Were you or a family member injured in a car accident in Columbus, Ohio? An experienced Columbus car accident attorney at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers can help ensure you maximize your financial recovery— Contact us at (614) 587-8423 to schedule a free case review.
Between us, our car accident lawyers have over 71 years of experience. Our dedication and aggressive approach have helped us recover hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients.
You don’t have to let the insurance companies control the terms of your case. Contact our law offices in Ohio to speak with our award-winning legal team, who can fight for you.
How Can Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers Help Me Recover Compensation After a Car Crash in Columbus, OH?
When a wreck isn’t your fault, the law allows you to pursue compensation from the at-fault parties. Insurance companies can, unfortunately, make the process much more difficult than it has to be. You deserve an experienced Columbus personal injury lawyer who will advocate for you.
At Mani Ellis & Layne, we’ve earned an AV-Preeminent rating, which is the highest rating a law firm can receive from the Martindale-Hubbell lawyer rating service. We’ve also been recognized by Super Lawyers year after year for our exceptional legal services.
When you call us, we’ll help by:
- Evaluating all of your legal options for recovering compensation
- Launching our own investigation and gathering evidence to support your claim
- Determining who is legally responsible for your damages
- Submitting and managing your insurance claim
- Determining the fair value of your case so we can reject lowball offers
- Negotiating for a fair settlement with the insurance company
- Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court if necessary
You can learn more about legal representation by calling our law office. There are no strings attached, so don’t hesitate to contact us.
Why Should I Hire a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer?
Accident victims who hire experienced car accident lawyers have the best chance of recovering the maximum compensation they deserve.
Our skilled car accident lawyers understand the legal process and know how the other side works.
When considering whether to hire an attorney, remember these main important details:
- Insurance companies have teams of attorneys who are hired to help ensure the insurance company minimizes settlement payouts–hiring an accident lawyer in Columbus to advocate on your behalf levels the playing field.
- Expert testimony may be the only way to prove certain elements of your case–an accident lawyer in Columbus knows the most respected experts and has the resources to hire them.
- Insurance companies almost always try to blame the victim–your lawyer can fight back so that you don’t risk losing some, or even all of your compensation.
- After a serious injury, you need time to recover–your lawyer will handle all of the legal issues while you’re focused on your health.
There are many other reasons for hiring us. That’s especially true if your injuries are serious (brain injuries, paralysis, etc.), a wrongful death occurred, or if there are questions about who is responsible. Like most attorneys, we offer free case reviews so you can learn more about your legal options without any risk.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
The immediate aftermath of an accident can be very emotional. You may be overwhelmed, frustrated, and even angry. If you or someone you love were seriously harmed or a wrongful death occurrs, call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately. The 911 operator can send an ambulance to the scene.
If your injuries are not critical, there are some steps that you can take to protect your legal interests, including:
- Remain at the scene and move the vehicles to the side of the road if it’s safe to do so. Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in Ohio.
- Call 911 regardless of the extent of your injuries. The police officer will prepare an accident report and make an initial assessment of the cause of the accident.
- Don’t apologize or admit fault. You may not fully understand the various factors that caused the incident.
- Exchange insurance details and contact information with the other driver.
- Collect evidence. That means taking photos and videos of the accident scene, including the damaged vehicles, any skid marks, and the general conditions around you. It’s also a good idea to take photos and videos of any obvious injuries.
- Exchange contact information with any witnesses who stopped.
Seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries won’t result in immediate symptoms. Others may appear minor and later can become much worse. Seeing a doctor right away both protects you from more serious injuries and will provide valuable evidence if you later file a claim.
You don’t have to wait for your injuries to completely heal before speaking to a lawyer. We can start building your case even while you’re receiving treatment or recovering. Call us to evaluate your legal options.
What Damages Can I Recover After an Auto Accident?
The compensation you recover after a motor vehicle wreck is called “damages.” Under Ohio personal injury laws, two types of compensatory damages are available: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Victims are entitled to seek compensation for the full range of damages they have suffered.
Here is a summary of economic damages victims often suffer:
- Current medical bills, including ER costs, hospitalization, follow-up visits with the doctor, ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, and more
- Lost wages and employment benefits
- Reduced earning potential
- Medications and medical devices
- Nursing care
- In-home assistance with daily activities
- Vehicle repair costs
- Property damage
- Miscellaneous out-of-pocket expenses
Common non-economic damages suffered by victims include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mental trauma and PTSD
- Humiliation and shame experienced during a difficult recovery
- Diminished quality of life
- Physical disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium
Ohio courts rarely award punitive damages. They’re reserved for the most shocking cases.
However, when we have evidence that the defendant’s acts were intentional, malicious, or extremely shocking, we’ll seek punitive damages as punishment.
We Handle All Types of Car Accident Claims in Columbus
With over seven decades of combined experience at Mani Ellis & Layne, we are prepared to take on any type of motor vehicle accident claim.
Some examples of motor vehicle accident cases we cover include:
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents can lead to a surprising amount of vehicle damage and serious injuries. Our Columbus rear-end accident attorneys can help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.
Intersection Accidents
Intersections can be chaotic locations where pedestrians, motorists, motorcyclists, and bicyclists meet. When intersection accidents occur, it can be difficult to determine which parties are at fault and how the crash occurred. Our intersection accident lawyers are experienced in handling these complex cases.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Hit-and-run accidents are devastating. You may be left with medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more. You shouldn’t have to face this financial burden alone. Our Columbus hit-and-run accident attorneys can conduct a thorough investigation and pursue all available compensation.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes can be some of the most severe types of accidents. That’s especially true if motorists are engaged in the practice of driving at high speeds. Contact us so that we can help you understand your next steps.
Our Columbus car accident attorneys also handle cases involving:
- Rollovers
- Sideswipe accidents
- T-bone accidents
- Multiple vehicle crashes and pile-ups
- Single-vehicle accidents
- Highway accidents
- Parking lot accidents
- Trucking accidents
- Accidents involving Uber and Lyft
- Accidents involving uninsured/underinsured motorists
If you were injured in an auto accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our law firm. We offer free case evaluations, so there’s no need to wait.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Columbus?
Car accidents happen every day in Ohio. Any number of variables can contribute to the cause of a motor vehicle wreck.
According to the Ohio Highway Safety Patrol, some of the top causes of car accidents in Ohio include:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Teen and youth drivers who are inexperienced
- Drunk driving
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving
- Unsafe passing
- Illegal lane changes
- Illegal or unsafe turns
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Racing through intersections
- Fatigued drivers
- Poor weather conditions
- Hazardous road conditions
Understanding the cause of your accident is critical to the outcome of your case. Most car wrecks happen because of driver negligence. In legal terms, they happen when people are negligent. We’re here to use our experience for your benefit, so give us a call.
Read more about car accident statistics here.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?
You only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for compensation. Every state has its own deadline, which is called the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations in Ohio is two years.
If you miss the deadline, it’s likely that the courts will refuse to consider your case. While there are some exceptions to this general rule, they’re rare. For example, the deadline may be extended if the at-fault driver is also facing criminal charges (for example, DUI charges).
However, it’s not worth taking the risk and missing the deadline. If you were hurt, contact us to protect your rights.
Common Car Accident Injuries
At Mani Ellis & Layne, we handle all injury cases. Whether you’ve suffered an injury that will heal with time or one that will change your lifestyle forever, we’re here to protect you.
We have experience handling all kinds of claims involving:
- Facial injuries and scarring
- Eye injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back injuries
- Organ or soft tissue damage
- Internal bleeding
- Crushing injuries
- Burns
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Catastrophic injuries
- Wrongful death of a loved one
Reach out to our car accident lawyers in Columbus to learn about your legal rights and options following a collision.
What Happens If I’m at Fault in a Car Accident in Ohio?
You could lose some or all of your compensation if you share blame for the accident.
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence law with a 51% bar to recovery. That means you can recover compensation if your share of blame is less than 51%. Once your share of fault reaches or exceeds 51%, you lose your right to sue for damages entirely.
If you share some blame, but your “percentage of fault” is less than 51%, your compensation is reduced by the percentage allocated to you.
We can advocate for your interests and work hard to minimize the amount of blame you are assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
Like most car accident attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. With this arrangement, your fees are “contingent” on the compensation you receive. After your case has been resolved–whether through insurance or in court–you pay us a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
Your attorney’s fees will depend entirely on how much compensation we recover in your case.
You will agree to the fee structure before we begin working on the legal issues in your case. We can discuss the details in a free case review, but you’ll always know the terms of your payment agreement.
The important thing to remember now is that there aren’t any upfront costs–so you can get the legal advice you deserve without worrying about whether you can afford it. In addition, you only pay us attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your case.
How Much Compensation Can I Recover By Filing a Car Accident Claim?
The value of any car accident case is based on the unique facts and circumstances. Your injuries are unique. Whether you suffer a brain injury or broken bones, they can impact you in ways that aren’t identical to any other victim. Similarly, every wreck is slightly different.
When assessing your case value, it’s important to evaluate:
- The overall severity of your injuries
- Whether your doctor expects you to make a full medical recovery
- How any long-term or permanent disability will impact you moving forward
- If your loved one suffered a wrongful death
- The level of pain and suffering you’ve experienced
- How the injury impacts your ability to earn a living
- The cost of your medical treatment, vehicle repairs, and other expenses
- Anticipated expenses that are necessary because of the accident and injury
Who Can Be Held Liable for My Car Accident Injuries?
Under Ohio state law, nearly any party who contributed to the cause of your accident can be held liable for your injuries or your loved one’s wrongful death.
Examples of responsible parties often include:
- Negligent drivers and their insurance companies
- Employers of negligent drivers, under vicarious liability laws
- Trucking companies
- Mechanics and maintenance teams
- Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and oversight
- Manufacturers of defective vehicles or vehicle safety equipment
- Negligent passengers
- Pedestrians or bicyclists
The specific circumstances of your accident will determine who is liable for your damages. It’s always possible that more than one party may share the blame.
Will My Car Accident Case Go to Trial?
It’s unlikely. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t need a lawyer by your side. Insurance companies are much more likely to take your case seriously if the threat of going to court is on the table.
That’s because trials have many disadvantages. They’re expensive and time-consuming. They’re also unpredictable because you never really know exactly how a jury will decide.
As the plaintiff, there are some main reasons why it can be advantageous to go to trial, including:
- The insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
- The at-fault driver is disputing liability
Once a lawsuit is filed, we can seek additional evidence through the discovery process. That can reveal information that can be used to resolve outstanding issues in your case. Sometimes, when we file a lawsuit, that motivates the insurance company to take your case seriously and offer a fair settlement before the trial even begins.
Call an Experienced Columbus Car Accident Attorney for a Free Initial Consultation
With over 70 years of experience, our legal professionals at Mani Ellis & Layne has seen it all when it comes to car wrecks. We know the toll that it can take on your life–and we know how to fight to make it right.
If you or a loved one were injured, call us. An experienced Columbus car accident lawyer can help you fight to hold all parties who were responsible accountable for your losses. Your consultation is always completely free of charge.
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Local Highly Rated Car Repair Shops Near You
- Goodyear Auto Service – 124 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215
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*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.
Additional Accident Articles & Information
- Car Crash: FAQ
- Should I Consult a Lawyer After a Minor Crash?
- What Does a Car Accident Lawyer Do?
- What Happens When You Are at Fault for a Car Wreck?
- Who Is at Fault in a T-Bone Car Wreck?
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