After a car accident, it is common to feel stressed and uncertain about what to do next. Innocent drivers and passengers often face pressure from insurance companies to settle quickly for less than the claim is truly worth. Insurance adjusters are trained to protect the carrier’s bottom line, not your best interests. Having a lawyer on your side ensures that your rights and interests are fully protected. Our experienced Columbus, OH car accident lawyer works closely with you from the start to preserve critical evidence, communicate with insurers, and calculate the full value of your claim. If insurers will not offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to court and pursue the compensation you deserve. At Brenner Law Offices, we represent individuals injured in vehicle collisions throughout Central Ohio.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a crash, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath can be and we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process and pursue full compensation for your losses. At our firm, we provide personalized legal representation tailored to the unique circumstances of your crash. Our goal is to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible so you can focus on recovery and rebuilding your life. Contact us today to set up a free consultation and learn more about our services.
Types Of Car Accident Cases We Handle
Car accidents vary widely in how they occur and the types of injuries they cause. We represent clients in cases involving:
- Rear-end collisions
- T-bone and side-impact accidents
- Head-on collisions
- Hit-and-run crashes
- Drunk and impaired driving accidents
- Distracted driving crashes
- Speeding and reckless driving cases
- Intersection and turn collisions
- Multi-vehicle pileups
- Pedestrian and bicyclist collisions
No matter how complex the accident, we investigate the cause and build a strong case based on liability and injury evidence.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Columbus can result from various causes, including:
- Distracted driving such as texting or phone use
- Speeding and aggressive driving
- Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs
- Failure to obey traffic signals
- Unsafe lane changes
- Tailgating
- Poor weather conditions
- Road hazards and construction zones
- Driver fatigue
Understanding why an accident occurred is a key part of establishing liability and building a claim.
Different Car Accident Injuries
Injuries range from minor to catastrophic. Some common injuries we see include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
- Back and spinal cord trauma
- Head injuries, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Neck strain and shoulder injuries
- Psychological trauma such as anxiety or PTSD
Soft tissue injuries like whiplash may not immediately appear at the accident scene, which is why immediate medical evaluation is essential. Even seemingly minor injuries can become serious when not properly diagnosed and treated.
Columbus Car Accident Infographic
What To Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Taking the right steps after a collision can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation:
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Seek Medical Attention. Your health comes first. Even if you feel okay, hidden injuries may develop later. Medical records also become important evidence in your claim.
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Report the Crash to Police and Your Insurer. A police report provides an official record of the accident. Notify your insurance company promptly, but avoid giving recorded statements without legal advice.
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Document the Scene. Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, skid marks, and traffic signs. Collect names and contact information of witnesses.
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Keep Records of Expenses. Track all medical bills, repair estimates, prescription costs, lost wages, and related expenses.
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Contact Our Law Firm Early. Speaking with a Columbus car accident lawyer early preserves evidence, protects your rights, and ensures critical deadlines are met.
How We Can Help
When you work with us, we manage every legal step so you can focus on healing. We will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your crash
- Obtain and review police reports, medical records, and witness statements
- Work with accident reconstruction experts when needed
- Calculate the full value of your losses
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for fair settlements
- Prepare and file a lawsuit if necessary
- Represent you at trial if a fair resolution cannot be reached
Columbus Car Accident Statistics
According to the most recent report from the NHTSA, there were 42,795 car accident fatalities in 2022, a 0.3 percent decrease from 2021.
- Drunk driving: Drunk drivers cause an average of 10,850 fatalities every year. In 2021, there was a 14 percent increase in drunk driving fatalities over 2020, with 13,384 drunk driving-related deaths.
- Lack of seatbelt use: Of those fatally injured in a passenger vehicle, 44 percent of drivers and 41 percent of passengers were wearing their seatbelts.
- Speeding: 29 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2021 involved speeding.
Car Accident FAQs
Car accidents are unfortunately common and can result from various factors, making it essential to understand the common causes and ways to prevent them. Whether it is due to distracted driving, adverse weather conditions, or mechanical failures, accidents can have life-altering consequences. Not only is it important for drivers to prioritize safe driving practices, but it is also crucial for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to play their part in improving road safety. Additionally, in the aftermath of an accident, legal proceedings often arise, making it necessary to seek assistance from a professional Columbus car accident lawyer. These FAQs aims to address some common questions related to car accidents, their causes, and the importance of legal assistance.
What Are Ohio’s Statute Of Limitations For Car Accident Claims?
Under Ohio law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury claims. This deadline is strict, and failure to file on time may permanently bar your right to seek compensation. These time limits also apply to property damage and wrongful death claims, though there can be variations in certain circumstances such as claims involving government entities or minors. Colombo Law+1
Because deadlines can be complicated, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible after an accident so we can protect your rights and file the necessary paperwork well before any deadlines pass.
How Does Comparative Fault Work In Ohio?
Ohio follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. If you are found partially at fault for your accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may not recover compensation at all. We work to minimize any assignment of fault against you and maximize your recovery.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
When another driver’s negligence causes your injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Property damage and vehicle repairs
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Compensation can vary widely based on the severity of injuries, impact on your life, and long-term prognosis. A lawyer helps ensure all of your current and future damages are included in your claim.
How Can Drivers Reduce the Risk of Accidents?
To reduce the occurrence of car accidents, drivers should prioritize safe driving practices such as staying focused, obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions, driving at safe speeds, and following proper maintenance routines. It is also important to adjust driving behavior to accommodate adverse weather conditions and to be cautious in heavy traffic or at intersections.
What Is the Role of Policymakers and Law Enforcement in Preventing Car Accidents?
Policymakers and law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in improving road safety by implementing and enforcing traffic laws, improving road design, and promoting awareness campaigns about responsible driving behaviors. Proper implementation and enforcement of traffic rules can significantly reduce accidents resulting from aggressive driving, speeding, running red lights, and other risky behaviors.
Why Is It Important to Hire a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident?
Car accidents often bring about legal proceedings, which is why hiring a Columbus, OH car accident lawyer from Brenner Law Offices is crucial. A professional lawyer can assist with legal cases related to car accidents, helping you navigate the legal process, gather necessary evidence, and represent your interests in court or during settlement negotiations.
What Are Some Consequences of Not Wearing a Seat Belt?
Failing to wear seat belts increases the risk of severe injuries or fatalities in accidents. Seat belts are designed to restrain passengers and minimize the impact of collisions. Therefore, it is essential to always wear a seat belt while driving or riding in a vehicle.
When you choose Brenner Law Offices, you are enlisting the support of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who will fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Our lawyers have a record of success in representing clients who have been injured in personal injury cases. We will work tirelessly to investigate your accident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate on your behalf in court. It is important to recognize that not all car accident cases require legal representation. However, if you have suffered significant injuries or substantial property damage, consulting with a car accident lawyer is highly advisable. They possess the expertise and resources necessary to handle complex cases and ensure that victims receive fair treatment under the law.
If you have recently been injured in a vehicle accident, you should schedule a consultation with a Columbus car accident lawyer to discuss your case as soon as possible. The legal professionals at Brenner Law Offices can thoroughly assess your case and advise you how to move forward.
Car Accident Glossary
If you’ve recently been in a crash, getting help from our Columbus car accident lawyer may be an important part of your recovery process. Even when injuries don’t show up right away, they can cause long-term problems. Working with an experienced legal team can help you take proper steps, including gathering medical evidence and dealing with insurance companies. Below, we explain some of the legal terms often associated with these cases, so you know what to expect when filing a claim.
Whiplash Injury Claim
Whiplash is one of the most common soft tissue injuries reported after a vehicle collision. It happens when the neck snaps forward and then quickly backward, often in rear-end crashes. A whiplash injury claim refers to the legal process of seeking compensation for medical care, pain, and limitations that result from this type of injury. While symptoms may not appear immediately, they can affect your ability to work or carry out daily activities. We usually support clients in documenting these symptoms early and connecting them to the crash to help strengthen the claim.
Insurance Settlement Negotiation
Insurance settlement negotiation is a key part of resolving a car accident case outside of court. After a crash, the at-fault driver’s insurer might offer a payout. But initial offers often do not reflect the full scope of injuries or losses. Negotiation involves back-and-forth discussions with the insurance adjuster to reach an agreement that covers all the harm you’ve experienced, including long-term treatment. As your legal team, we prepare thorough documentation and handle communications to help move this process forward.
Police Report Documentation
A police report is usually filed at the scene of the crash and serves as an official account of what happened. It may include details like time, location, weather conditions, statements from involved parties, and any citations issued. This report can serve as a critical piece of supporting evidence. When we take on a case, we request a copy right away and review it to verify details that support your claim. In many situations, it helps establish the timeline of events and confirm the severity of the incident.
Medical Records Review
Medical records review refers to our process of collecting and analyzing the treatment documents related to your injuries. These records may include ER visits, primary care notes, specialist consultations, physical therapy, and imaging results like MRIs or X-rays. By going through this documentation, we connect specific diagnoses to the date of the crash, helping demonstrate how the accident led to your current condition. We often coordinate directly with your providers to make sure nothing is missed when submitting proof for your case.
Claim Filing Process
The claim filing process is the step-by-step legal method of pursuing compensation after a car crash. This starts with a consultation and moves through investigation, evidence collection, communication with insurers, and—if necessary—preparing the case for court. The goal is to recover the costs of medical treatment, missed income, and the physical toll the incident has taken. We manage this entire process on your behalf, keeping you informed and handling all the paperwork and deadlines, so you don’t have to.
We’ve seen how even low-speed collisions can lead to serious physical effects that impact your daily life. At Brenner Law Offices, we help accident victims protect their rights by building a solid claim supported by medical documentation, police reports, and detailed case review.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, speak with our Ohio car accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options. Call us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your health and financial future.
Brenner Law Offices, Columbus Car Accident Lawyer
338 S High S 1st Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Consult A Skilled Accident Lawyer
We bring years of experience representing car accident victims in Columbus and throughout Ohio. Our attorneys have a record of success helping clients recover fair compensation after serious injuries. We provide compassionate support and robust legal advocacy from start to finish.
We understand how an accident affects your health, finances, family, and future. Our priority is to protect your rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.
Understanding Ohio’s personal injury laws, especially as they relate to car accidents, is crucial for anyone who has been injured due to another party’s negligence. If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Brenner Law Offices, your trusted partner in navigating the legal complexities of personal injury cases. Our dedicated car accident lawyers are ready to provide you with the guidance and representation you need to secure the compensation you deserve. If you want to explore legal services offered by a skilled Columbus car accident attorney, schedule a consultation right away while there is time to file a claim.