To Know When Hiring A Premises Liability Lawyer To Handle Your Claim

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:18:40 GMT

Have you been bitten by an untied dog in someone’s property? Have you ever fallen off your neighbor’s slippery walkway? Or have you been hit by falling debris from a nearby construction project, after which you sustained an injury? If you answered yes to one or, God forbid, all of those questions, you may file a premise liability claim.

When pursuing a premise liability claim, it’s important to hire a lawyer to handle your claim. This is because they have the necessary experience and knowledge to support your claim. He or she may be adept at gathering evidence and presenting a valid argument against the other party for you to win the claim.

In the next section, we will talk about what premise liability is, what scenarios are eligible for a premises liability claim, and how complex the process of filing and winning a claim is.

Premises Liability Claim in a Nutshell

Simply put, premise liability states that property owners are liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their property.

There are different kinds of incidents that may result in premise liability claims. These include falling in a commercial building or being exposed to toxic substances in an unregulated area.

The general idea is that property owners are responsible for maintaining their property by removing hazards that can harm another person. However, certain conditions can invalidate liability, such as trespassers or someone breaking into your home. Other exceptions exist if the victim of the injury is under the age of majority for the state.

Possible Premise Liability Claim

It’s important to know which scenarios may be eligible for a premise liability claim. Such scenarios may include the following:

● Construction Site Negligence

● Dog Bites

● Hotel Accidents

● Parking Lot Accidents

● Slip and Fall Accidents

The Complexity of the Claim

Many of these claims are complex in nature. They require a specific understanding of even the minute details. This is why it is important to hire a lawyer who is well-versed in premises liability issues. To win the claim, your lawyer needs to prove that the owner of the land was negligent. Let’s take a look at the two essential aspects of pursuing a premise liability claim.

● Representation – Soon after a premise liability issue surfaces causing you an injury, you have to seek legal representation right away. You need to hire a premises liability lawyer to investigate the matter and help you win the claim.

You can hire a lawyer to help you gather evidence. Your lawyer can help increase the strength of the claim and not scramble to file the case. It’s possible that you may end up settling out of court. This can bypass the length of time litigation requires and the extra costs of the lawsuit. That said, you have to discuss these matters with your lawyer and express the need to seek a quick resolution.

● Winning – Now, if you hope to win the claim, you need to prove that there was negligence on the property owner’s part. Your lawyer will handle your claim and will help you make your case. It should be apparent that the building or land is dangerous. The risks involved should be brought by the following: failure in maintaining the grounds, unsafe conditions due to lack of maintenance, the presence of hazardous chemicals; or other issues such as ice or snow that caused you to trip and fall.

In the end, the court will assess if the claim is valid based on the aforementioned grounds. However, it will still consider the rationale of having to remove the danger and if the person was an invited guest or a trespasser.

5 Types Of Attorneys Your Business Needs to Have

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:16:03 GMT

If you own a business, you cannot deny the importance of a professional and competent lawyer. They can ensure that your business follows the letter of the law while you focus on generating more revenue and growing your company. In this day and age, you have to make sure you’re honest and straightforward in the way you do business. Without a thorough understanding of the rules and regulations that govern your industry, you can get slapped with a lawsuit that will put your company in jeopardy.

One thing you have to keep in mind is that there are different types of attorneys who can help you with different things. You need to employ the right lawyers who will help you stay afloat. That said, here are the five types of commercial attorneys every business owner should know about:

1. Contracts

As the name suggests, these attorneys help draft your agreements and contracts to make sure that both parties uphold their ends of the deal.

2. Labor

As a company, you will have to deal with your employees regularly, so you should have a lawyer who’s familiar with labor laws.

3. Real estate

Your company will most likely have to deal with landlords or whatever government agency deals with real estate issues. The laws that govern these transactions can be rather complicated and the amount of paperwork you will have to process can be quite overwhelming. Therefore, it’s best to have a professional real estate attorney who can help you with the entire process.

4. Taxes and licenses

Every organization will have to deal with taxes, even if you’re a nonprofit. As you may know, tax issues for commercial businesses can be extremely confusing and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s best that you have a tax specialist on your side, so you can avoid problems with the IRS.

5. Intellectual property

Intellectual property (IP) laws are designed to help protect creators from having their work stolen, which is a problem that runs rampant on the internet. The regulations on these matters have become much more strict in recent years, as more and more people have turned towards the internet as a means to publish their work. If you have accidentally used another person’s IP they will most likely contact you as soon as they learn about it. They will ask you to take down the post and it’s best that you comply if they can prove that they are really the owner of that work.

Stealing someone’s intellectual property is a serious crime. If you are involved in doing so, you can end up in jail if you get caught. Therefore, it’s very important that you have a lawyer who specializes in IP infringement to help prevent your company from being sued and to represent you in case someone steals your work.

If you’re looking for a professional legal team to help protect your company, Schuller Law is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Why You Should Get A Probate Lawyer - What to Know

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:12:27 GMT

Losing a loved one is hard enough. You’ll have to organize the funeral, pack up their things, and then grieve on your own when it’s all over. While you might be able to get by on your own during this difficult time, you’ll definitely need help with one thing: the probate case.

Dealing with a probate case entails making sure your loved one’s will (which contains their last instructions and wishes, such as who they want to leave their possessions to) is followed to the letter. Probate cases should be handled by a specialist, which means you can’t hire a divorce lawyer or real estate lawyer. You need to work with a probate lawyer.

By definition, a probate lawyer is a special type of legal practitioner that uses their education and experience in the industry to advise executors (the personal representative of the deceased or “decedent”) on how they can get their loved one’s affairs in order. The field of probate law requires a lawyer to have an acceptable level of specialized experience. Dealing with the distribution of a person’s estate according to their will can take time. You need to hire someone who knows how to do it properly, especially because the people involved can’t help but be emotional in situations like this.

When getting a probate lawyer to help you with the last will and testament of your deceased loved one, you have two choices. You can hand the reins over to an experienced professional and let them handle your probate case, or you can try to do it on your own and just consult with them if and when you need to.

What happens when you turn over your whole probate case to a lawyer?

Letting a probate lawyer take over will make the process a whole lot smoother, but you’ll still be involved to a certain degree. If you put a probate lawyer in charge of your case, you can rest assured knowing that it’s being handled properly and that everything will work out fine. Having a professional prepare and file all the necessary paperwork is a sign that your case will be in good hands. While it may be rare among executors, having a probate lawyer on board will help ensure that everyone (including yourself) will get exactly what they are supposed to.

Here are a few responsibilities you may have to take on (or assign to any other beneficiary or executor) during the whole process:

● Come up with an inventory of the property in the estate

● Deposit the original will with the appropriate probate court

● Have valuable property appraised, if necessary

● Order certified copies of the death certificate

● Prepare and file the deceased’s final income tax return

● Prepare and file an income tax return for the estate, if necessary

Getting a probate lawyer as a coach, and how you can work with them

A probate lawyer can also serve as a coach or consultant during the entire process, should you decide to handle it yourself. Most probate lawyers offer “unbundled services” (a term for limited legal advice or assistance) that you can take advantage of if you need any help. You can ask for help with specific questions, or help you figure out what you should do next. That has become a more popular option of late, as more probate courts provide fill-in-the-blanks probate forms that executors can simply fill out themselves.

In order to work well with a probate lawyer, you’ll have to set some ground rules. Figure out who should do what in order to avoid doing more than what is necessary. Aside from working with a probate lawyer, you’ll definitely want to keep in touch with the other executors and keep them updated on how the process is going. That will help you should they suddenly object to how you’re handling things.

What Steps To Take After An Accident

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:08:59 GMT

No matter how much we try to be safe on the road, accidents can and will happen. It could be because you were driving a bit recklessly, or the other driver was careless when he hit the road. If you were out driving and you ended up getting in an accident, it’s best to know what the car accident laws are in your state.

Basically, car accident laws are the legal rules that determine who will be held responsible for the personal and property damage brought about by a collision. The principle of negligence applies to this area of the law. Car accident litigation is covered entirely by state law.

It’s best to remain silent right after the accident. Pointing fingers and blaming others won’t work. In fact, doing so is a common mistake made by those who get in an accident. You have no choice but to rely on the evidence being presented and wait for the rulings. This is where you should take the necessary steps right after the collision. Here’s what you need to do after the car accident:

Obtaining all pertinent details

Soon after a collision, it’s better to remain silent. However, you should also make note of what the other driver says about what happened. If you have your mobile phone, tablet, or any other recording device, you can use it to film the ensuing commotion. You should also obtain the other driver’s name and address, license number, and insurance information. Get the contact information of any witnesses who were on the scene when the collision happened. Then, you have to take note of the traffic and weather conditions. Finally, you have to make sure that you jot down the names of any police officers who showed up, so it will be easier to get copies of their reports.

Seeking immediate medical attention

You should seek medical attention ASAP. Unless the crash isn’t a matter of life and death, you will immediately be attended to by paramedics or rushed to the nearest hospital. While the main purpose of this is to get yourself checked for injuries or other problems, this is also a great way to establish the severity of your injuries, if any. Chances are the other driver’s attorney will try to belittle the severity of your injuries, should you not get immediate medical attention. This may affect the outcome of the proceedings.

Contacting a personal injury lawyer

It’s important that you contact a personal injury lawyer soon after an accident, as doing so can surely establish and preserve a victim’s right to compensation. In situations like this, you need the assistance of a lawyer to handle the situation. If you try to handle this alone, chances are you will become vulnerable to the tactics of the opposing side’s insurance company. You might end up accepting an unfair settlement or something.

Dealing with auto insurance

Normally, the driver who crashes into the other driver’s car will be responsible for reporting the accident to the car insurance company.

If you appear to be the victim, then let the other party contact their insurance provider. However, you have to make sure that you contact their insurer as well. It’s important to get complete information on the other party by obtaining the following:

● Driver’s name and address

● Driver’s insurance company name and policy information

● Statements and contact information from witnesses

● Pictures of the accident scene

Now, if the accident was your fault, you have no choice but to contact your insurance provider to see how they will cover the incident. Your insurer will help pay for repairs, medical expenses, and other losses such as lost wages, pain, and suffering through your liability coverage.

What Establishment Owners Should Know About Premises Liability

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 19:06:24 GMT

While people who survive rape or sexual assault file criminal suits against rapists, Ohio law and jurisprudence states that those who own the place where the crime was committed is civilly liable. This principle is called premises liability. Therefore, owners of establishments such as hotels, motels, casinos, private schools and apartments where a rape or sexual assault incident happened could face a civil case from the survivors, even if they had nothing to do with the crime. Although an overwhelming majority of civil cases related to premises liability get settled out of court, 3% of sexual assault and rape survivors still push through with a full-blown trial for compensation, which could be costly for the establishment owner.

Rape prevention is every business’ responsibility

Under Ohio law, hotels, casinos, apartments, schools, and other business establishments have a responsibility to keep their places safe from rape and sexual assault. The installation of security cameras, adequate lighting, security personnel, and crafting a protocol in reporting a rape or sexual assault incident, among many other methods, are some of the ways business establishments must do in connection with rape prevention.

A plaintiff can sue for civil compensation if a business owner has failed to institute any of these measures that would discourage rapists from committing their crime. They can file the suit as a tort action in Ohio’s courts that could yield them monetary and non-monetary benefits. These benefits are won at the expense of the business or property owner who has been proven negligent in their responsibility to prevent rape.

The plaintiff and defendant in a rape-related premises liability suit in Ohio

It is the aggrieved plaintiff who decides to file a case against the defendant. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty of being negligent. However, the defendant would have to spend much money to pay the plaintiff as compensation per the court’s decision if they are proven negligent. The court may also order that the property of the defendant be sold to fund the winning plaintiff’s compensation if the business owner does submit the stated amount. To save money from a potentially pricey verdict, defendants usually enter into negotiations with the plaintiff, who controls the negotiations from a position of strength. Landlords, school administrators, religious personnel, and corporate workplace managers are some of the possible defendants in a premises liability case.

Standard of care: how defendants can win a rape-related premises liability case

By demonstrating that their establishment has instituted safeguards necessary to prevent rape or sexual assault, business owners can defend themselves from civil suits based on having provided an adequate standard of care against rape in their property. The definition and parameters of “standard of care” depend heavily on the circumstances of the sexual assault case, and it is the court’s sole discretion to decide whether the standard of care has been breached or neglected.

If a business owner has solid evidence of doing everything it can to prevent rape in their premises, a court could still give them a favorable decision. However, gathering the evidence to back up the defense of standard of care might prove difficult, especially if the owner does not know the existence of premises liability or if they are an absentee landlord. They would need the services of a lawyer who knows what to do when faced with a premises liability claim.

What to Do When Trying to Prove Fault in Workplace Accident Cases

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:03:10 GMT

Accidents can happen at any time and anywhere, but when it happens because of the poor management of the workplace, you have a good chance of filing for full compensation. The negatives of sustaining a severe injury go beyond the pain or the distress caused by the incident, as it can also prevent you from going out to work and earn a living. Additionally, it may even cause you to develop a mental blockage that prevents you from enjoying your life as you should. Therefore, it’s imperative that you understand your rights as an employee when this happens, which is what we will discuss in this article.

Evidence, Evidence, Evidence

The first thing you need to do when you have recently sustained an injury in the workplace is to gather all the evidence you can. For example, you need to take a photo of the place where the incident happens before it’s tampered with, as that will give you a good case to argue that the workplace environment is unsafe. You can also record a conversation you have with your manager and use that against them in court if it goes that far. Regardless of the nature of the case, it’s imperative that you understand your rights and find a representative to help you retain your best interests.

We’ll go into details of the type of evidence you should look to gather down below:

Get yourself a detailed medical report

You need to have proof of the severity of the injury you have sustained in the workplace to use as a ground for argument in the court case. Without medical information and bills, it’s impossible to show how much the insurance company or the employer owes you. Therefore, you need to make sure that you get checked by a state-registered medical professional and have them write an estimate for you. It would help if you went through all the available tests to make sure that no minute details get left behind.

Take photos of the location

As mentioned, it’s always a good idea to take the pictures of the scene where the accident happens in its most authentic form. This will give the judge and jury a better understanding of the nature of the workplace and how well the managers and executives are protecting their employees

Find some witnesses

You should also get some witness statements from your coworkers or someone who was at the scene at the time of the accident. This will give your claim more legitimacy, which will make it less likely that the insurance company will claim that your statements are faulty.

Look for past records of employee accidents

If there have been numerous accidents in the same office or workplace, but the employer refuses to take action to protect the employees, you can claim for the negligence of responsibility. This will make it more likely that the court will lean more towards your end, as it will prove that the workplace hazard is not being managed properly.

Work with an experienced lawyer

Lastly, it’s always in your best interest to work with a professional injury lawyer to help you with the case. While it’s possible to go about the case on your own, it’s a decision that’s always advised against by any legal professional. If you’re looking for a professional personal injury lawyer, Schuller Law Office is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

4 Reasons Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer - Our Guide

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 18:59:19 GMT

Accidents and personal injuries can unexpectedly and inevitably strike you. The results can be costly and require a lot of effort to handle. Having a personal injury attorney is crucial for protecting yourself and your best interests, as they can provide legal services to protect your rights. If you don’t believe that having a personal injury lawyer is the best idea, here are some reasons why you should think otherwise:

Lower time cost

When you suffer from severe injuries, the actual damage can go beyond your physical injuries. The hospital bills and other expenditures are already a significant concern, but you will also have to consider that you won’t be able to work and generate income during the time of recuperation. Having a personal law team can help you manage the case daily as you recover in the hospital, which will ensure that you get all the compensation you deserve without requiring you to do much of the heavy lifting.

Precise calculation of injury lawsuit

Injury cases are actually more complicated than what many people think, especially during the damage assessment phase. Damages from injuries can be traumatizing for an individual, both physically and mentally. The compensation will include the treatment of these conditions, so it’s crucial that you have a clear idea of what you can get from the case. For example, if you have flashbacks of the car crash every time you sit behind the wheel, it will affect your quality of life significantly. This will also be included in the compensation listing – your personal injury lawyer can help you reclaim every dollar you deserve.

Help you build a case for fair settlement

Some personal injury cases are unclear and can be difficult to estimate the compensation. However, in order to recover any loss, you have to be able to prove that the accident was not caused by your own negligence. Personal injury experts can help build a compelling case with reliable evidence that will improve your chances of getting the compensation that you deserve. They can help with the evidence gathering, research case studies and assessing of witness statements to help build a case that will be most favorable to you. They will act on your behalf and negotiate with different parties to create the most persuasive argument for your case.

Finding ways toward the best outcome

Often times, the solution for the case of this nature can be much simpler than you may think. Sometimes, you only need to have the expertise and understanding to approach the case with the right mindset to get the compensation you need. An experienced personal injury attorney can come in and help resolve the case to ensure that your best interests are represented. If the two parties can’t come to an agreement, your attorney can help you pursue the case further in the court. If you’re looking for a professional personal injury lawyer, Schuller Law Office is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

10 Types of Personal Injuries That Lawyers Can Help With

Sun, 26 May 2019 18:55:00 GMT

Most people may think that personal injury law only covers cases that are classified according to its namesake, but personal injury lawyers actually handle a wide range of cases in order to deliver fair compensation to people injured in accidents. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the term “personal injury” refers to an injury to one’s body, mind, or emotions, and that definition may give insight into the scope of a personal injury attorney’s work.

In order to better understand what they do, here’s an overview of the 10 types of cases that personal injury attorneys usually handle:

VEHICULAR ACCIDENTS (CAR, TRUCK, MOTORCYCLE)

With an average of 6 million car accidents in the U.S every year, vehicular accidents and collisions are the most common type of personal injury cases. Dealing with vehicular accidents tend to become a team effort as well, because personal injury attorneys often have to work with plaintiffs who have been involved in trucking and motorcycle crashes, as well as other relevant professionals concerned in vehicular accident cases. Some states like Ohio have particular laws regarding liability—an important factor in determining who should pay for any damages or injuries caused. Several factors, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, driver fatigue, and distracted driving allow personal injury attorneys to determine which party is at fault.

INJURIES INFLICTED BY A PET

Pet ownership covers the responsibility of becoming liable for whatever damages or injury a pet may cause. The most common personal injury cases involving pets are dog bites—cases in which personal injury attorneys must show that the animal was not provoked in any way and that it hurt the plaintiff. For most pet-inflicted injury cases, the provocation-behavior approach is used. In successful cases, the compensation for the personal injury inflicted by a pet covers treatment, medical expenses, and lost wages due to injury. Laws regarding negligence by pet owners vary by state; there is a ‘strict liability’ statute in Ohio for this type of injury.

WORK-RELATED INJURIES

This type of case concerns injuries or damages that are incurred at work or on the job. In work-related injury cases, the person who files a suit or the personal injury attorney assisting them must be able to show how another employee or the company itself is liable. By using evidence, such as showing the extent of the injury and the expenses that were incurred because of it, the fault of the plaintiff is proven. This will result in the compensation of healthcare expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering.

SLIP AND FALL CASES

Personal injury attorneys are hired to represent someone who was injured while they were on public or private property—a situation commonly referred to a “Slip and Fall” type of case. In this case, a personal injury attorney must be able to show how the property owner was liable for the safety of the people on the property, and then prove that the owner was negligent in preventing the said injury.

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

As one of the most complex cases on this list, a personal injury attorney must skillfully collect evidence that a doctor, hospital, or facility failed to meet the required standard of care while carefully studying the technicalities of laws concerning medical malpractice. Occurrences such as misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, and errors in aftercare must be proven by the attorney in order for the plaintiff to receive just compensation for their troubles.

DEFAMATION – LIBEL & SLANDER

Libel and slander are forms of defamation. Defamation is defined as something that damages a person’s reputation, or something that may result in someone’s good name, position in society or career being impaired because of a false or slanderous statement or set of statements. If a personal injury attorney is able to show that untrue negative statements were made and they affected the plaintiff adversely, the defamed may receive monetary retribution for financial loss, lost business opportunities or earning capacity, or any treatment expenses for related physical and mental health problems.

WRONGFUL DEATH

Wrongful death cases are a type of case in which death was caused by someone else’s negligence, recklessness or deliberate actions. This type of case is designed to support families struggling with a loss. If successful, wrongful death suits can generate monetary compensation for surviving family members. Personal injury attorneys aim to collect damages for lost earnings, family care, prospective inheritance, as well as unnecessary suffering on behalf of the departed.

PRODUCT LIABILITY

This type of case involves holding manufacturers responsible for any damages, injury or loss caused by a defective product. In a product liability case, a personal injury attorney is required to prove that a defective product directly inflicted injury or resulted in damages to the plaintiff.

ASSAULT & BATTERY

Assault and battery (also known as an “intentional tort”) refers to a type of personal injury case that involves acts of violence or physical attacks. In addition to possible criminal charges, the perpetrator can also be subjected to a civil suit. Lawsuits are meant to provide monetary damages for someone who was intentionally harmed by another after being proven as such by a personal injury attorney.

EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

Known as one of the less-common personal injury cases, an emotional distress case is another type of intentional tort that typically involves extreme threats, which affects someone mentally rather than physically. In this type of case, a person injury attorney must show how suffering, harm and emotional distress was caused by another person.

If you’re looking for a professional personal injury lawyer, Schuller Law Office is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

The Importance of Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Ohio

Sun, 19 May 2019 18:51:28 GMT

Accidents on the road happen every day around the world, and it could happen to you as well. The harsh reality is that your insurance company does not have your best interests in mind.

If you have been in a car accident and sustained injuries, then the best course of action is to find a good car accident attorney in Ohio to help you get fair compensation for damages to your vehicle, medical bills, emotional trauma, and ongoing injuries resulting from the accident that may last for years.

Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of vehicle accidents. These usually result from a driver being distracted, not paying attention, and tailgating. This type of accident frequently occurs in stop-and-go traffics and on busy highways.

When being stuck in traffic for a long time, most drivers tend to turn their attention to their phone, snacks, and other things that can cause them to accidentally rear-end another vehicle. If you are the person who is being rear-ended by the car behind you, then it means that you are not at fault.

This means the other driver will have to pay for any damages or injuries caused by the rear-end accident.

How to Get the Compensation You Deserve

Comparative negligence law operated in Ohio states that parties are responsible for the cost of damages from an accident according to their fault and negligence contributed to the accident. After your accident, perhaps a few days later, you may be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company.

It is highly likely that they are trying to get you to settle for the lowest amount possible, especially if they know you have a stronger case than them and that their client was more at fault.

What you should do is to say as little as possible or to not talk to them at all. Unless you were rear-ended, the other driver’s insurance company will try to find a way to put the blame on you. Therefore, it is now a good time to find yourself a reputable car accident attorney to help with your case.

No matter how empathetic the insurance company appears toward you, you need to remember that, at the end of the day, their main goal is to make as much money as they can. Most of the time, they are nice to you because they simply want you to settle as soon as you can.

If you really think about all your medical bills, lost work wages, and other compensations, you will see that the amount they are proposing is far from what you deserve. A good car accident attorney will make sure that you get the amount of compensation that you are entitled to, which could be twice as much as what you would have gotten without their help. Most insurance companies know that the victim is not really one to threaten them with lawsuits, but car accident lawyers will not hesitate to do so!

It is also worth mentioning that the insurance company usually has a team of lawyers. This is why getting a lawyer for yourself to fight in your favor is the smartest move. If you’re looking for a professional personal injury lawyer, Schuller Law Office is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

All You Need to Know About Personal Injury Laws in Ohio

Sat, 11 May 2019 18:49:15 GMT

If you have sustained an injury from an accident in Ohio, you need to know what your rights are. In this article, we’ll go into the details of what you can and should do in case you’re injured in an automobile accident.

WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU ARE NOT AT FAULT?

Ohio is an at-fault automobile insurance state, which means that whoever is deemed guilty is liable for all damages. In other words, whoever caused the accident should pay for everything. If you’re not at fault, the other party or their insurance company must foot the bill when it comes to any damage or injury resulting from the accident. If you’re not at fault, you can file a claim using your insurance policy. You will first get the treatment and repair costs from your own insurance company and they will get the money they’re owed from the other party.

UNDERSTANDING THE TYPE OF DAMAGES YOU HAVE SUSTAINED

You have to understand that there are different types of damage that can be caused by an automobile accident, each of which requires a different approach to claim for compensation. All in all, all sorts of damage can be boiled down to two distinct types: economic damages and non-economic damages. We will go into details of these damages below.

// Economic Damages

Economic damages such as physical injuries, damages to the properties, and the inability to work and earn a living can have a real effect on one’s finances. These types of damages can be compensated for much easier than the non-economic variant.

// Non-economic Damages

This category of damages includes anything that may not have obvious or immediate monetary losses. It can include everything from psychological scars to compensation for the other party’s reckless behaviour.

ARE THERE LIMITS TO COMPENSATORY DAMAGES?

In Ohio, most compensation cases will have a cap of around $250,000, but this may vary from case to case depending on the severity and the nature of the case. For example, if an individual’s extreme recklessness has caused a loss of limb or long-term livelihood, the perpetrator may have to provide monetary support for that individual for decades to come.

CAN I BE COMPENSATED FOR SLIP-AND-FALL ACCIDENTS?

Yes, Ohio laws include both automobile and slip-and-fall accidents in the same category. For example, if a construction company has caused damage to a property, you can file a lawsuit.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF I’M INJURED ON SOMEONE ELSE’S PROPERTY?

In Ohio, the accident law covers you regardless of your location. Therefore, if you enter a property legally as a client, guest, or employee and get injured, the property owner may owe you compensation. On the other hand, if the injured party knowingly entered a dangerous property then had an accident there, the owner may not be held responsible.

For example, if someone who isn’t involved with an operation walks onto a construction site and gets injured, the property owner is most likely not liable for that damage. On the other hand, if that happens to one of the site’s workers, the employer will be liable for the injury.

WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH A PROFESSIONAL ATTORNEY

If you have sustained any type of injury in an accident, the first thing you need to do is to assess whether it’s worth having an attorney on your side. This can be rather difficult to do, especially if you’re not involved in the medical field. Therefore, it’s best that you speak to a doctor and ask for an estimate, then learn more about the compensation law before you pursue legal action.

If the injury is deemed significant and the party responsible doesn’t want to pay you what they owe, then we suggest that you work with a professional injury attorney. They can represent your best interests and negotiate with the other party for you. This is something that you may not be able to do effectively on your own, as you may get taken advantage of by the other party’s lawyer.

If you’re looking for a professional personal injury lawyer, Schuller Law Office is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

All You Need to Know About Personal Injury Compensation - Our Guide

Sat, 04 May 2019 18:45:49 GMT

A car accident injury can have more of a significant impact on your life than you would think. If you have to miss time at work because you’re lying in a hospital bed, the progress of your career is undoubtedly halted, which can be a major waste of opportunity. Additionally, if you become disabled, your long-term well-being and quality of life will be affected. Therefore, you should look to get all the compensation if you have been injured in a car accident to ensure that the situation is more manageable for you.

How to get compensated for an injury

The first thing you can do if you’ve been injured in a car accident is to file for an injury claim with your insurance agent. If you don’t have access to them at the moment, see if you can speak to the insurance provider of the other driver instead. It’s important to remember that you need to be careful not to sign any forms that they give you, as you may be offered a consent form to show that you are willing to take the offered sum of compensation and avoid pursuing further court action. If you sign this form, you will receive payment quickly after the incident, but it may not cover all the costs that you have to pay. Additionally, it will make the upcoming court case incredibly difficult, as the consent form can be used as evidence for your willingness to withhold your pursuit of justice.

Therefore, you should be mindful of the situation and be attentive to what is going on around you. If you are feeling like you are being scammed by the insurance company or the other driver, you should contact the lawyer, then the authorities. Your attorney can help assess the documents and forms that the insurance company will have you sign to ensure that you’re not signing any shoddy consent forms.

What are the legal obligations of insurance companies?

When it comes to vehicle damage, the insurance company of the party at fault will compensate for the repair costs that happened during the case without having to go to court. All insurance providers have a set of terms and conditions that they have to follow and if the nature of the case falls under these terms, there’s no point in them pursuing the case in the court of law. They will typically pay the victim the amount owed without question.

Personal injury cases, however, are slightly more complicated, as you have to be able to prove that injury and emotional turmoil were sustained during the accident. Therefore, you will need to provide the evidence to show that you have no past history of the injury of the same type that you could say that it was caused by the most recent accident. For example, if your leg has been broken for the past two weeks before the crash, you can include the treatment cost for that broken leg in the compensation cost.

You have to keep in mind that the nature of each auto accident is different, which means that the compensation filing will vary from case to case as well. It’s vital that you work with the most experienced and skilled lawyer possible to ensure that you get every dollar you deserve.

If you’re looking for a professional personal injury lawyer, Schuller Law Office is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

Common Knee Injuries From Vehicle Accidents - Compensation 101

Fri, 26 Apr 2019 18:43:31 GMT

Many kinds of vehicle accidents are fatal. If you have made it out alive, you may have sustained minor injuries such as bruises and cuts, or more severe and permanent injuries that have an impact on your daily functioning. Injuries involving the knee can be considered as some of the more serious injuries resulting from a vehicle accident. A knee injury can greatly impact other aspects of your life. On top of causing you excruciating pain, it also restricts your ability to go to work, to carry out simple household tasks, and partake in certain physical activities.

Common Symptoms of Knee Injuries

If you were recently in a car accident, it is extremely crucial that you keep a lookout for the following symptoms:

– Soreness

– Stiffness

– Compromised range of motion

– Bruising

– Discoloration on the skin

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it is imperative that you seek medical attention from your doctor right away.

The severity of knee injuries largely depends on how the vehicle accident occurs. For instance, if you are rear-ended, it is likely that your knees will be pushed against the steering wheel or under the dashboard. As a result of this kind of accident, you may experience soreness, stiffness, and limited range of motion. However, it can potentially develop into something far more serious.

Knee Injuries From a Vehicle Accident

In most cases, knee injuries can only be determined with treatment from an orthopedic doctor or a specialist, along with in-depth testing such as Magnetic Resource Imaging (MRI). Therefore, it is imperative that you get yourself checked out by the doctor after your accident so that all your injuries are detected.

Knee Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are some of the most common types of knee injuries. Typically, doctors will prescribe RICE, or Rest, Ice, Compression, and Exercise. Although sprains and strains may seem like minor injuries, they can still make you extremely uncomfortable and also stop you from participating in some activities or even from working.

Your knee consists of four major ligaments: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments are the connective tissue that connects the femur to the tibia. When there is damage to your ligaments, your doctor will rate the tears on a scale of one to three. Grade 1 refers to a mild injury, Grade 2 is a partial tear, and Grade 3 means a complete tear. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may get away with rest or physical therapy, or you may need surgery to regain strength and stabilization.

Torn Menisci

Menisci are two discs of connective tissue in each knee that are responsible for protecting the joint surface and bone ends. A torn meniscus is another common knee injury that results from a vehicle accident. Symptoms of a torn meniscus typically include swelling, stiffness, weakness, instability, and a feeling of your knee being locked in place when trying to move it. If a torn meniscus is detected after your accident through X-Ray or MRI testing, you may have to do physical therapy, strength-building exercises, or even arthroscopic surgery.

Getting Help From a Personal Injury Lawyer

After a car accident, it is reasonable that you would want compensation for your medical bills, pain, lost wages, as well as other emotional distress experienced from the accident. You can claim the compensation that you deserve if you can prove the other driver’s liability. In other words, you need to prove that it is the driver’s negligence that causes the accident, which in turn leads to injuries and damages. If your knee injuries are caused by an 18-wheeler accident, then you can hold the trucking company liable for the driver’s negligence with the help of a truck accident lawyer.

If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney in Toledo, Ohio – get in touch today! We’re happy to help fight your side.

When Should You File an Injury Claim After an Auto Accident? - Our Guide

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 18:40:05 GMT

Car accidents are not easy for anyone. When experiencing a car crash, minor or serious injuries may be sustained and damage to the vehicle may be incurred. In addition, you may suffer from psychological distress that could potentially lead to more serious issues. On top of everything, you also have to think about the complicated process of an injury claim.

Vehicle accidents can be costly, which is why you want to make sure that you get the compensation that you deserve. If the accident was not your fault, then there is no reason that you should pay for medical bills and repairs out of your own pocket. Fortunately, under Ohio personal injury law, you may be entitled to financial compensation. It is very important that you understand the whole process, including how long do you have to make a claim after an auto accident in Columbus, Ohio. Before you get your answer, you have to understand the statute of limitations for vehicle accidents in Ohio first, as well as how it affects the process of personal injury claims.

Defining a Statute of Limitations

To put it simply, a statute of limitations is the time limit for personal injury claims. It should also be noted that there are different types of personal injury claims, and the time limit for each of them differs. After this time limit expires, the victim can no longer file a lawsuit to claim compensation for the accident. People often think that a statute of limitations only applies in a criminal case. However, apart from the criminal justice system, civil cases also have statutes of limitations as well.

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for auto accident claims is two years after the date of the accident. Although there are a few exceptions, you cannot make your claim after this date. That being said, in the event that your case involves a claim for wrongful death, the two-year period will start on the date of the death, which may or may not necessarily be the same date as the accident.

Why You Should File Your Claim As Soon As Possible

While two years may seem like a long time, auto accident claims can take a long time to prepare. It is possible that your case may get resolved through private settlement without you having to go to trial at all. However, if you want to get the best settlement, then it may take you more time to negotiate. Also, if the insurance company is aware of your looming deadline, then they will most likely take their time to make sure that you miss your time limit. Therefore, it is best that you file your claim as soon as you can after the accident. Otherwise, your opponent may take advantage of you.

It is possible that your damage may worsen or progress further after you file your claim. For instance, you may learn that you need further medical care a couple of months after the accident. Thus, it is always a good idea to have a personal injury lawyer on your side ever since the beginning to help guide you through the complicated process.

Getting an experienced attorney is not required in Ohio, but it’s a good investment as you are likely to get more money than you would if you chose to go through the process alone. If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney in Toledo, Ohio – get in touch today! We’re happy to help fight your side.

What to Know About Car Accidents in Ohio

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 18:37:03 GMT

After getting into a car crash, many people do not know what to do or how to handle the problem. After all, most driving schools don’t cover this in their curriculum. It is important to know what to do in the case of an unexpected auto accident and how to get the compensation that you deserve. Do not rely on your insurance company. Seeing as they’d rather keep their money, it is possible that they will try to find their way around the problem and you will lose the compensation. If you don’t know how to deal with the aftermath, here are the things that you should know about car crashes in Ohio:

The statute of limitations for car accidents in Ohio

This statute of limitations is the period during which you can file a lawsuit after you have suffered from an injury or other damages. You may bring a claim no more than two years after the date of the accident because that is the time restriction of a statute of limitations in Ohio. If you do not take any action after two years has passed from the date of the accident, you will not receive any compensation at all. If there is death involved in the case, the two-year period will be in action on the date of the death. It doesn’t matter if a person dies 3 months after the accident. The two-year period will start on the day that a person dies. It is crucial for you to take action as soon as the period begins so that you will get the financial justice that you deserve. Many people are unaware of this and let the issue go on until it is too late to redeem anything. You have the right to get compensation for any injuries or losses that occur during and after the car crash.

If your insurance company or insurance adjuster tells you that the period is any shorter than two years, do not fall the ruse. When this happens, you should reject any offer that they make and consult your lawyer before you do anything. If you don’t have a lawyer, it is highly recommended that you get in touch with an Ohio auto accident attorney right after the accident, especially when you haven’t got the first idea about car crash legalities. A lawyer can help you with many things other than proceeding the case to trial. They can help you to claim for compensation and negotiate if necessary. In some cases, the negotiation process will seem to go on forever. Before you know it, the two-year period will expire, and you will lose the chance to get financial justice for your injuries and losses.

No-fault insurance for auto accidents

No-fault insurance is a system of law that reduces the amount of personal injury litigation. This means both parties in the crash has their own auto insurance that will cover their own injuries. However, this is not the case in Ohio because it is not a no-fault state. When you get into a car crash, the court will look for one person to blame. That person will be responsible for compensation. If the at-fault person has an insurance company, there will not be any problems. However, if their company doesn’t have enough insurance or no insurance at all, you will have to find other ways to overcome the issue and obtain the compensation you deserve. You need to see if your own insurance company will recover the injuries and damages for you. Another option is to look at the other third parties for compensation depending on the circumstances of the car crash. In this case, no-fault insurance might sound better than the at-fault insurance. Yet, in the no-fault state, the injured person will have to face complicated procedures to get the compensation that they deserve.

A car accident lawyer in Ohio

It is best to get a car accident lawyer as the insurance company will do everything they can to avoid paying you or pay you less than you should get. If you get a lawyer, they will ensure that you will receive everything according to your rights. An attorney will handle everything regarding the compensation and any claim processes on your behalf.

What to Consider Before Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 13:14:59 GMT

When your injuries are caused by the negligence and ignorance of another party, you have the right to request for compensation in a court of law. These cases may not require the involvement of a lawyer, as the insurance companies will typically have you covered. However, the issue with insurance companies is that sometimes they will look to pressure you into taking an unfavorable deal for your case to cut the cost. They may give you a small sum of money straight up and ask that you sign an agreement form to settle the case. For cases with minor damage to the vehicle, this may be a viable option, but when it comes to a personal injury case, this is not enough. You want to make sure that you get everything from the treatment costs, car repair, to the lost time at work.

Therefore, you will have to do some cost calculations to see how much you can get out of the overall deal – this helps to decide if it’s worth hiring a lawyer. For example, if the most you can expect to get out of the case is $1,000 and the lawyer will cost more than that, then it’s fair to say that it’s not a good idea. On the other hand, if you can expect to get full compensation for everything related to the injury, you should always hire a professional personal injury lawyer to help you with the case.

To help you have a better idea about when to involve a personal injury lawyer with your auto accident case, here are two questions you should ask yourself:

Is it clear that the accident happened due to the negligence of one party?

If the accident was caused by nothing but the negligence of the other driver, chances are that you will be able to get a large sum of compensation for it. For example, if the other driver ran a red light and collided into your car that was going under the speed limit, they won’t have much legal leverage to use against you. This means that the potential to get compensated for everything is quite high.

On the other hand, if it can be determined that the accident was partially caused by the actions of both parties, you may not be able to get a lot out of the case. If you’re dealing with the latter, it may be best that you go about it yourself to find a deal that will be more suitable for both parties. Most people will choose to pay for some of the treatments and car repairs themselves and will have their insurance company take care of the rest.

How severe is the injury sustained from the accident?

Another concern that you have to consider is the severity of the injury. For example, if you don’t have any visible or provable injuries on your body & your examinations come out as negative, you can’t expect to get much compensation. If this is the case, it’s usually not worth pursuing the case any further, especially if there’s no clear perpetrator. Most likely, you will be wasting a significant portion of your time and effort in court without getting much in return.

On the other hand, if you have sustained a serious injury that may have a long-lasting impact on your quality of life or the ability to earn money, it’s worth having an injury lawyer on your side.

If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney in Toledo, Ohio – get in touch today! We’re happy to help fight your side.

How Car Insurance Affects Car Accidents - What to Know

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 13:14:59 GMT

Regardless of who is at fault in a car accident, at least one insurance company will need to pay out a settlement or a court judgment. Whether or not coverage is provided, it is an essential issue in car accident cases. There are different situations and reasons that apply when it comes to coverage. The most critical component of any insurance claim or car accident lawsuit is the amount of available insurance coverage.

Finding out whether or not there’s coverage

If the person who hit you only has a minimal amount of coverage, then who is at fault, how bad the accident was, and how bad your injuries won’t matter because you will not get much compensation with minimal coverage from the other party. However, if you carry uninsured motorist coverage, then you can file a claim against your own insurance company for the entire amount of damages, to your coverage limit, apart from compensation money you receive from the other party’s insurance.

This is indeed the only alternative to cases where the driver does not have enough insurance or sufficient assets to make a lawsuit worthwhile. Once you’ve exhausted your UIM coverage limits, you may be all out of options. It is also possible that the person who hit you might have the assets to cover your losses, but it is unlikely that a person who does not have car insurance would have a lot of extra money sitting around to pay off a court judgment.

Available insurance in the case of a car accident

If you get hit, the accident was the other driver’s fault, and you are seriously injured, to the point where your lawyer advises a very fair settlement that can be covered by the defendant’s automobile insurance, then your case will proceed as usual. This means that your lawyer will prepare your case, make a settlement demand, and settle the case without a trial, hopefully. But if the insurance coverage is not available by the defendant, the adjuster will tell your lawyer that the defendant only has a certain amount in liability insurance, which, in that case, will change your million dollar settlement into the amount of money the defendant has.

Underinsured motorist coverage

The only way you will have adequate coverage for your losses is if you have a significant amount of underinsured motorist coverage. In this case, your case will proceed as normal. Your lawyer will settle with the defendant for the policy limits, then file a claim against your insurance company. You will then prosecute the underinsured claim against your own insurance company until the adjuster is convinced that there is truly a million dollar case.

Your insurer might only have to pay you the policy limits when your case is over. This means you will have only recovered a bit on the dollar for your case. This is why available insurance plays a huge role in any car accident. Getting hit by an uninsured driver or one with minimal insurance coverage can be risky. This is why it’s important to carry a significant amount of motorist coverage.

If you’re looking for a car accident attorney in Toledo, Ohio – get in touch today! We’re happy to help.