Ohio Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys

Do I Need An Accident Lawyer?

Motor vehicle accidents can lead to severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries. In an instant, accident victims’ lives can suddenly be turned upside down. Finding the right Ohio motor vehicle accident lawyer can make all the difference in making sure your legal rights are protected at every turn possible.

If you were in a motor vehicle accident, you might be facing bills for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related expenses. Your ability to continue working or tackle day-to-day tasks may also be put at risk. These are expenses you should not be left to cover on your own.

At Clark, Perdue & List, we have the skills and legal resources to hold negligent parties responsible for their actions. We are committed to helping you always obtain a full financial recovery while protecting your best interests. Contact our law firm today to meet with a highly skilled Ohio motor vehicle accident lawyer. We have handled thousands of motor vehicle accident cases.

Ohio Motor Vehicle Accidents

• According to the Association For Safe International Road Travel, over 2 million people are injured or killed in the US every year due to automobile accidents. Road crashes cost the US $230 Billion per year – that’s $820 per person!
• In Ohio alone, there are over 65,000 crashes every year. There were 1,057 traffic fatalities in 2018. So far, in 2019, there have been 455 traffic deaths.
• In 2017, 18,832 people were injured in motor vehicle accidents in the state of Ohio.

When in an accident, the individual at fault isn’t always apparent. Even if the person at-fault is determined, some insurance companies try to avoid covering the costs they are responsible for. Even though accidents are common, every case can be extremely complex, which is why it is so important to consult with an attorney after a car accident.

 Common Types of Ohio Auto Accidents And Statistics

There are many types of motor vehicle accidents in Ohio. Every type of accident carries unique challenges, which is why an experienced accident attorney is vital. Police investigations, insurance investigations, and arbitration can quickly make your case confusing and overwhelming. We are here to help with our many years’ experience.

Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents can carry unique challenges. For instance, the drivers may be insured by the business they work for. They can also be the costliest due to the amount of damage a heavy truck can produce.

• In 2017 there were 117 heavy truck-related fatalities in Ohio. If you were involved in a truck accident, contact a lawyer immediately.

Motorcycle Accidents

From 2013-2017 there were 793 motorcycle accident fatalities. Motorcycle accidents can turn into expensive bodily injury cases. Even a moment of distraction or negligence can have lifelong consequences for a motorcycle victim. If the negligent party is underinsured, this can make matters even more complicated. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, our attorneys can help you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to for your damages. You should never have to cover the cost of another’s negligence.

Drunk Driving

Drunk driving or OVIs (operating a vehicle under the influence) are by far one of the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. Drunk driving kills thousands every year. On average, there is nearly 1 fatal OVI crash every single day in Ohio. From 2013-2017, there were 1,961 OVI-related deaths in Ohio. Typically, an OVI is charged for driving with a BAC of .08 or higher. If involved in an accident, a person can actually be charged with an OVI with a BAC lower than that. If you suspect you were involved in a drunk driving accident, its vital to get legal assistance quickly before evidence is lost. In serious bodily harm accidents, drivers involved can be submitted to blood tests for alcohol or other drugs.

Distracted Driving

• In 2017, 3,166 people were killed due to distracted driving in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 9% of crashes are distraction-related.

Accidents caused by distracted driving can sometimes be challenging to prove. An investigation may be necessary to discover if the party at fault may have sent or received a text at the time of the accident or if they were speaking on the phone at the time of the crash. Having an experienced attorney can help you determine the next steps and prove negligence.

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorists

• The latest study by the Insurance Research Council found that 13% of US motorists (about 1 in 8) are uninsured. In Ohio, that number is about 12.2%.

To combat this problem, 20 states and the District and of Columbia have laws in place requiring drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage in the event they are in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist. Ohio is not one of those states. It’s essential to understand what your insurance covers. If you are injured by an uninsured driver, you can get stuck with the bill. That said, there are still ways to get reimbursed, and our experienced accident attorneys can help you get justice. Check out our article about car insurance to learn more.

Pedestrian Accidents

In 2017, 145 pedestrians were killed in Ohio by automobiles. Pedestrian accidents can be tragic and costly due to the likelihood of serious bodily injury. Life can change in an instant for a pedestrian unexpectedly struck by a vehicle. If you were hit by a car, our attorneys could help determine the next steps. Even if you were not in a crosswalk or had the right of way, the driver can be found partially at fault. It is always imperative to seek legal advice if you were injured in an accident. Pedestrian accident victims can recover damages for hospital and medical expenses, past, and future lost earnings, past and future permanent physical disability and on-going care; emotional distress (such as depression and anxiety); damage or destruction of property; physical pain and suffering; and loss of enjoyment of life.

Head-on and Rear-end Collisions

Head-on and rear-end collisions often result in serious injury. Most commonly, they are caused by driver impairment or distracted driving. These causes are considered negligence and mean the victims involved are entitled to compensation. Many times, drivers cross the center line (left of center) due to fatigue, drug or alcohol abuse, or because they were looking down to use their cell phone or GPS. These are also common causes of rear-end collisions.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the most common forms of negligence. Speeding can result in the automatic loss of right away. Speeding also increases the severity of accidents and can have devastating consequences.

• In 2017, there were 380,545 speeding citations issued in Ohio alone. There were additional 466,996 traffic warnings issued by state police.