Legal Question in Personal Injury in Ohio

Information need when hit by a drunk driver

I was hit by a drunk driver in July. His insurance paid for damage to my vehicle. He was arrested on the spot. Am I eligible for pain and suffering and inconvenience. This caused great stress due to inconvenience of work at a time when we were going through lay offs. Within a couple weeks of accident I started having stomach problems and chest pains. I saw a digestive specialist who ran several test, i.e. gall bladder ultrasoud, EGD, Colonoscopy. He diagnosed that the main cause was stress. Should I expect a settlement from the insured party? What time of settlement should I expect? They haven't contacted me with a settlement. Should I contact them or contact an attorney?


Asked on 12/03/06, 3:07 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Information need when hit by a drunk driver

You are not going to be offered any settlement if you do not have an attorney. Find one in your area and have him try to convince the insurance company that these stress symptoms are from the accident. It is a stretch since you will be asked why this particular event, which caused no physical injuries, was so traumatic that it caused mental problems.

Read more
Answered on 12/03/06, 11:34 am
David Davies Law Office of David H. Davies

Re: Information need when hit by a drunk driver

If the accident was not your fault, you are entitled to compensation based on your damages. Damages can include medical expenses, lost time from work, pain and suffering. If you were injured, you are entitled to be compensated. The key is to make sure that your doctor is informed early in your care that you were in an accident and these problems have developed since the accident. If the doctor agrees that the problems you are having are most likely something caused by the accident, then you should be able to get some money for the problem. The insurance Company will probably offer you something to get you to settle. I would suggest that you at least talk directly to an attorney. Most attorneys who handle these types of cases are happy to talk to you for free to see if you have a case. I have been helping people injured by someone else's negligence for over 30 years. If you call or email me your contact information I will discuss this with you-no charge or obligation for the call.

Good Luck

DHD

Read more
Answered on 12/03/06, 1:04 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Ohio