Free Case Evaluation
Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Legal help from our Ohio car accident attorneys
Car accidents can have a profound effect on victims and their families, often leading to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. In Ohio, the bustling roads and highways see a high volume of traffic, increasing the likelihood of collisions. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or adverse weather conditions, car accidents can disrupt lives in an instant. Victims may face extensive medical treatment, lost wages, and ongoing pain and suffering, making it crucial to have knowledgeable legal representation to navigate the complexities of personal injury claims.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal support to car accident victims in Ohio. Our experienced attorneys understand the challenges you face and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve. We meticulously investigate each case, working with experts to build a strong claim and ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of the legal process, allowing you to focus on recovery while we handle the pursuit of your rightful compensation. With our resources and dedication, you can trust us to be your advocate every step of the way.
Free Case Evaluation
How many car accidents happen in Ohio?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports 1,275 fatal motor vehicle accidents in Ohio in 2022. This is 1.15 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Out of these deaths, 459 fatal accidents involved occupants of cars.
What types of car accident cases does your Ohio firm handle?
Our Ohio personal injury law firm handles a wide range of car accident cases, providing comprehensive legal support to victims of various types of collisions. Some of the car accident cases we handle include:
- Rear-end collisions: These common accidents often result from distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden stops, leading to severe soft tissue injuries.
- Head-on collisions: Among the most devastating types of accidents, head-on collisions can result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, often caused by wrong-way driving or lane departures.
- Broadside collisions: These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, commonly at intersections, and can cause significant injuries to occupants, especially those on the impacted side.
- Multi-car collisions: Chain-reaction accidents involving multiple vehicles can result in complex liability issues and severe injuries, requiring thorough investigation to determine fault.
- Hit-and-run accidents: When a driver leaves the scene of an accident, victims are left to deal with injuries and damages on their own. We work to identify the responsible party and pursue compensation.
- Drunk driving accidents: Collisions caused by impaired drivers often result in serious injuries and are entirely preventable. We hold negligent drivers accountable for their reckless behavior.
- Distracted driving accidents: Accidents resulting from texting, phone use, or other distractions can cause significant harm. We advocate for victims to ensure they receive fair compensation.
- Rollover accidents: These accidents often involve SUVs or trucks and can result in severe injuries due to the vehicle overturning. We investigate the cause and pursue claims against liable parties.
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: Motorists failing to yield or pay attention can cause devastating injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. We fight for the rights of these vulnerable road users.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents: When the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage, we help victims navigate their own insurance policies to secure the compensation they need.
- Fatal accidents: In some tragic cases, the car’s occupants do not survive the crash. We can help the family file a wrongful death lawsuit.
At Crandall & Pera Law, we are dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation for all types of car accident cases, ensuring our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why do Ohio car accidents happen?
Car accidents can occur due to various reasons, often involving human error, environmental conditions, and other contributing factors. Some common causes of car accidents in Ohio include:
- Distracted driving: One of the leading causes of accidents nationwide, distracted driving involves activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving, diverting attention from the road.
- Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limits or driving too fast for road conditions reduces a driver's ability to react to hazards and increases the severity of accidents.
- Impaired driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, making it a major contributor to accidents.
- Reckless or aggressive driving: Behaviors such as tailgating, improper lane changes, weaving through traffic, and road rage can lead to collisions, endangering both drivers and passengers.
- Weather conditions: Ohio experiences a range of weather conditions throughout the year, including rain, snow, ice, and fog, which can reduce visibility and create slick road surfaces, contributing to accidents.
- Failure to yield right of way: Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield at intersections, merge lanes improperly, or ignore traffic signals and signs.
- Fatigue: Driving while tired or drowsy can impair a person's ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions and increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Inexperienced drivers: Lack of experience, particularly among young or newly licensed drivers, can lead to errors in judgment and poor decision-making on the road.
- Poor road conditions: Roads that are poorly maintained, have potholes, or lack proper signage can contribute to accidents, especially when combined with adverse weather conditions.
- Vehicle defects or malfunctions: Mechanical failures such as brake failure, tire blowouts, or steering issues can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in accidents.
No matter how your accident and injuries happened, the team at Crandall & Pera Law stands ready to help you seek the compensation you are owed.
Who is liable for my Ohio car accident and injuries?
In Ohio, liability for a car accident and resulting injuries typically rests with the party or parties determined to be at fault for causing the collision. Several factors are considered in determining liability:
- Negligent drivers: If another driver's negligence caused the accident — such as speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield — they may be held liable for damages.
- Vehicle owners: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, such as a company car or a borrowed vehicle, the owner of the vehicle may also be held liable under certain circumstances.
- Employers: If the accident occurred while the at-fault driver was performing job-related duties, their employer might be held liable under principles of vicarious liability or for negligence in hiring, training, or supervising the driver.
- Government entities: If the accident was caused by a dangerous road condition, improper signage, or other issues related to road maintenance, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be liable.
- Manufacturers: In cases where a vehicle defect or malfunction contributed to the accident, such as faulty brakes or tires, the manufacturer or distributor of the defective part may be held liable through a product liability claim.
- Bars and restaurants: Under Ohio's dram shop laws, establishments that serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals who later cause accidents may be held liable for damages resulting from the drunk driver's actions.
Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and possibly expert testimony. Our experienced Ohio car accident lawyers can assess your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.
What is the value of my Ohio car accident case?
The value of your Ohio car accident case depends on several factors that are unique to your situation. Here are some key factors that influence the potential value of a car accident case:
- The extent of injuries: The severity and nature of your injuries play a significant role in determining the value of your case. More severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, surgery, and rehabilitation and result in long-term or permanent disability often lead to higher compensation.
- Medical expenses: You are entitled to compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, including hospital bills, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and future medical care that may be necessary.
- Lost income and earning capacity: If your injuries have caused you to miss work or have affected your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and loss of future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical pain and emotional suffering you have endured as a result of the accident and your injuries. This includes both past and future pain and suffering.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged in the accident.
- Permanent disability or disfigurement: If the accident has resulted in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation for the impact on your quality of life and future opportunities.
- Insurance coverage: The insurance policies of the at-fault party and your own insurance coverage (such as underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage) will also impact the potential compensation available.
- Comparative fault: Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you were partially at fault for the accident. If you are found to be more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages.
To accurately assess the value of your car accident case, it is important to consult with the experienced personal injury attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law. We can evaluate the specific details of your case, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Dedicated Ohio car accident attorneys protecting your rights
A qualified Ohio auto accident attorney at Crandall & Pera Law can help by being the point of contact between you and all other parties, including other drivers’ insurance companies and claims adjusters, and by overseeing the collection and evaluation of all the medical information and investigative reports necessary for your claim. Please call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a no-obligation consultation. We have five Ohio law offices located in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chesterland, and Chagrin Falls.