Frequently Asked Questions & Tips

You should consult an attorney before speaking to the insurance companies involved – yours or the other person’s. The insurance companies share information with each other and anything you say will be used against you to damage and minimize your case.

Having an attorney who focuses on personal injury law and who has knowledge and negotiating skills can help your case tremendously. There are many doctors who provide the treatment you need and hold the bills until the case settles so you do not have to pay out of pocket. Also, we may be able to negotiate with the doctors and hospitals to try to lower their bills, to help you receive the best settlement possible with more compensation going to you.

At Spivak & Sakellariou, we work on a contingency fee, meaning we don’t get paid unless you do. You do not pay anything up front and we will forward all case expenses on your behalf.

If you feel your current attorney isn’t doing what’s best for you, isn’t keeping you up to date on your case, or you just aren’t satisfied with how they are doing things, you have every right to seek new counsel.

In most cases, you have two years to file suit on your claim. Do not wait until your deadline is nearing to contact an attorney, as it takes time to compile all records on your accident. In most cases, claims can be settled through negotiations with the insurance company without filing suit in court and prolonging the process.

Every accident is different, but you may be awarded compensation to cover property damage, medical expenses, and emotional trauma. You may also be compensated for economic damages such past lost wages and future loss of earning capabilities.

If the only check you have received is for damage to your vehicle, you may still be able to pursue a bodily injury claim. If you feel you may be entitled to more compensation, please contact our Cincinnati office to discuss your claim.

The answer varies depending on the treatment needed after the accident, the willingness of the insurance company to provide a fair settlement, and whether suit must be filed to receive fair compensation for your accident. Typically, the longest part of a personal injury case is the treatment phase. As your medical treatment is what builds a great case from a legal standpoint, compliance with all medical professionals involved in your case is crucial. Once treatment is completed, settlement negotiations begin.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may still be able to file a claim. In some instances the insurance company will accept a percentage of liability, or full liability, on an accident where no one was cited. Sometimes, a police report leaves out the at-fault citation information out of pure accident, or sometimes an officer did not have enough information at the time to issue a citation. Again, many factors go in to the determination of liability and the police report, whether accurate or not, is just the start. Contact a Cincinnati injury lawyer at our firm to further discuss your accident and how the existence or nonexistence of a police report may affect your case.

You may be entitled to compensation if you are found to be 50% or less at fault. If we feel that the insurance company is incorrect in the percentage of liability they’ve accepted, an experienced personal injury attorney can fight for you to try to have more liability accepted.

If the person who caused the accident does not have insurance, or left the scene, many insurance companies have Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists coverage which, if included in your policy, will cover damages in these types of situations.

It’s simple! Just pick up your phone and call (513) 532-2201. We are ready to answer any questions that you may have.