Got hit in a car crash and not sure what to do?
You’re not alone.
Most people settle fast — and low — because the insurance company makes it easy to say yes to a quick check. But here’s the thing: you could be leaving tens of thousands on the table.
Hiring an auto accident attorney in Columbus like Mike Christensen isn’t just about fighting in court. It’s about making sure you walk away with the full compensation you actually deserve.
Let’s break down why it matters.
What Does an Auto Accident Attorney Actually Do?
Here’s how a Columbus car accident lawyer earns their keep:
- Free case evaluation – Know where you stand from day one. No cost.
- Accident investigation – Pulls dash cam footage, police reports, witness statements.
- Liability determination – Who’s really at fault? They’ll find out — even in messy pileups.
- Full case valuation – Medical bills? Lost work? Pain? Future surgery? All factored in.
- Insurance negotiation – They push back hard when you get lowballed.
- Trial prep – Most cases don’t go to court, but being ready forces insurers to pay fair.
- Deadline management – No missed claims. Ohio’s 2-year statute of limitations is strict.
Pro Tip: Ohio is an at-fault state. That means proving who caused the crash is everything. A lawyer builds that case for you.
6 Insurance Tricks That Undercut Your Claim
Insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying what you’re owed. They play defense — and they’ve got plays you need to watch out for:
- Quick cash offers – Settle fast before you know the full extent of your injuries.
- Recorded statement requests – Designed to get you saying the wrong thing.
- Dragging their feet – Delays until you’re desperate enough to take less.
- Downplaying your pain – Claiming you’re fine or exaggerating.
- “Pre-existing condition” blame game – A favorite move to deny your medical costs.
- Pinning blame on you – Ohio’s comparative negligence rule cuts your payout if you’re partly at fault.
What Compensation Can a Columbus Auto Accident Lawyer Get You?
With legal help, here’s what you can actually go after:
- Medical bills – From ER visits to physical therapy and future care.
- Lost income – Days missed, future earning capacity — all of it.
- Pain and suffering – For the stress, trauma, and physical pain.
- Car repairs or total loss value – Your ride gets made right.
- Punitive damages – For drunk or reckless drivers.
Stat to know: Studies show people with attorneys get 2–3x more in settlements than those who go solo.
When Should You Contact a Columbus Auto Accident Lawyer?
Here’s a quick checklist.
If any of these apply, make the call:
- You’ve been injured
- You’re unsure who caused the crash
- The other driver’s insurer reached out
- You missed work
- You got a fast settlement offer
- You care about protecting your long-term finances
Sound like you? Request a Free Case Evaluation Today!
Why Hiring a Columbus-Based Lawyer Matters
Local experience isn’t just a bonus — it’s an edge:
- Knows crash hotspots like Cleveland Ave, Morse Rd, and Broad St
- Familiar with Franklin County judges and courtrooms
- Has go-to local investigators and medical experts
- Understands how Columbus juries think
Want to learn more about who’s really liable in your crash? Start here.
What Does It Cost to Hire an Auto Accident Attorney?
Here’s the short version:
- No upfront fees
- Contingency model – You only pay if they win
- Typical rate: ~33% of settlement
- Covers: All legal work, negotiations, and strategy
No risk. Just results.
Still unsure? Here’s how it works.
What Happens After You Hire Mike Christensen?
No guesswork. Here’s how it goes:
- Free consultation
- They investigate
- They document your injuries and losses
- They submit a demand to the insurer
- They negotiate
- They settle (or prep for trial)
- You get paid
Want to know how long your case might take? Check out this breakdown.
Call to Action: Maximize Your Claim With a Trusted Columbus Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a crash, there’s zero reason to fight alone.
Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC has helped thousands of Ohio crash victims get the compensation they deserve.
No fees unless they win. No pressure. Just answers.
📍 3341 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43204
📞 +1 614-300-5000
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today
FAQs
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Ohio?
Ohio gives you 2 years from the date of the crash to file. After that, you’re out of luck.
Will my case go to trial?
Most don’t. A well-prepared case usually settles because insurers don’t want to risk court.
Is it worth hiring an attorney for a minor accident?
If there’s any injury or missed work — yes. Learn more here.
What if the insurance company says I’m partly at fault?
Ohio’s comparative fault law reduces your payout based on your blame. An attorney can push back and prove otherwise.
How do I know how much my case is worth?
Check out How Much is My Car Accident Worth in Ohio
Looking for help after a crash?
Start with Columbus’ most trusted injury lawyer — Michael D. Christensen Law Offices LLC.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today.
