Napoleon Car Accident Lawyer

Nobody expects to get hurt in a serious car accident. However, motor vehicle accidents happen much more frequently than most of us would like to think, and serious or life-threatening injuries can result from these collisions. Whether you are driving on local roads in Napoleon or are commuting to and from Toledo for work on I-75, it is important to be aware of the serious risks of traffic crashes and to take preventive measures. When a collision does happen, you should know that injury victims have rights. You can file a car accident claim to hold the responsible party accountable for your damages.

By filing a car accident claim, you can seek financial compensation for your injuries, including payment for your hospital bills, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. An experienced Ohio car accident lawyer can get started on your case today.

LEARNING MORE ABOUT NAPOLEON MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

How often do auto accidents occur in Napoleon, Ohio? What are some of the most frequent causes of local crashes? The following are Ohio traffic crash facts from 2016 that are provided by the Ohio State Highway Patrol:

• 1,054 fatal injury crashes occurred;
• More than 77,500 injury collisions happened;
• Property damage crashes (not involving bodily injury) totaled more than 227,000;
• Of the total injury crashes, more than 9,200 were classified as incapacitating injuries;
• Nearly 12,000 crashes were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers;
• Almost 504,000 passenger vehicles were involved in accidents in Ohio in 2016;
• There were 4,342 motorcycles involved in collisions;
• Medium and heavy trucks were involved in 23,474 crashes;
• Non-motorists, such as pedestrians and bicyclists were involved in 4,707 collisions;
• Alcohol played a factor in 313 fatal injuries and in 5,076 crashes in which at least one person was injured;
• Around 2.9 fatal crashes occurred, on average, each day, while 3.1 persons, on average, were killed;
• Approximately 307 persons, on average, were injured every day in car crashes;
• More than 54 percent of drivers involved in crashes were male; and
• More than 66 percent of all reported collisions occurred during daylight hours.

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

COMMON INJURIES IN NAPOLEON, OHIO CAR ACCIDENTS

Motor vehicle crashes can cause many different types of injuries depending upon the nature of the collision. In some cases, injuries are minor and can be treated immediately by a physician. In other situations, plaintiffs have severe and debilitating injuries that can require months or even years of rehabilitation. As WebMD explains, whiplash is a common injury in rear-end accidents, and it can be difficult to recognize the severity of the injury without visiting a healthcare provider. Other common types of injuries in motor vehicle accidents include but are not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other forms of head trauma;
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs);
• Neck injuries;
• Back injuries;
• Fractures and broken bones;
• Facial lacerations;
• Disfigurement;
• Bruises; and
• Internal injuries.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

CAUSES OF MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES IN NAPOLEON, OHIO

Why do motor vehicle crashes occur in Napoleon, and who can be held liable for a collision? According to a report from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the following are among the most common causes of collisions:

• Distracted driving;
• Drowsy driving;
• Impaired driving; and
• Aggressive driving.

When a collision occurs, who is responsible? There are many different parties who can be held liable when a crash happens, depending upon the cause of the accident. Examples include:

• Negligent driver of the other vehicle;
• Owner of the vehicle;
• Bicyclist or pedestrian whose negligence played a role in the collision;
• Party responsible for maintaining the roads or parking lot where the crash occurred;
• Employer of the negligent driver;
• Party responsible for maintaining the vehicle; and/or
• Designer or manufacturer of a defective automobile part.

TYPES OF DAMAGES IN NAPOLEON, OHIO TRAFFIC COLLISION CLAIMS

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

When you file a car accident claim in Napoleon, what kinds of damages can you be eligible to receive? Generally speaking, plaintiffs can be eligible under Ohio law for two types of compensatory damages:

• Economic damages: this type of damage award provides compensation for economic losses, which can include lost wages, medical care or treatment costs, rehabilitative services, products or accommodations required as a result of the injury, and any other direct costs incurred because of the injury (aside from attorney’s fees).
• Noneconomic damages: this type of damage award provides compensation for non-economic losses, which can include pain and suffering, loss of companionship or consortium, loss of advice or guidance, disfigurement, mental anguish, and other losses that are not linked to direct economic costs.

In some cases, punitive or exemplary damages under Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Section 2315.21) may be appropriate. Punitive damages punish a defendant for particularly harmful wrongdoing. While they are uncommon in car accident claims, you should speak with a Napoleon car accident lawyer about the details of your case and the types of damages you may be eligible to receive.

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UNDERSTANDING COMPARATIVE FAULT AND OHIO LAW

What happens if a plaintiff files a car accident claim in Napoleon but also bears some of the responsibility for the crash? Ohio follows a theory known as “modified comparative fault,” or contributory fault. Under Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Section 2315.33), a plaintiff can recover damages even if she is partially to blame for a crash as long as she is not 51 percent or more to blame. In other words, if the plaintiff is 50 percent (or less) responsible, she can still recover damages. However, the plaintiff’s damages award will be diminished by the proportion of her negligence.

For instance, if a plaintiff is 40 percent to blame and received an initial damages award of $100,000, then that award will be reduced by 40 percent (or $40,000). In this scenario, the plaintiff would ultimately receive a damages award of $60,000.

CONTACT AN OHIO CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

Were you recently injured in a car accident in Ohio? Was a family member seriously injured in a traffic collision caused by a negligent driver?

A car accident lawyer in Napoleon can assist you. Contact Groth & Associates to discuss your options for seeking financial compensation.

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