If you or a family member were injured in a car accident in Columbus, OH, the at-fault party may owe you compensation. When accidents happen in Ohio, the driver who caused the accident is liable for damages. Still, recovering fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and your pain and suffering is rarely easy. An experienced Columbus car accident lawyer at Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC can help you maximize your financial recovery.
Between us, our lawyers have over 71 years of experience in personal injury law. Our dedication and aggressive approach have helped us recover hundreds of millions of dollars for our injured clients.
You don’t have to let the insurance companies control the terms of your case. Contact our law offices in Columbus, Ohio, or call (614) 587-8423 to schedule a free consultation with an award-winning lawyer who can fight for you.
How Can Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Crash in Columbus?
Recovering from a car accident isn’t easy. If you were seriously hurt, you’re probably in a lot of pain. The medical bills may already be piling up–and we all know that health insurance doesn’t cover everything. You may be wondering how you’ll pay your bills and cover your expenses while you’re recovering.
When a crash isn’t your fault, the law allows you to pursue compensation from the at-fault parties. That said, recovering fair compensation isn’t automatic. You’ll have to fight for the full amount you deserve.
Nearly all car accident claims involve insurance companies. Insurance companies can, unfortunately, make the process much more difficult than it has to be. You deserve an experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer who will advocate for you.
At Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we’ve earned an AV-Preeminent rating, which is the highest rating a law firm can receive from the Martindale-Hubbell lawyer rating service. We’ve also been recognized by Super Lawyers year after year for our exceptional legal services.
When you hire us, we’ll help by:
- Evaluating all of your legal options for recovering compensation after the crash
- Launching our own investigation and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Determining who is legally responsible for your damages
- Submitting and managing your insurance claim
- Determining the fair value of your case so we can reject lowball offers
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary
You can learn more about legal representation by calling for a free consultation. There are no strings attached, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident in Columbus?
Accident victims who hire experienced car accident lawyers have the best chance of recovering the full compensation they deserve. A skilled lawyer understands the legal process and knows how the other side works.
When considering whether to hire an attorney, remember these important details:
- Insurance companies have teams of attorneys who are hired to help the insurance company minimize settlement payouts–hiring a car accident lawyer to advocate on your behalf levels the playing field.
- Expert testimony may be the only way to prove certain elements of your case–an experienced lawyer knows the most respected experts and has the resources to hire them.
- Insurance companies almost always try to blame the victim–your lawyer can fight back so that you don’t risk losing some, or even all of your compensation.
- After a serious injury, you need time to recover–your lawyer will handle all of the legal issues while you’re focused on your health.
There are many other reasons to hire a lawyer. That’s especially true if your injuries are serious or if there are questions about who is responsible for the crash. Like most attorneys in Columbus, we offer free case reviews so you can learn more about your legal options without any risk.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Claim?
The value of any personal injury case is based on the unique facts and circumstances. Your injuries are unique. They’ll impact your life in ways that aren’t identical to any other victim. Similarly, every car crash is slightly different.
When assessing your case value, it’s important to evaluate:
- The overall severity of your injuries
- Whether your doctor expects you to make a full medical recovery
- How any long-term or permanent disability will impact your future
- The level of pain and suffering you’ve experienced
- How the injury impacts your ability to earn a living
- The cost of your medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other expenses
- Anticipated future costs that are necessary because of the accident and injury
There are also factors that the insurance company will use to try to drive down the value of your case, including:
- Claiming you were partially or entirely responsible for the crash
- Blaming you for failing to mitigate damages
- Arguing that your injuries were pre-existing
Your lawyer’s skill can make a huge difference to your financial recovery as well. When issues are contested throughout the valuation process, your lawyer can call in experts to help strengthen your case.
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Ohio?
You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. Every state has its own deadline in personal injury cases, which is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations in Ohio is two years.
If you miss the deadline, it’s likely that the courts will refuse to consider your case. While there are some exceptions to this general rule, they’re rare. For example, the deadline may be extended if the at-fault driver is also facing criminal charges (for example, DUI charges).
However, it’s not worth taking the risk and missing the deadline. If you were injured in a crash, contact an experienced lawyer who can protect your rights today.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
The compensation you recover after a car wreck is called “damages.” Under Ohio personal injury laws, two types of compensatory damages are available: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Victims are entitled to seek compensation for the full range of damages they have suffered.
What Types of Economic Damages Can I Recover in Ohio?
Here is a summary of the types of economic damages car accident victims often suffer:
- Current medical bills, including ER costs, hospitalization, follow-up visits with the doctor, and more
- Future medical expenses, including both ongoing medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced future earning potential
- Medications and medical devices
- Nursing care
- In-home assistance with daily activities
- Vehicle repair costs
- Other types of property damage
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
If the cost was related to the accident or injury, it should be included in your insurance compensation claim.
What Types of Non-Economic Damages Can I Recover in Ohio?
Non-economic damages are also called “pain and suffering” damages.
Some common non-financial losses suffered by victims include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mental trauma and PTSD
- Humiliation and shame experienced during a difficult recovery
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium, or damage to a relationship with a spouse
You may wonder how you can possibly put a dollar value on these losses. It is one of the more difficult aspects of the insurance negotiation process. Insurance companies will try to downplay these losses because you don’t have receipts to prove their value.
Fortunately, our lawyers have handled cases like yours before–and we know how to make the insurance company take you seriously
Am I Entitled to Punitive Damages?
Ohio courts rarely award punitive damages. They’re reserved for the most shocking types of cases.
However, when we have evidence that the defendant’s acts were intentional, malicious, or extremely shocking, we’ll seek punitive damages as punishment.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer in Ohio?
Your attorney’s fees will depend entirely on how much compensation we recover in your case.
Like most personal injury attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. With a contingency fee arrangement, your fees are “contingent” on the compensation you receive. After your case has been resolved–whether through insurance or in court–you pay us a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
You will agree to the fee structure before we begin working on the legal issues in your case. We can discuss the details in a free case review, but you’ll always know the terms of your payment agreement.
The important thing to remember now is that there aren’t any upfront costs–so you can get the legal advice you deserve without worrying about whether you can afford it. In addition, you only pay us attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your case.
What Happens to My Compensation Award if I’m Partly Responsible for Causing a Car Accident in Ohio?
You could lose some or all of your compensation if you share blame for the accident.
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar to recovery. That means you can recover compensation if your share of blame is less than 51%. Once your share of fault reaches or exceeds 51%, you lose your right to sue for damages entirely.
If you share some blame, but your “percentage of fault” is less than 51%, your compensation is reduced by the percentage allocated to you.
Our lawyers can advocate for your interests and work hard to minimize the amount of blame you are assessed.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
It’s unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need an experienced lawyer by your side. Insurance companies are much more likely to take your case seriously if the threat of a trial is on the table.
That’s because trials have many disadvantages. They’re expensive and time-consuming. They’re also unpredictable because you never really know exactly how a jury will decide.
As the plaintiff, there are some reasons why it can be advantageous to go to trial, including:
- The insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
- The at-fault driver is disputing liability
Once a lawsuit is filed, we can seek additional evidence through the discovery process. That can reveal information that can be used to resolve outstanding issues in your case. Sometimes, when we file a lawsuit, that motivates the insurance company to take your case seriously and offer a fair settlement before the trial even begins.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Columbus, OH?
The immediate aftermath of an accident can be very emotional. You may be overwhelmed, frustrated, and even angry. If you or someone you love were seriously injured, call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately. The 911 operator can send an ambulance to the crash scene.
If your injuries are not critical, there are some steps that you can take to protect your legal interests after the crash:
- Remain at the scene and move the vehicles to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Ohio.
- Call 911 regardless of the extent of your injuries. The police officer will prepare an accident report and make an initial assessment of the cause of the accident.
- Don’t apologize or admit fault. You may not fully understand the various factors that caused the crash.
- Exchange insurance details and contact information with the other driver.
- Collect evidence. That means taking photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles, any skid marks, and the general conditions around you. It’s also a good idea to take photos and videos of any obvious injuries.
- Exchange contact information with any witnesses who stopped.
Seek medical attention immediately. Some types of injuries won’t result in immediate symptoms. Others may appear minor and later can become much worse. Seeing a doctor right away both protects you from more serious injuries and will provide valuable evidence if you later file a personal injury claim.
If you were injured, call a lawyer who can evaluate your legal options. You don’t have to wait for your injuries to completely heal before speaking to a lawyer. Your lawyer can start building your case even while you’re receiving treatment or recovering.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Columbus
With over seven decades of combined experience, our team at Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC is prepared to take on any type of car accident claim.
Some examples of the types of car accident cases we handle include:
Distracted Driving Accidents
Accidents involving distracted drivers are extremely common. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, and it’s now illegal in Ohio.
If you were involved in a car accident with a distracted driver, call our lawyers for help with the claims process today. It can be tough to prove that the other driver’s distraction caused your crash.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes can be some of the most severe types of accidents. That’s especially true if high speeds were involved. Contact our lawyers in Columbus today so that we can help you understand your next steps after the crash.
Speeding Accidents
Speeding is a factor in many car accidents. Drivers often ignore speed limits or drive too fast for weather or road conditions. When that happens, drivers often don’t have enough time to react and stop the car to prevent accidents.
An attorney can help you prove that the at-fault driver’s high speeds caused your crash. We can also help minimize the impact of any allegations that you were speeding at the time of the accident.
Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving is a problem in Ohio and across the U.S. In Ohio alone, DUI crashes caused over 24,000 injuries and more than 2,000 deaths between 2019 and 2021.
If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will still have to prove you deserve compensation. Your financial recovery won’t be guaranteed. Contact our lawyers to learn more about how we can fight for you.
Other Types of Car Accident Claims
Any type of car accident has the potential to be dangerous if it’s serious enough.
Our Columbus car accident attorneys also handle cases involving:
- Rollovers
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipe accidents
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Multiple vehicle crashes and pile-ups
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Highway accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Accidents involving Uber and Lyft
- Motorcycle accidents
- Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists
If you were injured in an auto accident in Columbus, don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm today. We offer free case evaluations, so there’s no need to wait.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Under Ohio state law, nearly any party who contributed to the cause of your accident can be held liable for your injuries.
Examples of responsible parties often include:
- Negligent drivers and their insurance companies
- Employers of negligent drivers, under vicarious liability laws
- Trucking companies
- Mechanics and maintenance teams
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and oversight
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles or vehicle safety equipment
- Negligent passengers
- Pedestrians or bicyclists
The specific circumstances of your accident will determine who is liable for your damages. It’s always possible that more than one party may share blame for the crash.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
At Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC, we handle all types of car accident injury cases. Whether you’ve suffered an injury that will heal with time or one that will change your life forever, our legal team is here to protect you.
We can handle car accident claims involving:
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Reach out to our experienced car accident lawyers in Columbus today to learn about your legal rights and options following a collision.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Columbus?
Car accidents happen every day in Ohio. Any number of variables can contribute to the cause of a car wreck.
According to the Ohio Highway Safety Patrol, some of the top causes of car accidents in Ohio include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Teen and youth drivers who are inexperienced
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
Some additional common causes of car wrecks in Columbus include:
- Tailgating
- Speeding
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe passing
- Illegal lane changes
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Racing through intersections
- Fatigued drivers
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazardous road conditions
Understanding the cause of your accident is critical to the outcome of your case. Most car wrecks happen because of driver negligence. In legal terms, they happen when people are negligent.
As the victim, it’s your responsibility to prove that someone or something else caused your accident. If you can’t establish fault, you can’t recover compensation. Our auto accident lawyers in Columbus know that the cause of an accident isn’t always clear–even after looking at the police report. We’re here to put our experience to work for you, so give us a call for a free initial consultation today.
Statistics on Car Accidents in Columbus
Across the State of Ohio, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) reported 246,876 motor vehicle accidents in 2023. At least 37,927 crashes caused at least one injury. At least 5,924 car wrecks caused serious injuries and, sadly, 1,151 of those crashes were fatal.
A total of 124,822 of all traffic accidents reported occurred in Franklin County during 2023 and caused:
- 116 fatalities
- 526 serious injuries
- 3,965 minor injuries
- 2,561 possible injuries
The most dangerous roadways in Franklin County during 2023 were IR-270, US-40, US-23, IR-70, and IR-71.
Call an Experienced Columbus Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation Today
With over 70 years of experience, our lawyers at Mani, Ellis & Layne, PLLC have seen it all when it comes to car wrecks. We know the toll that a serious crash can take on your life–and we know how to fight to make it right.
If you or a loved one were injured, call our team today. An experienced Columbus car accident lawyer can help you fight to hold all parties who were responsible accountable for your losses. Your consultation is always completely free of charge.
Highly Rated Car Repair Shops in Columbus
- Goodyear Auto Service – 124 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Grismer Tire & Auto Service Center – 300 S 4th St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Alternative Auto Care – 136 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43201
- Pettys Auto Electrical Services – 330 S Washington Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
- Campus Auto Service – 2354 Wood Ave, Columbus, OH 43221
*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
