Insurance Company Blames You for Accident

Posted in Accident & Injury on January 3, 2014

Ohio attorney Michael Eisner shares a story about a client who was unable to collect compensation for his accident because the insurance company blamed him for his own injuries.

Following any motor vehicle accident, you will have to make countless decisions and face added responsibilities. After seeking medical attention, you’ll need to focus on getting healthy again, see to vehicle repairs, address absences at work and, of course, talk to your insurance company.

Unfortunately, you may find your insurance company is not on your side, which can exacerbate the stress of recovering from your injuries and the losses you suffered.

An insurance company may deny your claim based on a variety of factors, including the circumstances of the accident and if they determine the other party was not at fault. So, what happens when the other party is an animal?

Dog Owner Liability

In Ohio, there are laws regarding animals involved in accidents, especially dogs.

Section 955.28(B) of the Ohio Revised Code provides that, subject to certain exceptions, an “owner, keeper, or harborer of a dog is liable in damages for any injury, death, or loss to person or property that is caused by the dog.” Although widely used in dog bite cases, this statute applies to any injury to a person or property.

It takes an experienced attorney who understands liability laws and can help mediate with the insurance company to ensure your case is handled properly. While an accident involving a family pet may be upsetting, the dog’s owner needs to be held responsible for the accident.

To learn more about personal injury law, I encourage you to watch the video above and to explore our educational website at elkandelk.com. If you have legal questions, please call us at 1-800-ELK-OHIO. I welcome your call.

-Michael Eisner