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Ohio Fatal Accident Lawyers

Legal help from our Ohio fatal accident attorneys after losing a loved one in an accident

Experiencing the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident is a devastating and life-altering event. In addition to the profound emotional toll, surviving family members often face unexpected financial burdens – from medical expenses to funeral costs and the loss of future income. At Crandall & Pera Law, our Ohio fatal accident lawyers understand the immense pain and challenges that come with such a tragedy. Our compassionate and skilled attorneys are dedicated to providing the support and legal guidance needed during this difficult time.

Navigating the legal complexities of a wrongful death claim can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. We are committed to seeking justice and fair compensation for families affected by fatal accidents. Our team will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident, identify liable parties, and work tirelessly to ensure that your family's rights are protected. By holding responsible parties accountable, we aim to bring a sense of closure and financial stability to those left behind.

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What types of fatal car accidents do your Ohio lawyers handle?

Our Ohio lawyers handle various types of fatal car accident cases, including:

Head-on collisions: Accidents where two vehicles collide front-to-front, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities due to the high impact.
Rear-end collisions: Fatalities caused by one vehicle crashing into the back of another, especially at high speeds or involving large vehicles like trucks.
Broadside accidents: Also known as T-bone or side-impact collisions, these occur when one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections.
Rollover accidents: Fatal crashes where a vehicle flips over onto its side or roof, frequently involving SUVs or trucks.
Multi-vehicle pileups: Accidents involving multiple vehicles lead to significant damage and a higher likelihood of fatalities.
Hit-and-run accidents: Fatalities resulting from accidents where the responsible driver flees the scene without offering aid or identifying themselves.
Drunk driving accidents: Fatal crashes caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, leading to impaired judgment and reaction times.
Distracted driving accidents: Fatalities due to drivers being distracted by activities like texting, eating, or using in-car technologies.
Speeding-related accidents: Crashes where excessive speed is a major factor, often leading to severe impacts and fatalities.
Pedestrian and cyclist accidents: Fatalities involving cars striking pedestrians or cyclists, often due to driver negligence or failure to yield.

Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate support and aggressive representation to families who have lost a loved one in any of these tragic circumstances.

How often do fatal car accidents happen?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports “42,514 deaths from motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2022. This corresponds to 12.8 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.33 deaths per 100 million miles traveled.”

Here in Ohio, in 2022, 1,275 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents. This is 10.8 deaths per 100,000 population and 1.15 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.

Who is liable for a fatal car accident in Ohio?

In Ohio, determining liability for a fatal car accident involves several factors and can be complex. Generally, the following parties may be considered liable:

The at-fault driver: The driver who caused the accident due to negligence, reckless driving, speeding, driving under the influence, or other traffic violations.
Vehicle owners: If the at-fault driver was operating a vehicle owned by someone else, the owner might be liable under certain circumstances, such as if they knowingly allowed an unqualified driver to use their vehicle.
Employers: If the at-fault driver was working at the time of the accident (e.g., a delivery driver), the employer might be held liable under the legal doctrine of "respondeat superior."
Manufacturers: If a vehicle defect or malfunction contributed to the accident, the vehicle or part manufacturer might be liable under product liability laws.
Government entities: If the accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or faulty traffic signals, a government entity responsible for road maintenance might be liable.
Other third parties: In some cases, other parties, such as bars or restaurants that served alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person who then caused an accident, might also be held liable under Ohio's dram shop laws.

Proving liability typically requires a thorough investigation, including gathering evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony. Our experienced Ohio personal injury attorneys can help navigate this process to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Ohio?

In Ohio, a wrongful death claim can be brought by the personal representative of the deceased person's estate. This is typically a close family member, such as a spouse, parent, or adult child, but it can also be another person appointed by the court if necessary. The wrongful death claim is filed on behalf of the surviving family members who have suffered damages due to the loss of their loved one. These family members, known as beneficiaries, can include:

Spouse: The surviving husband or wife of the deceased.
Children: The biological or legally adopted children of the deceased.
Parents: The biological or adoptive parents of the deceased.

Other dependents or beneficiaries who relied on the deceased person for financial or emotional support may also be eligible to receive compensation from a wrongful death claim. The compensation can cover various damages, such as loss of support, loss of companionship, funeral and burial expenses, and more. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys can provide guidance on the specific process and requirements for filing a wrongful death claim in Ohio.

What is the value of an Ohio fatal accident claim?

The value of an Ohio fatal accident claim can vary significantly depending on several factors. Some of the key considerations that influence the value include:

Economic damages: This includes quantifiable financial losses such as medical expenses incurred prior to death, funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased's expected income, and loss of benefits such as pension plans or health insurance.
Non-economic damages: These are more subjective and include compensation for pain and suffering experienced by the deceased prior to death, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and emotional distress experienced by surviving family members.
Loss of services: Compensation for the loss of household services the deceased provided, such as childcare, home maintenance, and other contributions.
Punitive damages: In cases where the at-fault party's conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
Circumstances of the accident: The specifics of the accident, including the degree of negligence or recklessness involved, can impact your claim's value.
Age and health of the deceased: The age, health, and life expectancy of the deceased at the time of death can influence the amount of compensation for lost income and other factors.
Surviving dependents: The number and needs of the deceased's dependents, such as minor children or elderly parents, can affect the claim's value.

Our experienced fatal accident attorneys can provide a more accurate estimate of your claim's value by thoroughly evaluating the details of the case and considering all relevant factors.

Compassionate Ohio fatal accident attorneys on your side

If you have lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Ohio, do not face the legal complexities alone—reach out to our dedicated team of experienced wrongful death attorneys today. We are committed to securing the justice and compensation your family deserves, guiding you through every step with compassion and expertise. Contact us now for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable and your family's future is protected. 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.