Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer

One of the most traumatizing experiences we all have to face at some point in our lives is a car wreck. Often, there is little to no damage to either vehicle, and none of the occupants are injured. On the other end of the spectrum, lives are lost or victims are taken away by ambulance, never to walk again. Disabling injuries, permanent scarring or disfigurement, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries happen all too often on Cleveland roads and across the U.S.

In fact, serious car collisions are increasing at a disturbing rate. If you were injured in a car collision, or a family member lost their life, do not hesitate to contact an attorney as soon as you can. Our attorneys take care of all of the legal work for our clients so that they can rest and recover from their injuries with peace of mind. Contact the compassionate personal injury attorneys of Groth & Associates today for help.

WHAT YOU CAN RECEIVE IN FINANCIAL COMPENSATION

When a negligent party is held responsible for the damages they cause, it is most often their auto insurance company that ends up paying for your lost wages and other costs, as most people do not have the type of funds available to cover expensive medical bills and pain and suffering. However, even if the negligent party is not insured or insufficiently insured, we will proceed with legal actions to make you and your family as whole as possible. Car collision victims can be compensated for the following:

• Pain and suffering;
• Scarring;
• Disfigurement;
• Medical bills and future medical costs;
• Property damage;
• Loss of enjoyment in life;
• Loss of a companion or parent (when death results);
• Lost wages; and
• More, depending on the type of injury, whether a death was involved, and the extent of other damages.
  

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

OHIO TRAFFIC FATALITIES ROSE 12 PERCENT FROM 2013 TO 2015, LARGELY DUE TO DISTRACTED DRIVING

WHILE PERSONAL INJURIES ARE OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ACCIDENTS, THEY ARE OFTEN THE RESULT OF ANOTHER PERSON’S RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT CONDUCT.

In 2013, there were 990 traffic fatalities within Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. In 2015, that number rose to 1,110, representing a 12 percent increase in just two years. Many of those fatalities were non-occupants, such as pedestrians and bicyclists, and most vehicle occupants who died were wearing seatbelts. Even a higher percentage of people who died in 2015 were wearing seatbelts than those who died in 2013, meaning that lack of seatbelt use is not responsible for the rise in traffic fatalities. Many authorities have issued statements that the rise in Ohio traffic fatalities, as well as fatality rates nationwide, have occurred due to an improved economy and cheap price of fuel, putting more cars and trucks out on the roads. But when analyzing the numbers, this does not fully explain the rise that 2015 and 2016 saw. To account for the large rise in traffic deaths, driver behavior needs to be taken into account. More and more Ohio and other U.S. drivers are paying less attention to what is beyond the steering wheel, and more to the phone in their lap or at their ear. Distracted driving is killing tens of thousands of people each year and is becoming a major epidemic. If you were injured by a distracted driver, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to receive financial compensation. Common types of distracted driving are listed below:

• Texting;
• Talking on the phone, either hand-held or via  hands-free device;
• Using a phone to access email, facebook, or to take pictures or view videos or other online content;
• Using GPS or a phone to look at directions;
• Passengers (the more people that are in the car, the more difficult it is for the driver to pay attention, which results in higher crash rates);
• Children (looking in the backseat at children, reaching to attend to them, or becoming distracted by loud crying, shouting, or conversation is a common hurdle for parents while driving);
• Eating;
• Applying makeup
• Changing the radio station or music on a cell phone or other electronic device;
• Reaching for items; and
• Drinking coffee or other beverages.

When a driver gets behind the wheel of a moving vehicle, they must obey the rules of the road at all times. An “accident,” such as answering a text and in doing so, swerving into the bike lane or oncoming traffic, can take another’s life in a matter of seconds. While unintentional, the driver responsible for causing harm to another or their property must be held accountable for civil compensation and criminal charges.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

WHAT TO DO AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC COLLISION

The most important step to take after a traffic collision is to ensure the safety of yourself, your occupants, and other people involved in the collision. Call 911 immediately and provide any medical attention you are equipped to give. However, only move an unconscious person, or someone who is complaining of a head, back, or neck injury, if they are in immediate danger (such as within a flammable car or dangerously exposed in traffic).

The next important step to take is to gather any evidence that you can, such as photos and eyewitness contact information. Seek medical attention at once and call an attorney as soon as you are able to. Time is of the essence, and the collection of evidence at the scene of the crash and the swift initiation of legal work can go a long way in reaching a financially beneficial outcome.

CALL OUR CLEVELAND LAW OFFICES TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE AND A FREE CONSULTATION

The statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Ohio is two years, according to Ohio statute 2305.10. While that seems like a long time and there is no rush, the legal work needed to file a competent lawsuit takes considerable time, effort, and resources. The attorneys of Groth & Associates

are experienced in coming to very agreeable settlements out of court, as well as taking the liable party to court and winning large lawsuits. However, the time to act is now. Contact the Cleveland, Ohio auto collision and personal injury attorneys of Groth & Associates today.

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