Distracted driving is fast becoming a leading cause of car accidents in Columbus, Ohio, and all across the US. Texting, GPS services, playlists, eating, and onboard dash cams invade vehicles and disrupt the concentration of drivers. If you have injuries from a distracted driving accident, a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer at The Fitch Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing the compensation you deserve after a distracted driving accident in Columbus, Ohio, involves understanding the types of damages you can claim. An experienced Columbus Personal Injury Attorney can help you determine which types of compensation you can claim, including economic and non-economic damages.
Pursuing the Compensation You Deserve After a Distracted Driving Accident in. Columbus, Ohio
Distracted driving accidents cause injuries, death, and property damage. An experienced personal injury attorney in Columbus, OH can help you determine which types of compensation you can claim. The types of compensation you might receive include economic and non-economic damages. In cases where a death occurs, the family might receive additional compensation.
Economic damages are reimbursable costs that you have due to the accident. This area of compensation can include:
- Medical costs for ambulances, hospital stays, and treatment
- Property damage costs
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Wrongful Death Damages
If you lost a family member to a distracted driving car accident, your family might be entitled to recover:
- Final medical costs
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of consortium
Whether you were injured or you lost a family member from their related injuries, our distracted driving accident lawyer can help you determine which damages you can recover and pursue them.
For a free legal consultation with a Columbus distracted driving accident lawyer
(614) 545-3930Understanding Negligence and Who Pays Your Compensation in Columbus, Ohio
Part of our investigative process involves determining who is responsible for your losses. We use the four elements of negligence to help us prove liability.
Each driver is responsible for obeying traffic laws (duty of care). If the driver is determined to have been distracted, they were negligent (breach of duty). Their careless actions resulted in your accident (causation). The accident caused you harm (damages).
We take advantage of the means at our disposal to establish negligence and liability and use that proof to fight for your compensation.
The Last Thing You Should Worry About Is How You’re Going To Pay For Your Medical Bills.
(614) 545-3930How Our Columbus Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You
When you partner with our law firm, we will handle the details of your case. That leaves you free to recover from your injuries without worrying about deadlines, compiling documentation, and the myriad other tasks involved with obtaining compensation for your injuries. Some of the functions our car accident team handles include:
- Obtaining the police report
- Conducting an independent investigation
- Determining who is liable
- Obtaining witness statements
- Collecting photos or video evidence from the scene
- Compiling your medical information
- Negotiating and communicating with insurance companies
- Filing all necessary paperwork and meeting deadlines
- Advocating for your rights on your behalf
- Providing you with guidance and counseling
- Filing a lawsuit in civil court and representing you
Each case is unique. Our team takes the time to concentrate on your case and to fight for the best possible outcome.
Affording Our Legal Representation in Columbus Is Easier Than You May Think
Cost is likely one of your first thoughts when you have an accident and want legal representation. When you partner with us, your experience begins with a free initial consultation. We listen to your account of the accident and will offer an honest evaluation.
If you decide to continue with our representation, our team will explain our contingency fee agreement in greater detail. The basic outline is that we expect no upfront costs from you. We only receive our fees and reimbursement for our expenses if your case resolves favorably.
You get the representation of a law firm with more than 30 years of personal injury experience with a proven background. We fight for your compensation and handle all the details for you.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
You Have a Time Limit on Filing a Lawsuit After a Distracted Driving Accident
Ohio limits your time to file a personal injury lawsuit following a car accident. Per Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, you generally have two years to file a lawsuit in civil court.
If you have suffered the death of a family member, you also have up to two years to file under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
It is crucial to meet filing deadlines, as missing them might result in losing your ability to seek compensation.
How Distracted Driving Car Accidents Happen
Driving involves a concentrated effort. We learn early to place both hands on the wheel, keep our eyes forward, and remove distractions. Over time, we tend to develop poor habits behind the wheel, though. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines three types of distractions:
- Visual
- Manual
- Cognitive
Distracted driving accidents occur when we take our eyes off the road (visual), when we remove our hands from the steering wheel (manual), or when our mind drifts to other thoughts (cognitive). Any activity that reduces your concentration on driving constitutes a distraction.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) report uses the example of texting. When you read a text while driving that takes approximately five seconds, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field at 55 miles per hour. That is the equivalent of driving with your eyes closed for that same period.
Ohio Law Addresses Distracted Driving
Many states are adding restrictions on the use of smartphones while driving. Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.204 prohibits using any handheld device to read or compose text messages.
Although distracted driving can involve more than text messaging, this inclusion in the law is a step toward safer roadways. Our Columbus car accident team knows Ohio laws and can use them to fight for your compensation.
Taking the Next Step in Your Fight for Damages After a Distracted Driving Crash
At The Fitch Law Firm, we put you first. Our Columbus distracted driving car accident lawyer will handle your case professionally. You are not just a case file to us – you are a person who needs help and deserves compensation for your injuries. Contact our team to begin your free case evaluation.