Norwood Car Accident Lawyers

Whether you are involved in a minor fender-bender or a devastating head-on collision, the moments following the crash can be extremely stressful. If the accident caused serious injuries or fatalities, it can be particularly traumatic. Unfortunately, car accidents continue to happen despite the many advances in safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Even if you obey the rules of the road and avoid unsafe driving behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, other drivers may engage in unsafe driving behaviors that increase the risk of a serious crash.

You may be entitled to financial compensation if you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident that another motorist caused.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?

Most car accidents can be prevented if drivers obey the rules of the road, make safety a top priority, and avoid engaging in the following negligent driving behaviors when behind the wheel:

Speeding: All motorists are expected to obey the posted speed limit at all times. Driving too fast is one of the most common and preventable causes of serious car accidents. Speeding includes driving over the speed limit, as well as driving too fast for the road conditions. For example, if the weather causes road conditions to be hazardous or road work is being done, motorists are expected to reduce their speed and use extra caution. Speeding-related accidents tend to be more severe due to the extreme force of impact.
Impaired Driving: Drunk driving and drugged driving are 100 percent preventable. Unfortunately, they continue to cause thousands of car accidents each year, resulting in serious injuries and tragic fatalities. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can cause impairments like reduced coordination, slower reactions, and poor judgment. This can be avoided by getting a ride home with a designated driver or calling a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft.
Distracted Driving: Too many drivers find it difficult to avoid the temptation to talk on the phone, read or send a text, or check social media while driving. Other common distractions include eating, programming the GPS, reaching for something in the back seat, or interacting with other passengers in the vehicle. A moment of distraction can have devastating consequences when there are other motorists on the road or if a pedestrian is crossing the street.
Aggressive Driving: This can include a range of driving behaviors, including tailgating, excessive speeding, failure to yield, improper lane changes, and cutting off other drivers. All of these can significantly increase the risk of a serious car accident. In some cases, aggressive driving can escalate to road rage, which can be extremely dangerous.

What Types of Injuries Do Car Accidents Cause?

Depending on the type and severity of the crash, a car accident can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and scrapes to severe injuries that can result in permanent impairments. The following are examples of the most common types of injuries that a car accident can cause:

Soft Tissue Injuries: This occurs when a car accident causes damage to the body’s connective tissue, which includes muscles, ligaments, and tendons. One of the most common examples of a soft tissue injury is whiplash, which occurs when the force of impact causes the head to snap forward and back, causing the muscles and ligaments in the neck to become stretched.
Cuts and Scrapes: Any loose object inside the car can become a projectile during a car accident. Cell phones, coffee mugs, and purses can cause guts and lacerations when they hit your skin. Minor cuts may not require medical attention. However, more serious lacerations can cause blood loss that will require stitches or other medical intervention.
Head Injuries: These can range from minor concussions to devastating traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that can result in permanent physical and cognitive impairments. In some cases, a head injury may not be obvious right away, so it is imperative to seek immediate medical attention to diagnose the injury and get the necessary treatment.
Arm and Leg Injuries: These can include broken bones, sprains, and strains. Depending on the nature of the crash, the accident may cause injuries to the arms, legs, or both.
Chest Injuries: These may include broken ribs, bruises, and internal injuries. They often occur when the driver strikes the steering wheel. Seatbelts and dashboards can also cause chest injuries. Keep in mind that the benefits of wearing a seatbelt far outweigh any injuries they may cause.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Norwood?

The moments following a car accident can certainly be stressful and overwhelming. However, by taking the following steps, the claims process is more likely to have a successful outcome:

Call 911 and report the accident.
Seek immediate medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor.
Exchange information with the other driver. Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as an apology, as the insurance company can use this against you.
Take pictures of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle, your injuries, and any debris or skid marks on the road.
Ask witnesses if they would be willing to provide a statement and ask for their contact information.
Contact an experienced car accident lawyer.

What Damages Can I Receive After a Car Accident in Norwood?

The damages you are entitled to will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and whether you can prove that the other motorist was at fault. If you are able to provide solid evidence that the other driver caused the accident that resulted in your injuries, you may be entitled to the following damages:

All medical expenses associated with your injuries
Future medical costs
Lost wages
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damages
Pain and suffering

Keep in mind that Ohio is a comparative negligence state, which means that if you were partly at fault for causing the accident, you are allowed to recover damages. However, the percentage of your share of liability will reduce your total damages. For example, if you were found to be 20 percent at fault, and the total damages are $10,000, you may recover 20 percent less than $10,000, or $8,000. If you are found to be more than 50 percent liable, you will be unable to recover any damages.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Personal Injury Claim?

In Ohio, if you intend to file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver, you must file the lawsuit within two years of the date of the accident. If you try to file a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired, your claim will likely be denied. A dedicated car accident lawyer will assist you with every step of the claims process and ensure your claim is filed well before the deadline.