Lorain Car Accident Attorney
A car accident can be stressful and overwhelming, causing serious injuries and expensive property damage. In Ohio, the driver or party at fault for causing the auto accident is financially responsible for your losses. Discuss your recent crash with a car accident attorney in Lorain, Ohio at Elk & Elk today to find out how we can help you. Our Lorain car accident lawyers can seek the financial compensation you need to move forward.
Why Choose Our Lorain Car Accident Lawyers
- Our Lorain personal injury lawyers have been dedicated to client recoveries for over 50 years.
- You will benefit from individualized care and tailored legal services.
- Our lawyers have acquired over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for past clients.
- We have many law offices conveniently located throughout Ohio.
- Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis for all car accident cases in Lorain.
Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?
Although no law requires you to hire a car accident lawyer for an insurance claim or lawsuit, doing so may be in your best interest. Unlike an insurance company, which makes its profits by undervaluing client claims, an attorney will want to maximize your financial compensation. You can trust the advice an attorney gives you about your case. Having a lawyer take over legal processes for you can give you the peace of mind you need to focus on recovering.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Lorain, OH
People get injured in auto accidents in Ohio every day. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries and deaths in the state. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, 1,155 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2019 alone. Car accident statistics show the most common causes of vehicle collisions include:
- Speeding
- Driving while intoxicated
- Texting and driving
- Reckless driving
- Failing to the yield right-of-way
- Red-light running
- Changing lanes without looking
- Making illegal turns
- Vehicle part breakdowns
- Roadway defects
If you believe the other driver or someone else involved in your wreck had the power to prevent the collision but negligently failed to do so, that party may be financially responsible for your injuries and losses. A car accident lawyer in Lorain can help you navigate the elements of a claim.
Ohio’s Car Accident Laws
Ohio uses a traditional tort-based car insurance system. Under this system, the party guilty of committing a tort (wrongdoing) that caused or significantly contributed to the car accident is legally responsible for paying for damages. It is up to the injured victim, however, to prove fault before an insurance company will accept a claim.
Proving fault typically requires evidence of four elements:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
- The defendant was negligent (breached the duty of care).
- The defendant’s negligence caused the car accident.
- The plaintiff suffered compensable damages in the collision.
The burden of proof in a car accident claim in Ohio is enough evidence to show that the defendant more likely than not caused the vehicle collision. A lawyer from Elk & Elk can help you meet this burden of proof by investigating your car accident and collecting any available evidence of fault.
Don’t Miss Your Deadline to File
Another important law to know in Ohio is the statute of limitations. This is a legal deadline on your right to file a car accident claim. According to state law, you have two years from the date of your crash (or the date of injury discovery) to bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party. Act quickly, as missing this deadline generally means giving up your right to recover.
Contact a Lorain, Ohio Car Accident Attorney Today
A car accident can cause devastating injuries and emotional distress that you or a loved one will have for the rest of your life. It is important to protect your rights by hiring a car accident lawyer in Lorain, OH after a serious collision. A lawyer from Elk & Elk can guide you through the legal process, answering your questions and concerns along the way.
Speak to a car accident attorney today. Request your free consultation online or by calling 1-800-ELK-OHIO (1-800-355-6446) 24/7/365.