Were you injured in a car accident in Port Clinton, OH? Recovering fair compensation from the at-fault driver can be an uphill battle. Call (419) 871-3995 so an experienced Port Clinton car accident lawyer at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers can help you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Our trusted team of lawyers has 181 years of collective experience. Since we started our practice, we’ve recovered over $100 million in settlements and verdicts.
We’re ready to start working for you today. Contact our law offices in Port Clinton, Ohio, to schedule a free consultation.
How Can Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Crash in Port Clinton, OH?
Car accidents happen every day in Ohio. That said, accidents don’t happen to you every day. If you’re like many accident victims, you may soon find that navigating the insurance claims process can be anything but simple. Unfortunately, you’ll probably also learn that the insurer isn’t on your side.
The insurance company may try to downplay your losses. It’s possible that they could blame you or deny liability altogether. Even once they offer a settlement, you might not know whether it’s fair. An experienced Port Clinton personal injury lawyer can handle these and other issues you’ll encounter.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers has been standing up for accident victims like you since 1946. In recent years, we’ve been recognized by Super Lawyers and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Most importantly, we know the law inside and out–and we know how insurance companies work.
When you trust us to handle your car accident case, you’ll benefit from an advocate who will:
- Identify all options for recovering compensation
- Handle the paperwork and insurance claims process
- Determine precisely why your accident occurred
- Locate all parties who are legally responsible for your damages
- Defend against unfounded allegations that you caused the crash
- Assess your damages and determine how much compensation you deserve
- Reject any lowball deals and negotiate with the insurance companies for a full settlement
Our experienced Port Clinton personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of winning at trial. Insurance companies know that, so they’re much more likely to play fair. However, if they don’t, we’re always prepared to fight for you in court.
It’s never too early to learn about legal representation. We’re here to help you understand all of your options during this challenging time. Because we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, it won’t cost you anything to call today for legal assistance.
Why Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
First and foremost, a good car accident lawyer will greatly increase your chances of recovering fair compensation for your injuries. Accident victims who represent themselves during insurance negotiations generally take home far less than they deserve.
Some key reasons why it’s smart to hire an experienced attorney include:
- Insurance companies have the resources to delay and fight your claim. An attorney can level the playing field and prevent them from taking advantage of you.
- The other party will likely try to blame you for causing the accident, even if they don’t have strong evidence to prove it. Experienced lawyers know how to fight back against these allegations.
- A strong attorney will have the knowledge and resources to prove your claim, including access to respected experts who can testify about contested elements.
The insurance claims process takes time and energy. Many victims accept lowball insurance offers because they’re recovering from serious injuries and don’t have the required time and energy to invest. Your attorney can handle every aspect of the insurance and legal process while you focus on your recovery.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Claim?
Because all accidents involve a different set of facts, every personal injury case is unique. That means there’s no easy answer to this question. It’s critical to evaluate every detail when assessing the value of a claim.
Some of the factors that will be most relevant in determining how much you deserve include:
- The type and severity of the injuries involved
- Whether the injuries will result in any long-term or permanent damage
- How much you’ve spent on medical treatment to date
- The types of future medical care and rehabilitation you need and the cost
- The value of any income you lost because you couldn’t work during recovery
- Whether the injury will continue to reduce your earnings
- Whether allegations involving shared fault are an issue
- Available insurance coverage
You generally only have one chance to recover full compensation after an injury. Most law firms offer free case reviews. When you meet with an attorney, they can provide more insight into the value of your personal injury claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Ohio?
In Ohio, you typically have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit. Once the two-year statute of limitations passes, you forfeit your right to sue for damages. The court will simply dismiss your case without consideration.
While there are exceptions to the two-year rule, they’re rare. For example, if the victim was a minor at the time of the crash, the statute of limitations doesn’t start running until they turn 18. On the other hand, if a government agency is a defendant, you might have even less time to initiate a claim.
What Types of Damages Can I Recover in a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Car accident victims can seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages under Ohio personal injury laws. In the end, your compensation award should make you “whole” again.
That means you should be compensated for all losses you have sustained due to the crash.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are your financial losses.
Common examples include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including ER visits, hospitalization, follow-ups, etc.
- Lost wages during recovery
- Lost future earning capacity
- Medications and medical devices
- Nursing care
- In-home assistance
- Rehabilitation
- Vehicle repairs and other property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Keep all of your receipts after an auto accident. The insurance company won’t simply take your word for it. You’ll need proof of the amount of money you’ve spent due to the accident and injury.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are much more difficult to quantify and prove. These are your personal, subjective losses.
Some examples include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Diminished quality of life
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Humiliation
- PTSD and fear
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of companionship
Money really can’t erase these types of losses. Still, these damages can form an important part of your settlement or verdict. The insurance companies will try to downplay these losses because you can’t produce receipts to prove their value. If your injuries are serious, it’s critical to have an experienced attorney in your corner.
Punitive Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Courts also have the authority to award punitive damages. Punitive damages are available in cases where a defendant’s acts were intentional or malicious. If the defendant displayed a reckless disregard for your safety, you may be entitled to punitive damages to punish them for that behavior.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Most car accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. Rather than charging an upfront fee or hourly rate, your attorney will take a percentage of your settlement or verdict. In most car accident cases, the percentage is about 33%.
While the rate can vary depending on the complexity of the case, you’ll never have to pay attorney’s fees unless your lawyer recovers compensation for you. You’ll discuss the percentage and agree to your fee ahead of time.
If you have questions about the contingency fee arrangement, a lawyer can provide more details during a free case evaluation. Reach out and schedule yours today.
What Happens to My Compensation Award If I’m Partly Responsible for Causing a Car Accident in Ohio?
You could lose your right to damages if you share too much blame for an auto accident. If you share even some blame, your compensation award will be reduced.
Ohio has a modified comparative negligence law. If the insurance company or defendant can prove that your share of fault was at least 51%, you forfeit your right to compensation. If you share some blame but less than 51% of it, your compensation is reduced by that percentage.
For example, say you were hit by a driver who was distracted. However, the insurance provider can prove that you were also speeding at the time of the crash. Thus, 30% of the fault is allocated to you. You can take home 70% of your settlement or verdict.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
Most car accident claims don’t go to trial. In most cases, an experienced attorney can negotiate with the insurance companies and reach a fair settlement.
However, there are some situations where going to court becomes necessary. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate in good faith, you may have to litigate to get a fair settlement. Trial can also become necessary if shared fault is a significant issue or there are other disputes about liability.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Port Clinton?
Your actions immediately after a car accident can have a significant long-term impact. A few simple steps can keep you safe and protect your right to seek compensation from the responsible party.
First and foremost, you should check to see if anyone is seriously injured and call 911 to request an ambulance if necessary.
You should also:
- Remain at the accident scene. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in Ohio. However, if possible, move the vehicles to a safe place outside the flow of traffic.
- Call 911 to report the accident, even if no serious injuries are obvious. The officer who is dispatched to the scene will prepare an accident report, which can contain valuable evidence.
- Exchange contact information with the other driver and any witnesses. Also, exchange insurance information with the other driver.
- Document the scene. Use your phone to take photos and videos of the crash scene. Try to document vehicle damage, road conditions, and any obvious injuries.
- Avoid taking the blame. Try to avoid apologizing or accepting responsibility for the accident. You don’t really know what happened yet, and any statements you make could hurt your right to pursue compensation.
- Avoid recorded statements. The insurance adjusters might ask you to make a recorded statement or sign a statement about what happened. Speak with an attorney before you agree.
Finally, call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a free consultation as soon as you can. It’s always a good idea to consult a lawyer sooner rather than later. Our car accident lawyers in Port Clinton can begin our investigation quickly to preserve evidence.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Port Clinton
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers is an award-winning law firm. Our attorneys in Port Clinton have nearly two centuries of combined legal experience. Over the years, we’ve seen cases similar to yours–and we’re well-prepared to handle any type of car accident case.
Examples of our practice areas include:
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes tend to happen because drivers are tailgating, speeding, or not paying attention. They are extremely common. However, that doesn’t mean these cases are simple. Our accident attorneys can help you collect evidence to prove that the other party caused the crash.
Speeding Accidents
28,103 speed-related crashes were reported across the state of Ohio in 2023. Speeding greatly increases the chances that a collision will cause serious injuries. That said, it’s not always easy to prove that the at-fault driver was speeding. Contact our law firm in Port Clinton today if you’ve been involved in a speeding accident.
Fatal Accidents
Serious motor vehicle crashes always have the potential to cause catastrophic and fatal injuries. If you lost a loved one, our wrongful death attorneys are here to help you get justice. In fatal crash cases, it’s even more likely that the insurance company will try to blame your loved one. Count on us to protect your family.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving is a serious problem in Ohio. Even though it’s illegal to hold or use a cell phone while driving, texting while driving remains a danger. If you suspect that driver distraction played a role in your serious injury crash, call our legal team today. We’ll begin investigating right away.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents tend to be complex. How do you hold the at-fault driver responsible when you don’t know who they are? Our lawyers can launch our own investigation and attempt to locate the driver. We can also help you identify other sources of compensation that may be available.
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents can cause significant damage. SUVs, recreational vehicles, and other vehicles with a high center of gravity are at greatest risk for rollovers. It’s even possible that the manufacturer could be liable. If you were involved in a rollover accident, contact our lawyers for a free case evaluation.
Other Types of Collisions
We’re also prepared to take on cases involving:
- Sideswipes
- Head-on crashes
- T-bone accidents
- Multi-vehicle crashes
- Pile-ups
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Highway accidents
- Truck accidents
- Accidents involving commercial vehicles
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists
- Accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists
Anytime you are injured in an accident, call Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for legal assistance. Our top-rated lawyers are ready to start building your claim today.
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Under Ohio law, anyone who shares blame for a crash could possibly be liable. However, it’s also possible that someone who wasn’t driving could be legally responsible.
Some examples of liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers
- An employer of the at-fault driver, if the driver was working
- Trucking companies and companies responsible for fleets of commercial vehicles
- Government agencies
- Negligent passengers
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
- Vehicle manufacturers, if defective safety features played a role in a crash
More than one party can be liable. Even if one driver caused the crash, someone else could share legal liability for your damages.
To prove liability, you’ll probably have to establish negligence. That means you’ll need proof to demonstrate:
- The defendant’s legal duty of care
- Some breach of duty
- Causation, meaning that the breach of duty directly caused your injuries
- Damages, or the injuries and other losses you’ve suffered due to the accident
An experienced attorney can handle every aspect of your investigation. They will review police reports, medical records, photos, video footage, and more. In complex cases, they may even enlist accident reconstruction experts to prove your claim.
Common Types of Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes have the potential to cause virtually any type of injury.
Depending on the circumstances, car accident victims are vulnerable to:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Facial injuries
- Serious cuts and lacerations, which can cause permanent scarring
- Burns
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Airbag injuries or seatbelt injuries
- Nerve injuries
- Whiplash
- Soft tissue damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Concussions
- Back injuries
- Organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death
Regardless of the types of injuries involved, it’s important to know your legal rights and options. A lawyer can help you understand what to expect throughout the entire legal process. They can also get started on the investigation even while you’re still recovering.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
Car accidents happen for any number of reasons. As the victim, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the exact cause of a crash. While the accident report contains important details, it might not tell the whole story.
Some of the most common causes of traffic collisions include:
- Speeding
- Tailgating or following too closely for road conditions
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued drivers
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Racing through intersections to “beat” yellow lights
- Aggressive driving
- Road rage
- Passing too closely
- Dangerous lane changes
- Dangerous left-hand turns or U-turns
- Ignoring traffic signals, including red lights and stop signs
- Limited visibility or inadequate lighting at night
If you were injured in a car accident in Port Clinton, don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney today. We’re prepared to do everything we can to help you understand exactly why your accident occurred. Once we know the cause, we can start pursuing the fair compensation you deserve.
Statistics on Car Accidents in Port Clinton, Ohio
252,167 car accidents were reported to the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 2023. 38,655 people were injured in those crashes. In another 25,127 cases, the police thought it was possible that someone was injured. Sadly, 1,150 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents that year.
On a statewide basis, the most dangerous roads in 2023 were I-75 and I-71.
At least 835 car crashes occurred in Ottawa County in 2023. By far, the most dangerous roads were SR-2 and SR-163, where a total of 280 collisions were reported.
Contact an Experienced Port Clinton Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Initial Consultation Today
Car accidents are never pleasant. At best, crashes are inconvenient. The worst crashes can leave victims struggling with severe and life-changing injuries. If you were hurt, you deserve to have an experienced Port Clinton car accident attorney advocating on your behalf.
Our trusted team at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers has been serving clients in Port Clinton for decades. To learn more about how our attorneys can help, contact us today for a free case review. There’s never any obligation to hire us–so there’s no risk in learning about your legal options after a crash.