Experienced Cleveland Ohio Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents can leave victims with not only physical injuries but also emotional trauma. It is important for victims to seek the necessary support and guidance to help them cope with the aftermath of the accident, including the possibility of seeking compensation for their losses.
At Karp Steiger, our car accident attorneys in Beachwood, Ohio, can help you navigate the complex process of pursuing a personal injury claim. Car accidents are a major focus of our practice, and we have been standing strong for those injured in these accidents since 1969. Our attorneys apply more than 50 years of collective experience to help people get the compensation they need to heal and move forward.
Although car accidents are common occurrences, they can be extremely disruptive and have far-reaching consequences. In addition to physical injuries, victims may also experience emotional trauma, financial burdens, and lost wages due to missed work. The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming and navigating the legal and insurance processes can add to the stress.
Our Experienced Team Handles All Aspects Of Ohio Car Accident Claims
At Karp Steiger, we understand the challenges that victims face, and we strive to make the car accident process as easy as possible for our clients. Our experienced attorneys will handle all aspects of your case, including communicating with insurance companies, obtaining police reports, managing property damage claims, negotiating medical payments with healthcare providers and fighting to get you the compensation you deserve. We have successfully resolved hundreds of motor vehicle injury cases and are committed to helping our clients get the most favorable outcome for their situations.
We also recognize that car accidents can take a toll on a victim’s emotional well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized support to help our clients cope with the trauma of the accident. We will work closely with you to understand your unique needs and provide the guidance and resources necessary to help you move forward with your life.
Car Accident FAQ
You may have countless questions after an accident. Below, we’ve provided guidance on concerns you may be facing. Please reach out to us for more answers.
What constitutes a car accident in Ohio?
In Ohio, whenever a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle, person, or object, resulting in property damage, injuries, or death, it constitutes a car accident. Such accidents can involve a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and even animals.
If you were in a vehicle collision of any kind, turn to us for guidance. We are here for you during this difficult time.
What are some common types of car accidents?
Car accidents can take many forms, with some more common than others. Types of car accident cases that we commonly handle include:
- Distracted driving accidents
- Speeding-related accidents
- Collisions with semi trucks, delivery trucks and other commercial vehicles
- Head-on collisions, T-bone collisions, rear-end collisions and others
- Motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Multicar pileups
- Accidents involving rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft
- Work-related vehicle accidents
Our car accident lawyers are familiar with the many nuances of each kind of case, so you can rest assured that we have the skill, experience and knowledge to handle yours capably.
What should I do immediately following a car accident?
If you are involved in a car accident in Ohio, it’s important to take the following steps:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. Call 911 if anyone is seriously injured.
- Call the authority: Contact the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Cooperate with the police and provide them with accurate and complete information about the accident.
- Exchange information: Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident. This includes name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, and insurance information.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, damage to vehicles, and any injuries sustained. This documentation can be helpful in filing an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, it’s important to seek medical attention after a car accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and seeking medical attention can help prevent further complications down the road.
- Consult with Beachwood, Ohio, car accident attorneys: If you were injured in the accident, it’s important to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and other damages.
If you’re a victim of a car accident in Ohio, don’t hesitate to seek the legal help you deserve. At Karp Steiger, we make sure to safeguard your rights and obtain the compensation you’re entitled to. Our Beachwood, Ohio, car accident attorneys can help you navigate the complex legal and insurance systems smoothly and confidently. Schedule a free consultation now and take the first step towards restoring your peace of mind.
What types of injuries can I claim for a car accident?
The injuries that you can claim for a car accident will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident and the extent of your injuries. Generally, you can claim compensation for the following types of injuries:
- Physical injuries: This includes injuries such as broken bones, cuts, bruises, burns, back and neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries and other injuries that require medical attention.
- Emotional injuries: Car accidents can also result in emotional injuries such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions that may require counseling or therapy.
Don’t risk your well-being and rights. Call our experienced personal injury attorneys at 216-696-3515 to discuss your case and how we can help you.
What damages can I recover in a car accident lawsuit in Ohio?
In Ohio, you may be able to recover several types of damages in a car accident lawsuit, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The amount of damages you can recover will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the extent of property damage, and the degree of fault of the other party involved in the accident. Consulting with a car accident lawyer to understand your legal options and the potential damages available in your case is always the best option.
At Karp Steiger, we make every effort to ensure you recover the best compensation for your case. No matter the severity of your case, we will handle it with the utmost care and urgency so you can go on with your life without worrying about piled-up medical bills.
How much can I sue for a car accident in Ohio?
The amount that someone can sue for a car accident in Ohio depends on the specific details of the case, such as the severity of the injuries sustained, the extent of property damage, and the degree of fault of each party involved. Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation may be reduced proportionally.
In general, individuals in Ohio can seek compensation for various damages resulting from a car accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related costs. Ohio does not place a cap on compensatory damages, meaning that the amount awarded will be based on the specific circumstances of the case.
However, Ohio does limit the number of punitive damages that can be awarded, which are designed to punish the defendant for egregious behavior. The limit is either two times the amount of compensatory damages or $350,000, whichever is greater.
Can I still file a car accident lawsuit if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still be able to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio even if you were partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident and your total damages were $10,000, your compensation would be reduced by 20%, and you would receive $8,000. It’s important to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer to understand how comparative negligence may impact your case and potential compensation.
Is Ohio a no-fault state for car accidents?
Ohio is not a no-fault state for car accidents. Ohio follows a traditional fault-based system for handling car accident claims. This means that the party responsible for causing the accident is liable for any damages resulting from the crash, including property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In Ohio, drivers are required to carry liability insurance to cover these damages in the event of an accident.
Under a no-fault system, each driver’s insurance would pay for their own injuries and damages, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. However, in Ohio, drivers have the option to purchase additional insurance coverage known as personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which can cover their own medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
How long do I have to sue someone after a car accident in Ohio?
The statute of limitations in Ohio for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident is two years from the date of the accident. This means that you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
It’s important to note that if you miss the statute of limitations deadline and try to file a lawsuit after the two-year period has expired, your case will likely be dismissed by the court. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that you have enough time to file a lawsuit if necessary.
Are there exemptions to the statute of limitations?
In some cases, there may be exemptions or tolling of the statute of limitations that can extend the deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident in Ohio.
One example is the discovery rule, which can extend the statute of limitations if you did not discover your injuries until after the accident. In this case, the two-year period would start from the date that you discovered or should have discovered your injuries rather than from the date of the accident.
Another exemption is for minors who are injured in car accidents. If the victim is under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year statute of limitations does not begin until the victim turns 18.
Why do I need a car accident lawyer in Beachwood, Ohio?
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Beachwood, Ohio, hiring an experienced car accident lawyer can be critical to ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Here are some reasons why you may need a car accident lawyer:
- Ensure you understand your rights and options. A car accident lawyer can simplify the complex legal and insurance processes involved in personal injury claims from car accidents, ensuring that you understand your rights and options throughout the process.
- Ensure that your case is thoroughly evaluated to develop a strategy that maximizes your chances of obtaining fair compensation. With their experience, a car accident lawyer can assess the strengths of your case and advise you on the optimal strategy to pursue fair compensation.
- Ensure seamless negotiation with insurance companies that consider your best interests. By negotiating with insurance companies, a car accident lawyer can secure a settlement that adequately compensates you for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and any other damages.
At Karp Steiger, we work tirelessly to advance our clients goals and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our Beachwood personal injury law firm to talk to one of our car accident attorneys today.
Call Our Beachwood, Ohio, Car Accident Attorneys To File A Claim Today
We handle all varieties of automobile accidents, including automobile collisions, accidents involving texting while driving, speeding, drunk driving, truck accidents, utility and construction vehicle accidents, motorcycle collisions, and crashes involving pedestrians, bicyclists and other individuals.
At Karp Steiger, we always do what is in the best interest of the client, whether that means negotiating with insurance companies’ pursuit or litigating a case through trial. If you or a loved one were injured in an automobile accident, call the attorneys at Karp Steiger, at 216-696-3515 for a free consultation.