Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer
In car accidents, victims often suffer severe injuries such as broken bones, head and brain trauma, lacerations, and whiplash. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Cleveland, an experienced Cleveland car accident lawyer from Elk & Elk can assist you. You may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
At Elk & Elk, our personal injury lawyers in Cleveland have represented accident victims across Ohio for decades. To schedule a consultation with one of our car accident attorneys in Cleveland, please call 1-800-ELK-OHIO or email us.
Why Choose Elk & Elk?
At Elk & Elk, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation for our clients. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in every aspect of our practice. We offer the following benefits:
- Proven Results: With several offices throughout Ohio, we provide convenience and a strong track record of successful case outcomes.
- Clear Communication: We maintain transparent and consistent communication at every stage of your motorcycle accident claim, ensuring you are always informed.
- Contingency Fee Basis: Our firm operates on a no win, no fee basis, meaning you only pay your Cincinnati car accident attorney if you secure a financial award.
- Recovery Focus: We take care of negotiations with the insurance company, allowing you to focus on your path to recovery.
Award Winning Lawyers
Many of our dedicated injury lawyers at Elk & Elk have been included in the 2024 “The Best Lawyers in America”. We have a rich history of helping accident victims in the Cleveland area. Brothers Arthur and David Elk, who came together to found Elk & Elk many years ago, are still with the firm today. Our law firm recognizes that Cleveland has been good to us, and we are honored to give back to this community. Our attorneys and staff are involved in many local charities and organizations.
What Our Client Had To Say
“Martin and Lindsey with Elk and Elk and staff at all levels was on it at all times. I knew I was in good hands right away. They never once dropped the ball. I couldn’t
have had a better experience in my opinion.” -Mike
View Video Testimonials
Do I Need a Cleveland Car Accident Attorney?
While technically you do not need an attorney to represent you in the aftermath of a car accident, it may be in your best interests to work with one. The insurance issues that arise in car accident cases are complex. Your insurance company will try to settle your claim quickly and cost-effectively, and you may end up with much less than your case is worth. Our car accident lawyers know the ins-and-outs of how to handle the insurance companies.
Potential Compensation for Car Accident Victims
A car accident can have a huge financial impact on victims and those who depend on the victims financially. You may be able to receive compensation for the following serious injuries that can impact every area of your life:
- The ability to work: A serious injury can make it impossible for a car accident victim to work. This may be temporary, long term or permanent. When pursuing compensation for a car accident victim, it is important to account for the total amount of lost wages based on the severity of the injuries and how long the victim is expected to be out of work.
- Health and well-being: A serious accident can require long-term medical care, surgery, rehabilitation and assistive devices. The medical impact of an accident is uncertain, so victims may require short- or long-term support.
- Enjoyment of life: A serious injury or disability can affect a victim and loved ones in myriad ways. The victim may be in constant pain. The injuries may prevent the victim from enjoying old pastimes and hobbies. The victim may no longer be able to play with or care for his or her children. We account for all of the ways an accident victim’s life is affected.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Cleveland
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving is an epidemic in Ohio and throughout the United States. Drivers are more distracted than ever, checking their phones, sending text messages, making phone calls and using GPS devices to navigate. Other distractions include eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and other activities that take a driver’s attention away from driving.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue can impair reaction times and decision-making, similar to the effects of alcohol.
- Drunk driving: According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, from 2019-2023 there were 3,225 OVI (operating a vehicle under the influence)-related fatalities in Ohio. Drunk driving remains a problem, even though it’s easier than ever to avoid doing it thanks to public transportation, rideshare apps, taxis, etc.
- Reckless driving: What we do on the road affects all other drivers. When drivers speed, fail to obey traffic laws, change lanes without signaling, suddenly brake, fail to stay in their lanes or drive inappropriately in inclement weather, an accident can easily happen.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit or too fast for road conditions reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions.
- Vehicle Defects: Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and steering issues can lead to accidents.
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and ice can create hazardous driving conditions and reduce visibility, leading to accidents.
Common Injuries From a Cleveland Car Crash
Injuries for crash victims, whether it was a result of a truck accident in Cleveland or another car, can range from minor bruises to severe, life-altering conditions. Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Bruises and contusions
- Burns
- Concussions
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations and cuts
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Whiplash
These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and can cause significant emotional and financial stress.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Cleveland?
If you have been involved in a car accident, these are things you should do to help ensure your safety and protect yourself legally:
- Call 911: It is important to call 911 after an accident to notify emergency services and call for an ambulance, if necessary.
- Move to safety: If you are at risk due to your location, move to a safe location away from traffic. It is not uncommon for an additional accident to occur at or near the scene of the first accident.
- See a doctor: After being involved in a car accident, most people are in a state of shock – so much so, in fact, that they may not realize they are injured. If you have been involved in an accident, it is important to promptly seek a medical exam to determine if you have been injured.
- Gather evidence: Gather as much evidence as possible after an accident: names, contact information, insurance information and vehicle information of anyone involved in the accident; names and contact information of eyewitnesses; photos of the accident scene. Document this information on your phone or write it down.
- Request the police report: Request a copy of the police report, which can be helpful as you move forward with insurance claims and the legal process.
- Don’t admit fault: After an accident, do not make any statements to anyone that may indicate fault. An investigation will determine the cause of the accident. Admitting fault could affect your insurance claim and potential personal injury claim.
Contact Our Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer Today
When you contact our Cleveland car accident attorneys, we will work with you to set up a convenient time to meet, either in our Cleveland area law office or in your home. Please call us at (216) 313-9774 or complete our online contact form to set up your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?
When you work with Elk & Elk, you pay no out-of-pocket fees, since we handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis. We charge nothing unless we win your case. Find out more about our No Fee Promise.
What if the Driver Flees the Scene of the Car Accident?
Hit-and-run accidents are devastating. However, when a negligent driver flees the scene of an accident, the victim(s) may still have strong legal options. When the identity of the at-fault driver is unknown, accident victims may be covered under their own uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance. Speak to our Cleveland car accident attorney to find out about the specific options available to you after a hit-and-run accident.
What Happens if My Loved One Passed Away in a Car Wreck?
According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, a wrongful death claim may be brought up within two years of a loved one suffered a fatality due to someone else’s negligence. However, it is not advised to wait the full two years to file a claim as there could be other aspects that go into the case you may be unaware of. Contact a Cleveland wrongful death attorney is advisable to discuss your case as soon as possible.