How Do I Protect My Rights?
First, the most important thing is to seek prompt medical attention and make sure that your injuries are properly treated.Second, call a trial lawyer. If you have a severe injury, it isn't fair for you to go alone against a trained insurance company professional. You can visit with a trial lawyer, usually in a free initial consultation, and decide if you injury case is severe enough that you need help. In some case, it may not be - and a good trial lawyer will tell you if you really need a lawyer or if you can handle it yourself. He or she may even give you suggestions about how you can make sure you are treated fairly if you do handle the matter yourself.The insurance companies want you to talk with them first -- before you talk with a lawyer. Ever wonder why? If the insurance company gets to you first, they may try to get you to accept less than you deserve. A trial lawyer won't. The trial lawyer's fee is based on your recovery. It is in the lawyer's best interest to make sure that your claim is resolved for every cent you are legally entitled to recover. It is an insurance adjuster's job to settle your claim as cheaply as he can. Who do you think is going to be more fair to you?

What Does A Trial Lawyer Do?
Trial Lawyers represent people and small business owners in litigation (trial) matters. Trial Lawyers refuse to represent insurance companies and other big businesses.

How Do I Find A Good Trial Lawyer?
Ask your friends, family and associates if they know a good trial lawyer. If not, look at advertising for lawyers and start interviewing. Exercise some caution, and avoid lawyers who do lots of advertising but who do not litigate cases (that is, take cases to trial). Ask each lawyer about his/her education, training and experience, including litigation experience. Ask them how many cases, that are similar to your case, they have handled. Choose a lawyer who you are comfortable with.

Attorney Profile
Daniel K. Boda
Daniel K. Boda began his legal career in 1975 as a sole practitioner in Columbus. Four years later he merged his trial practice with Mitchell, Allen and Catalano, forming the current law firm. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Ashland University in 1972 and his law degree from The Ohio State University in 1974.

Dan grew up in Dayton and has tried lawsuits for the past 30 years in many Ohio counties, as well as the Federal District Court and in other states. He has taught courses in the area of trial practice and is a member of the American Trial Lawyer's Association, the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American Bar Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association. Dan serves on the Upper Arlington Library Board and is active in community affairs. He and his family live in Columbus.