When you need an experienced Ohio auto accident lawyer . . .

the auto accident lawyers at McDonough, Sfiscko & Company have the know how to protect your rights and the empathy to understand.

Protecting your rights in the event that you are in an auto accident can be a challenge. Even minor accidents can be costly and upsetting. If there have been injuries to the people involved, things become even more complicated. Even if you know correct procedure, the stress of the situation can cloud people's thinking, thus causing procedural and factual inaccuracies.

In 2007 alone, there were 328,740 motor vehicle crashes in the state of Ohio. Nearly 25% of these included injury or death. Nearly all resulted in property damage.

If you have had an accident with your motor vehicle, contacting an experienced accident attorney is important especially if:

• you have been injured
• you have received a traffic citation because of a crash
• a passenger in the car you were driving has been injured

An experienced auto accident attorney, whether you are at fault or not, can help mitigate legal difficulties, reduce your expense, and limit increased insurance rates. McDonough Sfiscko & Associates are experienced accident attorneys who will work hard to

• protect your rights
• negotiate a fair & adequate settlement to cover injuries, rehabilitation, lost time from work, damage to your vehicle, other losses
• represent your interests in the event of legal actions

Knowing what is expected if you are involved in an accident can help you be better prepared to document what has occurred and to provide your attorney with correct information. If you are the driver of a vehicle which is involved in an accident, The Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws published by the Ohio Department of Public Safety lists eleven Traffic Crash Reporting Requirements.

1. Stop
2. Take immediate steps to warn approaching traffic.
3. Aid the injured. Don't move them, but keep them warm.
4. Notify the proper authorities, either the State Highway patrol, sheriff or local police.
5. Give your name and address to any person who is injured or to the owner, operator, occupant or attendant of the other vehicle(s).
6. Gather the following information identifying any other driver in the crash and anyone involved at the scene. Most of it must be provided by law on a motor vehicle crash report and will be helpful in resolving matters relating to the crash.
   • Names, addresses and dates of birth of involved parties
   • License plate numbers
   • Driver license numbers
   • Name and address of vehicle owner, if other than driver
   • Circumstances of crash, such as weather, condition of the road and traffic controls
   • Year, make and model of vehicles involved
   • Name and address of other driver's insurance company
7. Answer all investigating officer's questions, but do not discuss fault or insurance coverage.
8. Trade facts with any other driver, but do not discuss fault or insurance coverage.
9. If involved in a crash with an unattended vehicle, you must report the crash to the police or leave necessary information at the scene.
10. The driver of a vehicle which is involved in a motor vehicle crash may file this report with the BMV within 6 months after the crash if both the following apply: (1) There was damage in excess of $400, and (2) The driver or owner of the other vehicle did not have insurance or other financial responsibility coverage at the time of the crash.
11. Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.

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