Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyer

It may not surprise you to learn that car accidents are among the top causes of death and disability in the US, but statistics reveal the extent of the problem in Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OHP), there are 64,000 car accidents every year statewide, leading to more than 500 deaths and almost 18,000 injured victims. The total crashes in Hamilton County alone is around 31,700, meaning almost half of all collisions in Ohio occur in this region. The lives of victims and their families are changed forever, with implications that extend far beyond the physical pain. Financial and emotional considerations can lead to significant long-term losses.

If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a car accident, it is reassuring to know that Ohio personal injury laws provide you with options. Our team at Groth & Associates can assist with your legal remedies, which include pursuing the at-fault driver to recover compensation for your losses. Our Cincinnati car accident lawyers have years of combined experience representing injured victims, so we are prepared to fight for you in settlement negotiations and in court. Please contact our office to set up a free consultation, and check out some important background information.

OVERVIEW OF OHIO AUTO CRASH LAWS

Though there are many different reasons vehicle collisions happen, the underlying cause of most car accidents is driver negligence. The term may refer to carelessness in general usage, but negligence is a specific legal concept of liability. To recover compensation, you must prove the essential elements: You must show that the other motorist had a duty to drive safely, an obligation that applies to all individuals who use Ohio roadways; You need to prove that the other driver breached this legal duty through careless acts behind the wheel; You have to establish a causal connection between the breach of duty, such that the accident would not have occurred but for the breach; and You must show that you suffered losses because of your injuries. In addition, though it is not an element of a car accident case, you must still comply with the state’s statute of limitations. Victims have two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit in court.

For a free legal consultation with a car accident lawyer serving Cincinnati, call (419) 930-3030

EXAMPLES OF DRIVER NEGLIGENCE

It may be easier to understand how negligence works in an auto crash claim if you review the various ways a driver may breach the legal duty of care. Some examples of negligent acts include:

• Speeding in excess of the posted limit or driving too fast for conditions;
• Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
• Failure to yield right of way;
• Improper turns;
• Running red lights or stop signs;
• Disobeying other signage and traffic controls;
• Texting, talking on the phone, and related cell phone use; and
• Other forms of distracted driving, such as eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio.

Note that negligence is measured according to the reasonableness standard, i.e., what a reasonably prudent driver would have done under similar circumstances.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

STEPS IN THE LEGAL PROCESS

Though our Cincinnati car accident attorneys will handle all essential tasks, you should be aware of how the claims process works after a collision. Because Ohio drivers are required to carry auto insurance, your first step is filing a claim with the at-fault motorist’s insurer. In some cases, it is possible to negotiate a settlement and agree to compensation out of court.

However, even when you think your evidence is clear on the four elements described above, dealing with an insurance company can be challenging. As a for-profit business, the insurer will protect its own bottom line and put your interests as a lower priority. The claims adjuster may deny your claim or make a lowball counteroffer to settle, such as by:

• Contesting the severity of your injuries;
• Claiming your injuries are the result of a pre-existing condition; or
• Blaming you for the auto crash.

If the insurer refuses to pay fair, reasonable compensation for your losses, Groth & Associates is ready to take your case to court. We are skilled at all stages of the trial process, including:

• Drafting the complaint to initiate litigation;
• Raising and defending motions;
• Attending court for routine appearances, hearings, and status conferences;
• Advising you during court-ordered mediation;
• Conducting discovery and depositions; and
• Representing you during a trial on the merits.

LEGAL HELP WITH CAR ACCIDENT COMPENSATION

Whether we are negotiating a settlement with an insurance company or fighting on your behalf in court, our goal at Groth & Associates is to ensure you receive the highest monetary damages allowed by law. Our Cincinnati car accident lawyers will seek compensation for:

• Economic Losses: When your damages are definable and can be proved by receipts or other documentation, they are considered economic in nature. This category of compensation includes medical costs for surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, and other expenses for treatment; for serious injuries and permanent disability, you may also be able to recover amounts for future medical care and long-term medical needs. In addition, economic losses include the lost wages you incur if you miss work because of being injured.
• Non-economic Losses: Some implications of car accident injuries cannot be put into a dollar figure, but you most definitely suffer personal, subjective losses. Noneconomic damages may include:
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Emotional distress;
  • Scarring and disfigurement;
  • Implications for how your injuries affect your personal relationships;
  • Losses based upon the diminished quality of life; and
  • Many more.

Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now

COUNT ON OUR CINCINNATI CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS FOR LEGAL HELP

As you can see from this overview, seeking compensation for auto crash injuries is more complicated than you might expect. You put your rights at risk unless you have a legal background, especially at a time when you should be recovering from your injuries. Our team at Groth & Associates is ready to tackle the necessary tasks associated with your claim, so please contact us now to schedule a no-cost case review. After assessing your unique circumstances, a Cincinnati car accident lawyer can advise you on your rights and remedies.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form