Attorney review: Jami S. Oliver, Founder. Admitted in Ohio, 1993.* About Jami
Oliver Law Office is a woman-led personal injury firm with locations in Dublin and Columbus, Ohio.*
If you were hurt in a car accident, a lawyer can speak with you about your accident and your next steps.*
What should you do after a car accident?
Get to safety, call 911, get the other driver’s information, document the scene and collect witness details. These steps protect your safety and your chances of building a successful injury case.*
Many people don’t think about these steps until after a crash. If your injuries are extremely severe, you may be unconscious or unable to call for help or start documenting the scene. If you can move and communicate, take these steps:*
Get to safety
First, get to a safe place if you can. In a crash on I-70, I-270 or US-33 at rush hour, move to the median or the side of the road before you do anything else. Staying in harm’s way can lead to worse injuries, and sometimes death. If other people are in the car with you, help them get to safety too.*
Call 911
Once you are somewhere safer, call 911 for the police and an ambulance. Both matter if you bring an injury case later. The police write a report of the accident, and a rescue squad can take you to get medical care.*
Some people think they are not hurt badly enough for an ambulance. Refusing one is a mistake, for several reasons. You may not know how severe your injuries are, because the stress of a crash causes a rush of adrenaline that can mask pain. And some very severe injuries, including internal bleeding and some spinal cord injuries, do not always show symptoms right away.*
Waiting for medical care can also hurt your injury case. If you work with an Ohio car accident lawyer and file a claim, the other side may argue that waiting meant your injuries were not as severe as you say.*
Get the other driver’s information
Get the other driver’s name, contact information and insurance information. Do not speak to any insurance company, yours or the other driver’s, until you have talked to a car accident lawyer in Columbus.*
Insurance companies usually record these calls. They can use comments that sound harmless to argue they should not have to pay a claim. If you say something like “it might have been partially my fault” or “I don’t think I’m hurt too badly,” you give the other side ammunition to use against you in court.*
Document the scene
A Columbus car crash lawyer reviewing your case will read the police report. Extra documentation from you can help build a stronger case. If you still have your phone and can take pictures, photograph:*
- The accident scene as a whole
- The damage done to each vehicle
- The license plate of each vehicle
- The VIN tag on the other vehicle
- Your injuries
If you see anything else that may be useful to your case, make sure to document it as well.
Collect statements from witnesses
Witnesses can be valuable to your claim. They can give your lawyer a clearer picture of events, and they may testify if your case goes to trial.*
You likely won’t have time to record a statement from each witness at the scene. Get each witness’s name and contact information, and your lawyer can follow up with them.*
Why do your first decisions after a crash matter?
The decisions you make early can affect how much you recover, and whether you recover anything at all.*
Insurance companies may contact you quickly, ask for statements, or offer a settlement before you fully understand your injuries.
A car accident claim often covers more than your first medical bills. It can include long-term costs, lost income and lasting effects on your daily life.*
Oliver Law Office, a personal injury firm with locations in Dublin and Columbus, helps accident victims throughout Central Ohio through the claims process, so they can protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.*
How much is a car accident case worth in Ohio?
The value depends on your injuries and losses, who was at fault, and the insurance coverage involved.*
No two car accident claims are exactly alike. In Ohio, compensation may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning ability, pain and suffering, and other losses tied to the impact the accident has had on your life.*
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts early. Understand the full value of your claim before you accept a settlement offer.*
The value of a car accident claim depends on several key factors, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term impact on your daily life
- Insurance coverage and liability
Every case is different, but understanding what goes into a claim is the first step toward protecting your rights and avoiding low settlement offers.
Speak with a Columbus car accident lawyer to understand what your case may be worth.
Where do car accidents happen in Central Ohio?
Car accidents in Central Ohio often happen on busy highways, suburban corridors and intersections, where congestion, speed and driver behavior all play a role.*
In and around Columbus, some roads and intersections see more serious crashes because of daily commuting and heavy traffic. I-270, I-71 and I-70 are among the most common places for accidents, especially at rush hour, when traffic is dense and speeds vary.*
US-33 and other major routes between Columbus and nearby communities such as Dublin, Hilliard and Grove City also see frequent collisions.*
Many accidents also happen at intersections, often involving left turns, failure to yield or distracted driving. Suburban growth has added traffic in Westerville, Gahanna and Newark, bringing more congestion and a higher risk of crashes.*
Knowing where and how accidents happen matters for prevention, and for determining fault and building a strong claim. Our team has handled cases across Columbus and Central Ohio and understands the local roads, traffic patterns and factors behind serious accidents.*
Even the most careful drivers can be injured in car accidents through no fault of their own. Recent research found that I-71 is the most dangerous road in the entire state of Ohio, and it goes right through the heart of Central Ohio.
How can a car accident lawyer help you?
A personal injury lawyer may be able to seek compensation from the person or organization responsible for your accident.*
A serious injury can make every little thing feel overwhelming. One call to an Ohio injury lawyer may make your life a little easier.*
Serious injuries can cause losses in every part of your life, and compensation is designed to help ease the burden. If a car accident lawyer in Ohio takes your case, they may seek compensation for losses, called “damages” in the legal world, such as:*
- Wages you would have been able to earn if you weren’t injured
- Medical bills
- Loss of future earning potential
- Physical pain
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional and psychological pain
- Loss of quality of life
Is it worth it to hire a car accident attorney?
According to the Insurance Research Council, accident victims who obtain legal counsel receive settlements that are 3.5X larger than cases that are self represented.
What results has Oliver Law Office obtained in vehicle cases?
These results come from crashes on the road.*
$2.5M
Judgment for automobile striking a bicyclist resulting in death
$5M
Settlement arising out of a death of a pedestrian by a distracted driver
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.*
What types of car accident cases does Oliver Law Office handle?
The firm represents injured clients in Columbus and throughout Central Ohio in many kinds of car accident cases.*
How a crash happens can affect fault, insurance coverage and the value of your claim.*
Hit & run accidents
When a driver leaves the scene, recovering compensation can become more complicated. Even so, you may still have options through uninsured motorist coverage and other available sources of recovery.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end crashes are often caused by distracted driving, speeding, or following too closely. These accidents commonly lead to whiplash, back injuries, and other soft tissue damage that can disrupt daily life.
T-bone accidents
Also known as side-impact collisions, T-bone accidents often happen at intersections and can result in serious injuries because of the limited protection along the side of a vehicle.
Head-on collisions
Head-on crashes are among the most severe types of accidents and frequently cause catastrophic injuries. These cases often involve extensive medical treatment, long-term losses, and complex liability issues.
Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents may happen because of high speeds, unsafe roadway conditions, or vehicle design issues. They often lead to severe injuries and require a close review of how the crash occurred.
Speeding accidents
Speed-related crashes often cause more serious injuries because drivers have less time to react and collisions happen with greater force. Evidence of speeding can also play an important role in proving negligence.
Distracted driving accidents
Texting, phone use, navigation systems, and other distractions are a leading cause of crashes across Central Ohio. These cases may involve phone records, witness statements, and other evidence to establish fault.
Drunk driving accidents
Crashes involving impaired drivers can leave victims with devastating injuries and significant financial losses. In some cases, these claims may involve additional legal issues beyond a standard insurance claim.
Uninsured motorist accidents
If the at-fault driver does not have insurance, you may still be able to pursue compensation through your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, depending on your policy.
Not sure which type of car accident applies to your case? Our team can help you understand your rights and next steps after a crash.*
How should you deal with insurance companies after a crash?
Insurance companies often move quickly after a car accident, but not always in your interest.*
Adjusters may ask for recorded statements, request broad medical releases or make early settlement offers before you fully understand your injuries. These tactics can affect the value of your claim.*
Our attorneys handle communication with insurance companies, protect your rights and make sure critical evidence is preserved. We work to prevent lowball offers and negotiate for a resolution that reflects the full impact of your injuries, now and in the future.*
What if you were partly at fault for the car accident?
Under Ohio’s modified comparative fault law, you can recover compensation even if you were partially responsible for an accident, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
Who is at fault after a car accident isn’t always clear. In many cases, more than one driver may share responsibility.*
Insurance companies often use this law to minimize payouts and shift blame, so understanding how it works is critical.*
Who will handle your car accident case?
The firm’s attorneys, Jami S. Oliver and Brian Noethlich, handle car accident cases at Oliver Law Office.*
Jami S. Oliver founded Oliver Law Office, a woman-led law firm, in 2000 to provide quality legal representation to people injured because of the negligence of others.*
Since then, she has won awards from the National Trial Lawyers Association, Super Lawyers, U.S. News, and other organizations.
Car accident claims aren’t nearly as easy to win as most people think. The right attorney often makes the difference between a sizable settlement and walking away with nothing.*
We still make house calls. At Oliver Law Office, you are never just a case number.
If you were hurt in a car accident, our Columbus personal injury lawyers may be able to help.*
“My experience with the Oliver Law Office, from start to finish, was excellent.”
Which Central Ohio communities does Oliver Law Office serve?
Oliver Law Office helps injured drivers and passengers in Columbus, Dublin, Hilliard, Grove City, Westerville, Gahanna, Newark, Delaware and surrounding Central Ohio communities.*
Practice areas
- Bicycle Accidents
- Burn Injury
- Car Accidents
- Children’s Injuries
- Dog Bites
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Pedestrian Accidents
- Premises Liability
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Brain Injury
- Truck Accidents
- Uber & Lyft Accidents
- Ohio FedEx Truck Accident
- Wrongful Death
What else do people ask about car accident cases?
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Ohio?
Ohio’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. Acting quickly can protect your rights.
How much is my car accident case worth?
Case value depends on liability, insurance coverage, medical records, and the impact on your life. Our auto accident lawyers can evaluate the specifics of your case.
How long will my car accident case take?
Timelines vary. Some car accident cases resolve in months. Others take longer, especially those that involve litigation.*
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
Your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage may apply. We can review your policy and your options, and give you legal guidance on how to proceed.*
What does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?
You pay nothing for your initial consultation. Personal injury lawyers work on contingency, which means your lawyer is only paid if you win your case. If you are awarded money, your lawyer receives a percentage of that payment.*
