Strong Advocacy For Victims And Families After A Car Accident
An auto accident can happen anytime, anywhere in central Ohio. While many collisions are minor fender benders in which both parties walk away relatively unharmed, this doesn’t always happen in every case. Some forms of negligence can cause catastrophic accidents that leave victims suffering from serious to debilitating injuries or, worse, fatal injuries that leave their loved ones grieving.
At DWS Law - Dittmer, Wagoner & Steele, our attorneys understand the pain and suffering victims and their families go through immediately after a car accident as well as the anxiety most feel when handling the huge financial burden placed on their shoulders. We use years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury claims as well as our deep understanding of Ohio personal injury laws to ensure that our clients get justice as well as the compensation they need after a serious or deadly accident.
The Cost Of Negligence
Many forms of negligence can lead to serious or fatal accidents, including:
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Drunk driving
- Fatigued driving
- Reckless or careless driving
- Not checking blind spots
- Speeding
- Improper load balance
- Trucking company negligence
- Dangerous vehicle designs
- Defective tires and automotive parts
- Unsafe roads
While cuts, bruises, broken bones and fractures are common types of injuries suffered in most collisions, crashes involving multiple vehicles, rollovers and head-on strikes can result in catastrophic injuries – such as spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, amputations and burn injuries – or fatal injuries resulting in wrongful death.
Representation You Can Rely On After Any Crash
The lawyers at DWS Law - Dittmer, Wagoner & Steele are known for providing immediate legal counsel to victims after any type of motor vehicle accident, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
- Bus accidents
- Mass transit accidents
- Pedestrian strikes
- Bicycle accidents
We work quickly after an accident to resolve injury claims so victims can handle their financial needs in a timely manner and get back to what’s important: focusing on their recovery. We will be thorough in our review of your case and take everything into consideration so we can determine both the best course of action to take in your case as well as how much compensation you deserve.
Want to know what to expect after you file a claim? We can walk you through the personal injury claims process during a free 30-minute consultation or at any point during our representation. You may also check out our comprehensive guide that outlines what to expect after you decide to take legal action against a negligent party.
Frequently Asked Questions
After a car accident, it is normal to have questions about compensation and your legal options. Ohio personal injury law gives injured drivers and passengers an opportunity to file a claim, but the process can feel confusing and overwhelming. The answers below help explain some of the most common concerns crash victims have after a collision.
I was partially at fault for a car crash; can I still recover compensation?
Yes, you can. Even if you bear some responsibility for a car accident in Ohio, you may still get compensated if your fault is 50% or under. Ohio follows a “modified comparative negligence” tort rule, which means your percentage of fault reduces your recovery. For example, if your damages are $60,000 and the court finds you 40% at fault, you could still recover $24,000.
However, if the court finds you 51% or more at fault, the law bars you from recovering compensation from the other party.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Ohio?
In Ohio, the timeline to file a car accident claim is two years from the date of the crash. This statute of limitations applies to most personal injury cases arising from motor vehicle accidents. If you miss this legal deadline, the court will usually dismiss your claim, and you may lose your right to recover damages.
There can be exceptions in limited situations, so it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What types of compensation can I receive after a serious auto accident in Ohio?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These often include economic damages such as medical bills, future medical care, lost income, reduced earning capacity and property damage. If your injuries prevent you from returning to work, you may also seek compensation for future lost income.
You may also recover noneconomic damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages can be significant if the car accident caused permanent injuries that result in life-altering consequences.
Why should I hire a lawyer instead of settling with the insurance company after a car accident?
Settling too quickly without legal guidance can leave you with far less than what you need for medical expenses, lost income and long-term recovery. Hiring a lawyer can make a major difference because insurance companies focus on paying claimants as little as possible.
For instance, a personal injury lawyer can help investigate the crash, gather evidence, determine fault, calculate the full value of your claim and handle negotiations with the insurer. If the insurance company offers you a low settlement or tries to blame you unfairly, your lawyer can push back and protect your rights.
Get An Attorney You Can Count On And Representation You Can Trust
Our top concern after any motor vehicle accident is ensuring that justice is served. We do this by putting more than 130 years of combined legal experience to work, taking everything into consideration to get the full story. Let us put our skill, hard work and determination to work for you.
Contact our Gahanna office today by calling 866-274-1842 or by sending us an email outlining your case and needs. During your free consultation, we can inform you about your rights and legal options for compensation.