Car accidents can happen at any time and to anyone, causing serious injuries and significant financial and emotional distress. Car accidents can be devastating, causing physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Cincinnati, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Cincinnati, it’s crucial to seek legal representation from a skilled and experienced Cincinnati car accident lawyer. At Babin Law, LLC we understand the challenges that car accident victims face, and we are dedicated to providing the best representation to help our clients get the compensation they deserve. Our Cincinnati car accident attorneys can provide you with the guidance and support you need during this difficult time, fighting for your rights and helping you get your life back on track. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, we are the trusted advocates you need on your side. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation.
What is the Definition of a Car Accident?
A car accident, for legal purposes, refers to an incident where a motor vehicle collides with another vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or stationary object, resulting in property damage, bodily injury, or death. Car accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver negligence, defective auto parts, hazardous road conditions, and more. In the legal context, car accidents are typically resolved through insurance claims or lawsuits filed against the at-fault party or parties to seek compensation for the damages and losses incurred by the victim or victims.
Common Causes of Cincinnati Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Some examples include:
- Distracted driving: This is one of the leading causes of car accidents. It involves any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio.
- Drunk driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and can lead to fatal accidents.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the road conditions increases the risk of accidents.
- Reckless driving: This includes driving in a manner that endangers other road users, such as running red lights, weaving through traffic, or tailgating.
- Poor weather conditions: Rain, snow, fog, and other weather conditions can make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to accidents.
- Mechanical failure: A faulty brake, tire blowout, or other mechanical failure can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, resulting in an accident.
- Road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and other poor road conditions can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and crash.
- Inexperienced drivers: Drivers who lack experience may not know how to react to certain situations, increasing the risk of accidents.
Types of Injuries in Cincinnati Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering. Common injuries we see here at Babin Law, LLC include:
- Whiplash: This is a soft tissue injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, causing damage to the neck muscles and ligaments.
- Broken bones: The force of a car accident can cause bones to break or fracture, resulting in significant pain and impairment.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): A severe blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury, which can range from mild concussions to more severe brain damage.
- Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Internal injuries: The force of a car accident can cause damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys.
- Cuts and bruises: Victims of car accidents may suffer cuts, bruises, and lacerations from broken glass or other debris.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Car accidents can be traumatic experiences, and some victims may suffer from PTSD, which can cause flashbacks, anxiety, and depression.
How Common are Car Accidents in Cincinnati?
According to data from the Ohio Department of Public Safety, in 2019, there were 15,468 motor vehicle crashes in Hamilton County, where Cincinnati is located. Of those, 6,198 resulted in injuries and 47 were fatal. However, there was a decrease in the number of crashes in 2020. In 2020, there were a total number of 11,395 total crashes in Cincinnati in 2020. Of those, 2,286 resulted in injuries, and 27 were fatal.
What Can I Recover in a Cincinnati Car Accident Claim?
The amount you can recover for a car accident legal claim in Cincinnati will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries and the extent of the damages incurred. In general, you may be able to recover compensation for the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses: This includes any costs related to medical treatment for your injuries, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, medication, and physical therapy.
- Property damage: If your car was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Lost wages: If you were unable to work due to your injuries, you may be able to recover compensation for the wages you lost as a result.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced as a result of the accident.
- Loss of consortium: If the accident resulted in the loss of companionship or intimacy with your spouse or partner, you may be able to recover compensation for this loss.
Statute of Limitations in Cincinnati Car Accident Claims
The statute of limitations for a car accident legal case in Cincinnati is the time limit in which a person must file a lawsuit. The legal term may sound fancy but in plain English, you can think of statute of limitations as the deadline to file a claim. In Cincinnati, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including car accidents, is generally two (2) years from the date of the accident.
This means that if you were involved in a car accident in Cincinnati and wish to file a lawsuit to recover damages, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to do so. If you fail to file a lawsuit within the two-year period, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
There may be some exceptions to this deadline depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if the person injured in the car accident was a minor at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations may be extended. Additionally, if the at-fault driver in the accident is a government entity or employee, there may be different deadlines and procedures for filing a claim.
Contact our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Cincinnati, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. At Babin Law, LLC we are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, property damage, lost wages, and other related losses. Our Cincinnati car accident attorneys understand the impact that a car accident can have on your life, and we’re committed to providing you with the strongest legal representation to help you get back on your feet. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need – contact us today for your free consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your car accident legal claim.
