Casey William Lesiak Esq.
Phone: 216 - 551 - 3282
Lesiak Law Firm LLC
Crown Centre, 5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600
Independence, Ohio 44131
Phone: 216 - 551 - 3282  
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UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS

If you have been in an accident, or a family member has been injured or killed in a crash or some other incident, you have many
important decisions to make.  It is important for you to consider the following:

    1.  Make and keep records – If your situation involves a motor vehicle crash, regardless of who  may be at fault, it is helpful to
    obtain a copy of the police report, learn the identity of any witnesses, and obtain photographs of the scene, vehicles, and any
    visible injuries.  Keep copies of receipts of all your expenses and medical care related to the incident.

    2.  You do not have to sign anything – You may not want to give an interview or recorded statement without first consulting
    with an attorney, because the statement can be used against you.  If you may be at fault or have been charged with a traffic
    or other offense, it may be advisable to consult an attorney right away.  However, if you have insurance, your insurance policy
    probably requires you to cooperate with your insurance company and to provide a statement to the company.  If you fail to
    cooperate with your insurance company, it may void your coverage.

    3.  Your interests versus interests of insurance company – Your interests and those of the other person’s insurance
    company are in conflict.  Your interests may also be in conflict with your own insurance company.  Even if you are not sure
    who is at fault, you should contact your own insurance company and advise the company of the incident to protect your
    insurance coverage.

    4.  There is a time limit to file an insurance claim – Legal rights, including filing a lawsuit, are subject to time limits.  You
    should ask what time limits apply to your claim.  You may need to act immediately to protect your rights.
      
    5.  Get it in writing – You may want to request that any offer of settlement from anyone be put in writing, including a written
    explanation of the type of damages which they are willing to cover.

    6.  Legal assistance may be appropriate – You may consult with an attorney before you sign any document or release of
    claims.  A release may cut off all future rights against others, obligate you to repay past medical bills or disability benefits, or
    jeopardize future benefits.  If your interests conflict with your own insurance company, you always have the right to discuss
    the matter with an attorney of your choice, which may be at your own expense.

    7.  How to find an attorney – If you need professional advice about a legal problem but do not know an attorney, you may wish
    to check with relatives, friends, neighbors, your employer, or co-workers who may be able to recommend an attorney.  Your
    local bar association may have a lawyer referral service that can be found in the Yellow Pages or on the Internet.

    8.  Check a lawyer’s qualifications – Before hiring any lawyer, you have the right to know the lawyer’s background, training,
    and experience in dealing with cases similar to yours.

    9.  How much will it cost? – In deciding whether to hire a particular lawyer, you should discuss costs, and the lawyer’s written
    fee agreement should reflect:
    a.  How is the lawyer to be paid?  If you already have a settlement offer, how will that affect a contingent fee arrangement?

    b.  How are the expenses involved in your case, such as telephone calls, deposition costs, and fees for expert witnesses,  
    to  be  paid?  Will these costs be advanced by the lawyer or charged to you as they are incurred?  Since you are obligated to
    pay all expenses even if you lose your case, how will payment be arranged?

    c.  Who will handle your case?  If the case goes to trial, who will be the trial attorney?
    This information is not intended as a complete description of your legal rights, but as a checklist of some of the important
    issues you should consider.

    *THE SUPREME COURT OF OHIO, WHICH GOVERNS THE CONDUCT OF LAWYERS IN THE STATE OF OHIO, NEITHER PROMOTES NOR
    PROHIBITS THE DIRECT SOLICITATION FOR PERSONAL INJURY VICTIMS.  THE COURT DOES REQUIRE THAT, IF SUCH A
    SOLICITATION IS MADE, IT MUST INCLUDE THE ABOVE DISCLOSURE.