What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

What to Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

What To Do Immediately Following a Car Accident

You’re a good driver, a safe driver. You always wear your seat belt, you practice defensive driving, and you never missed a turn signal. Little old ladies tip their hat to you. You are the paragon of impeccable driving. However, despite all of this, you are now sitting in the battered wreckage of your automobile, the crumpled hood of your car steaming, and emergency lights are flashing in your rearview mirror.

You were just in a car accident. Your head is spinning and your heart is pounding. Chaos is all around you and you have just one question tumbling around in your head: now what?

Steps to Follow After a Car Accident

Ensure Safety

Your first priority after a car accident should always be the safety of yourself, passengers and others involved. If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to a secure location to prevent further accidents and injuries.

Call Emergency Services

Immediately dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance . Prompt medical attention is crucial for assessing and addressing personal injuries, potentially saving lives in severe cases. The police report and medical treatment documentation is very important if you intend to file a car accident claim, or for your insurance claim process.

Exchange Information

After making sure everyone is ok, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This information is important for insurance claims and potential accident related lawsuits.

Document the Scene

As an experienced car accident lawyer, I’ve seen it all and therefore I recommend using your smartphone (or camera) to take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can serve as critical evidence in a personal injury claim or in negotiations with an insurance company. As your personal injury lawyer, I know these images will be very important to ensure a successful claim.

Contact the Police

It is also very important to contact the police and request their presence at the scene of your accident. The police will create an accident report, which details the incident, includes statements from involved parties, witnesses, and an assessment of who was at fault. Documentation is essential and valuable for potential legal proceedings and proof of fault and damages with insurance companies.

Obtain Witness Information

Witness statements can corroborate the details of your accident. Therefore it is advisable to gather witness statements whenever possible. Witness statements offer valuable evidence in support of your case.

Seek Medical Attention

Regardless of the perceived severity of your injuries, it’s essential to undergo a medical evaluation after an accident. Some injuries, such as whiplash or internal trauma, may not manifest immediately. Prompt medical documentation is not only vital for your well-being, but also strengthens your personal injury claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Promptly contact your insurance company to report the accident. Provide them with accurate and detailed information about the incident. Notifying your insurer in a timely manner is essential to comply with policy requirements and to initiate the claims process.

Preserve Evidence

Keep all of your relevant documents and records related to the auto accident, including medical records, bills, repair estimates, and correspondence with the insurance company. This meticulous record-keeping will help substantiate the extent of your damages.

Communicate with an Insurance Adjuster

When dealing with auto insurance adjusters, you need to be cautious about what you say. Avoid accepting blame or making statements that could be used against you. Call me, I can help you navigate these conversations to protect your interests. Remember, your insurance company is not your friend. They will attempt to settle your claim for far less than it is worth. This is precisely why I am one of the top car accident lawyers in Ohio. I take on the insurance companies to ensure you are justly compensated.

File a Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve suffered injuries due to an accident, call me as soon as possible. I will help you to file a formal personal injury claim against the at-fault party. We will seek compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial damages resulting from the accident. Car accident victims should only have to focus on their treatment and recovery.

Keep Records

As you heal, it is very important to maintain meticulous records of all expenses related to your accident, including medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost wages, and any other losses you’ve incurred. These records will serve as concrete evidence when establishing the extent of your damages during the personal injury claim process.

I’ve been an auto accident lawyer for more than 40 years, and I know how vital this information is to your car accident settlement. Call me for a free consultation. I am always available when you need me, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

At-Fault Drivers

Listed below are various reasons someone may be labeled as an at-fault driver.

  1. Violation of Traffic Laws:

    Failing to obey traffic laws, such as running a red light, speeding, or disregarding stop signs, can establish fault in a car crash. These violations are clear indicators of negligence.

  2. Distracted Driving:

    Engaging in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or using in-car entertainment systems while operating a vehicle can lead to distracted driving accidents. Such distractions can establish fault if they result in a collision.

  3. Driving Under the Influence:

    Operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but also a significant factor in why motor vehicle accidents happen. A DUI offense often places the impaired driver at fault.

  4. Failure to Yield Right of Way:

    Neglecting to yield the right of way to other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists when required by law, may lead to collisions for which the driver is deemed at fault.

  5. Reckless Driving:

    Reckless behaviors such as aggressive driving, road rage, or excessive speeding can not only lead to accidents, but car accident fatalities. Reckless driving often establishes fault due to the dangerous nature of these actions.

  6. Unsafe Lane Changes:

    Making sudden or unsafe lane changes without proper signaling or checking blind spots can result in collisions. The driver making the unsafe maneuver is typically considered at fault.

  7. Tailgating:

    Following too closely (tailgating) often leads to rear-end collisions. The driver who rear-ends another vehicle is typically found at fault for not maintaining a safe following distance.

  8. Failure to Maintain Control:

    Losing control of the vehicle due to factors such as weather conditions, tire blowouts, or mechanical failures can result in fault if it’s determined the driver failed to properly maintain their vehicle.

  9. Failure to Adjust Speed to Conditions:

    Failure to slow down in adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can lead to accidents. Failing to adjust speed to match the road conditions can establish fault and responsibility.

  10. Failure to Stop for School Buses:

    A driver who fails to stop as children board or disembark a school bus, may cause severe injury to a child and/or collision with another vehicle.  Failure to yield when a school bus displays its flashing red lights is considered at-fault-behavior.

Your Personal Injury Lawyer

I am a highly experienced car accident attorney who has won thousands of accident claims resulting in millions of dollars awarded to my clients. If your were injured in an accident by a negligent driver, I can help you too! Call me for a free consultation to discuss your claim. I will be your advocate and help you navigate the settlement process. I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Understanding the Impact of Car Accidents

.Car accidents often result in horrific injuries with profound, adverse effects on an entire family.  The physical, emotional and financial tolls can be life changing.  As such, I am dedicated to providing you with unwavering support as we navigate your injury claim together. 

Specializing in Car Accident Cases

My specialization lies in handling car accident cases. With a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge, I can offer you the unique advantage of having a dedicated professional who knows the intricacies of car accident claims. You can trust that I will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Prioritizing Your Well-Being

Your health and well-being are my top priorities. I am committed to ensuring you receive the necessary medical care and rehabilitation for your car accident injuries. I will help you acquire the monetary damages you need to repair your life.

Navigating the Complex Insurance Claims Process

Dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming and confusing. I bring extensive experience in navigating the complexities of the insurance claims process. My goal is to shield you from unnecessary stress and handle negotiations on your behalf. I will work to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Your Advocate for Fair Compensation

More than just your lawyer, I am your dedicated advocate. I work tirelessly to secure compensation for all of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Thorough and Meticulous Investigation

To build a robust case, I leave no stone unturned. I will meticulously investigate the circumstances surrounding your car accident, gather critical evidence, and consult with experts when necessary. I work with a team of experts who will determine the necessary and appropriate compensation we will help to secure on your behalf.

Providing Personalized Legal Guidance

Recognizing that every car accident case is unique, I offer personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific situation. Your needs, concerns, and goals are at the forefront of our relationship. I am here to provide you with a customized legal strategy that best serves your interests.

Handling Complex Legalities with Expertise

Car accident cases often involve intricate legal details that can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the process. I will handle all of legal matters, so that you can focus on your recovery.

Open and Transparent Communication

Open and transparent communication are the keys to a successful relationship. My staff and I will keep you informed of the status of your car accident case

Your Advocate and Ally

In your time of need, I am not just your car accident lawyer; I am your staunch advocate, your compassionate supporter, and your trusted ally – with empathy, expertise, and a genuine commitment to securing fair compensation.

There is a good chance that both insurance companies may be eager to settle. It is incredibly tempting to give into that offer, but you need to know that insurance companies aren’t your friends, and they surely are not looking out for your best interests. I, on the other hand, am. If you rush into a settlement, but later discover you actually sustained a serious injury, and may have forfeited your legal rights to further compensation.

As a safe driver, and law abiding citizen, you carry sufficient automobile insurance. However, the driver who hit you may not have insurance. Ironically, people who drive poorly and recklessly, are often the ones that do not have insurance in place to protect themselves or you. The mandatory insurance coverage minimums in Ohio are extremely low, so even if the other driver did have the minimum coverage, it may not be enough to cover your claim.

Whiplash, brain injury, or any other injury as a result of your automobile accident can be discovered in the weeks following your accident. You may find yourself unable to work, with a mounting pile of medical bills. This year alone, more than 2.45 million people will be permanently disabled due to an automobile accident injury. As your personal injury attorney, I’ll work to secure the financial compensation you need to prevent you from drowning in massive debt and to help you get back on your feet.

Listen, you may not think this will happen to you. You’re too careful, too cautious. So did the other 300,000 drivers who were in an automobile accident in Ohio in the past year. If you’ve been in an automobile accident, you need to reach out to me as soon as possible to file an injury claim. Statutes of limitations are in place that may prevent you from obtaining fair restitution.

Path to Healing

You can begin the path to physical and emotional healing as soon as you call me. Lay your burdens on me and trust that I’ll work tirelessly to get every single penny of financial compensation you are entitled to for your pain and suffering. As your lawyer, I’ll give you my personal cell phone number and you better believe that if you call me any hour of the day or night, I will answer.

I’ll meet you at the hospital, in your home, wherever works best for you. I work on a contingency basis, which means that I’ll not only handle all of the financial aspects of your claim, you don’t have to pay me a single dime to represent you. My fee is a percentage of your award. If you don’t get paid, neither do I.

I’m not afraid of big corporations or insurance companies. I take on Big Cases, and I get Big Results. I’ve served the greater Cleveland, Ohio area for more than forty years as a top injury lawyer. As your accident attorney, I’ll Make Them Pay!®. 

DISCLAIMER “Please understand the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with a preponderance of the evidence.”

ASK TIM A QUESTION
NO COST TO YOU!

Krystle Banks
Krystle Banks
14:32 20 Sep 23
Christine Filippelli
Christine Filippelli
01:55 18 May 23
DeAndre Merritt
DeAndre Merritt
06:58 23 Mar 23
Jake Ferri
Jake Ferri
23:46 01 Aug 22
I have no case and no one that I need Tim Misney to make pay, just wanted to say the best part of my day is getting to... drive by his billboards. His People's Eyebrow is immaculate and the new billboard with him on the motorcycle is downright bitchin'. Thank you Tim Misney for significantly improving the quality of my life.read more
Jennifer Malainy
Jennifer Malainy
22:44 19 Jul 22
My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
C M V
C M V
01:16 16 Feb 22
I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
Stephen Burks
Stephen Burks
20:12 21 Jan 22
It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
mark colucci
mark colucci
14:33 06 Dec 21
Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
02:43 27 Nov 21
Advice on Law question? Also Advise to do more research for Different types of Situations that’s Criminal and Civil... Pursuits!City, State and Above State Level Situation .Pro Se !read more
Gianna Colucci
Gianna Colucci
12:56 04 Nov 21
Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
Brandon Hagerdon
Brandon Hagerdon
20:53 18 May 21
I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
Jimmie Graham
Jimmie Graham
19:26 30 Mar 21
Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
Paul McFadden
Paul McFadden
13:29 20 Jan 21
My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
Rick Miller
Rick Miller
18:55 21 Dec 20
If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
01:51 22 Oct 20
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
Scott Plate
Scott Plate
16:49 10 Oct 20
Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
Mike M
Mike M
04:44 09 Oct 20
As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
Eric Evans
Eric Evans
21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
Benjamin Firstenberg
Benjamin Firstenberg
19:32 28 Sep 20
I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
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The Law Offices of Tim Misny

Cleveland Office
3100 E. 45th St.
Suite 444
Cleveland OH 44127
Mailing Address:
Interstate Square I
4230 Chillicothe Rd. Ste 200
Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.