Distracted driving or driving under the influence (DUI) can be a critical factor in Columbus car accident claims. If a distracted or drunk motorist caused your collision, they (or their insurer) will likely have to cover the cost of your accident.
However, in some cases, a distracted or intoxicated motorist does not directly cause their accident. A Columbus car accident lawyer from our team will gather the facts of your accident, establish liability, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Both DUI and Distracted Driving Are Illegal in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Public Safety explains the state’s distracted driving law and how a violation may lead to significant fines, points on one’s license, and the suspension of one’s license. Drunk driving is also illegal, as most Ohioans know
Lawmakers made these behaviors illegal because:
- Drunk driving can impair a motorist’s reaction times, judgment, and physical ability to maintain control of the vehicle.
- Distracted driving takes the motorist’s eyes and focus from the road, increasing the risk they will hit a pedestrian or other vehicle.
- It is well established that impaired and distracted driving increases the likelihood of an accident.
Criminal statutes banning DUI and distracted driving set the precedent for your case. If an act is illegal, it is also negligent. Therefore, you have a basis for alleging negligence against liable parties and demanding they cover the cost of your accident-related damages.
Is a Distracted or Drunk Driver Always Liable for a Car Accident?
Not necessarily. In some cases, another motorist may share liability with the distracted or intoxicated motorist. However, the nature of drunk and distracted driving means these acts often contribute to accidents.
It is essential to prove the motorist’s intoxication or distraction contributed to your accident. The Ohio Department of Insurance explains that if you are at fault for an accident, your insurer must generally reimburse at least some of an accident victim’s losses.
By proving the fault of a drunk or distracted motorist, we may establish their financial responsibility for your medical expenses, property costs, and other losses.
How Can I Seek Compensation for a DUI- or Distracted Driving-Related Accident in Columbus?
Your attorney will explain your options for seeking compensation after a car accident in Columbus, which may include the following:
- Pursuing compensation from the at-fault parties’ insurers
- Filing an insurance claim with your insurer
- Filing a lawsuit against one or more liable parties
It is your case, meaning you will have a say in how your lawyer seeks compensation for your accident-related damages. However, your attorney will advise you on the most appropriate strategy based on your unique circumstances.
Should I Allow a Car Accident Lawyer to Represent Me?
Every car accident victim should strongly consider hiring an attorney. If you choose to retain a Columbus car accident attorney from our team, you may benefit from the following:
- The experience our team brings to your case.
- The legal training our attorneys spent years earning.
- The financial support our firm provides for your case (you will pay us no upfront fee).
- The ability to focus on your recovery while we handle your case.
Our legal team will protect your rights, advise you about case strategy, and be responsible for securing the money you deserve.
What Damages Will My Attorney Seek Compensation For?
You deserve fair compensation for any damages resulting from your car accident in Columbus, such as the following:
- The cost of repairing or replacing your car
- The cost of replacing any personal property damaged during the collision
- Medical bills (e.g., hospitalization, surgery, and medications)
- Pain and suffering (e.g., physical pain, psychological distress, emotional anguish, and lost quality of life)
- Treatment to address the symptoms of your pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Diminished earning power
Some DUI and distracted driving accidents kill someone. As you face the recent loss of a loved one, you deserve the full measure of justice. A Columbus wrongful death attorney from our firm will demand compensation for the following:
- The psychological effects of losing a spouse, parent, or child
- Loss of the decedent’s household services
- Funeral and burial costs
- Pain and suffering affecting both the decedent and survivors
If you’re grieving a loss, our entire team extends its sympathies. You can continue to grieve for your family member while our team fights for financial justice on your behalf.
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Services to Expect from Your Columbus Car Accident Lawyer
A Columbus car accident attorney from our team will:
- Seek to prove the motorist’s intoxication or distraction: We will seek video footage, statements, breathalyzer results, and any other evidence that could prove the motorist’s intoxication or distraction.
- Document your accident-related damages: Our team will record your damages, including medical bills, expert diagnoses, invoices for property costs, and proof of lost income.
- Pursue a settlement: We are responsible for securing the money you are entitled to receive. Thus, we’ll look to secure that money through a settlement that adequately covers all your losses.
- Complete a trial: We will take your case to court if settlement negotiations do not provide the desired results.
There is much more to a car accident case. Allow our team serving Columbus to handle every detail as we will take an urgent, detail-focused approach to your case.
Call The Fitch Law Firm LLC Today for Your Free Consultation
Attorney John Fitch and his team have represented Ohio car accident victims for over 30 years. We know Columbus and have the experience and resources you should seek in your law firm. We also require no upfront compensation from you.
Call The Fitch Law Firm LLC today for a free consultation about your case.