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Hartwell & Reyes LLP

The accident wasn't my fault. Do I still need a lawyer?

If you were injured, usually yes. Fault being clear does not make the valuation fair: the at-fault driver's insurer still controls the first offer, and offers to unrepresented claimants are systematically lower. Ohio's comparative negligence rule also means the insurer may still argue you were partly at fault to reduce what it pays.

For property damage only, with no injury, you often don't need a lawyer, and we'll tell you that in a free call. For injury claims, representation changes the negotiation: complete medical documentation, correctly computed lost wages, and the credible threat of filing are what move adjusters.

Ohio reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault and bars it entirely at 51%. Insurers know this, which is why 'you were partly at fault' appears in so many adjuster letters. Don't accept that characterization without review.

Have this exact situation?

A consultation gets you an answer specific to your facts, usually the same week. Our personal injury team handles this daily.

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