We Handle All Types of Car Accidents
Columbus attorneys you can trust to stand up to the insurance company
Any car accident can change your life in an instant. The consequences of a lingering or permanent injury can affect many aspects of your life, from your career to your relationships. You need accountability and fair compensation for what you’ve lost, and you need an attorney on your side who knows how to beat the system.
You need Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC. We have the experience and track record of results needed to hold the insurance companies accountable, and we will not back down from a challenge. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, don’t go it alone. Schedule your free consultation with an experienced Columbus car accident lawyer.
The legal implications of different types of car accidents
Fundamentally, a car accident claim is the same no matter how the accident happened: you need to show that someone else’s negligence (careless or reckless behavior) caused the crash and that you suffered damages (financial losses) because of that behavior. However, the specific legal issues that come up vary depending on the type of crash.
Rear-end accidents are the most common type of car accident, but “common” doesn’t mean “minor.” Because the force of a rear-end crash pushes occupants forward, it can cause violent forward and backward movement of the head, leading to whiplash and even brain injuries. Liability (that is, fault for the accident) usually isn’t disputed in a rear-end case, since there is a strong presumption that the driver of the rear vehicle is at fault. Damages, though, are often disputed, with the insurance company working very hard to downplay the extent of your injuries. We know how to find documentation and build a strong case for the full amount of compensation you need.
T-bone/broadside accidents can cause severe injuries because the side of a vehicle provides much less protection than the front or rear. They usually happen at intersections, which can lead to a complex legal situation because witnesses may be confused or disagree on what happened. It’s often unclear who had the right of way or whose maneuver caused the accident. We know how to get to the bottom of what happened and hold the negligent driver accountable – and how to advocate for full compensation for serious injuries.
Head-on collisions are particularly severe because of the combined force of the two vehicles involved. Serious and, sadly, fatal injuries are common. For a head-on crash to happen, one car had to be going the wrong way, but identifying which vehicle caused the accident is tricky. We may be looking for evidence that the driver who hit you was drunk or asleep at the wheel. Our attorneys understand what evidence to look for and how to construct a compelling case for full compensation for serious injuries.
Multi-vehicle accidents can become especially complex because there are multiple insurance companies involved. If there are several victims, coverage may need to be divided among them. Each insurance company may point the finger at the others, and witnesses may disagree on the sequence of events. We conduct a careful investigation to reconstruct what happened, which may involve poring over reports and cross-referencing witnesses’ stories. When we get to the bottom of your accident, we know your path forward.
Hit and run accidents are particularly frustrating from a legal perspective because your options may be limited if the at-fault driver isn’t found. Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM) will cover you in the event you’re hit by an unknown driver, if you have it – this is an optional type of insurance in Ohio, but the insurance company is required to offer it to you. Depending on the situation, there may be other available coverage, as well. We can help you find your path forward.
After a car accident in Columbus, put experience on your side
The specifics may vary depending on the type of accident, but you can always expect the insurance company to fight hard to pay you as little as possible, or nothing at all. They will use pressure tactics and manipulation to protect their bottom line. We won’t stand for that. We know how to anticipate and counter their tactics, and we build strong cases that they can’t ignore. We know the law, we know the judges and juries, and we are committed to fighting hard for each and every client.
Usually, when the insurance company sees we’re prepared to take them to court, they will offer a fair settlement. If they do not, we are ready to face them before a judge and jury. Throughout the process, we’ll deal with them on your behalf so you can focus on healing, while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Remember, we need to get involved as soon as possible so that we can protect your rights from the insurance company and collect evidence before it disappears. If you’ve been injured in any type of car accident in Central Ohio, don’t go it alone. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at our Columbus law office.
