Akron Car Accident Lawyer

Who Is Liable in an Ohio Car Accident?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, various parties could be liable for your injuries. Our car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the incident to identify all liable parties so you can seek the compensation you deserve. Parties who may be liable in your case include:

• The driver of the vehicle that caused the accident
• The owner of the vehicle that caused the accident
• The employer of the commercial vehicle driver that caused the accident
• The vehicle manufacturer if a defective part contributed to the accident
• The vehicle maintenance provider if poor maintenance contributed to the accident
• The government entity responsible for maintaining the road

Common Injuries in Car Accidents

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), car crashes are one of the leading causes of personal injury in the United States. Depending on the type of collision, the speed the accident occurred, and other factors, a traffic collision can result in catastrophic injuries for the victims such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Internal bleeding and organ damage

If you’ve suffered any injury in a car crash, contact our Akron personal injury attorneys for a free case review.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Ohio

Some of the most common causes of car accidents in Ohio include:

• Speeding – Speeding is one of the leading contributing factors to car accidents. It makes accidents more likely and worsens the injuries suffered in them.
• Intoxicated Driving – The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Ohio is 0.08 percent. Drivers near or above this limit may be too impaired to drive safely.
• Reckless Driving – Drivers who ignore stop signs and traffic signals, change lanes without signaling, and engage in other reckless behavior increase their chances of a crash.
• Failure to Yield – Failing to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic when turning left or onto a major road can result in T-bone and rear-end collisions.
• Distracted Driving – Along with speeding, distracted driving is a leading contributing factor in car accidents, especially among young drivers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Car Accidents

What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident?

The moments after a collision can be disorienting. If possible, you should:

• Make sure everyone is safe – If you can, check your passengers and the occupants of the other vehicle(s) for injuries. Call 911 if you or someone else appears hurt.
• Call the police– If no one needs medical help, contact the Akron Police Department (or the state police if the accident occurs on the highway or interstate). An officer may respond to the accident scene and prepare a police report. Get a copy of the report later. Your insurance company may request it before starting the claims process.
• Take photos – Use your cell phone to photograph damage to your car and the other vehicles involved in the accident.
• Talk to bystanders – Ask eyewitnesses for their contact information and to provide a brief statement about what they saw.
• Get the other driver’s name and insurance information – You need insurance and contact information from every driver involved in the crash in case you need to file a personal injury claim later.
• Contact an Akron personal injury lawyer – Speak with an experienced attorney who can handle all necessary communication, gather proof of fault, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Yes. See a doctor as soon as possible after a motor vehicle accident, even if you feel unhurt or do not have any visible injuries. Many car accident injuries take days or even weeks before they cause pain, discomfort, or other noticeable symptoms. However, a doctor can examine you after a collision to identify and treat injuries you may have sustained before they begin causing you pain.

Another reason to seek timely medical care is to protect your right to maximum compensation. Waiting to see a doctor may jeopardize the financial recovery you could receive in your car accident claim. An extended period between the time of the collision and the start of medical treatment may give an at-fault driver or insurance company a basis to argue that your injuries are not crash-related.

Should I Move My Car After an Accident?

Yes. Move your car off the road if you can drive it safely. Move to a nearby parking lot or as far onto the shoulder as possible to keep out of the way of traffic. Leaving your vehicle in the path of oncoming traffic may put you at risk of a secondary collision.

How Our Car Accident Attorneys Prove Fault in Ohio

One of the first pieces of evidence that will be considered is the accident report completed by the responding officer. This report contains the officer’s opinion on who is primarily at fault for the accident. However, this determination is far from binding.

Additionally, the personal injury lawyers of all parties involved, and the insurance companies will conduct their investigations into the incident. They will consider the following evidence:

• Photos of the scene showing skid marks, debris, etc.
• Videos are taken from traffic cameras, dashcams, and security cameras
• Eyewitness testimony
• Post-accident diagnostic reports completed by mechanics
• Accident reconstruction models

An experienced accident attorney can conduct a detailed investigation of the case to gather proof of fault, calculate your total losses, and fight to demand the damages and compensation you’re entitled to.

How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio?

Ohio’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a suit. This is your time limit for securing financial compensation. Also, filing a car accident claim can also be time-consuming, and starting early is generally advisable.

However, insurance companies may try to pressure you into believing that you have less time to get you to accept a quick “lowball” settlement offer. Remember that whatever they offer you is almost certainly less than you deserve.