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Cincinnati Auto Accident Lawyer
Experienced Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys in Cincinnati, OH and Covington, KY
Motor vehicle accidents are often very unexpected and frightening events, leaving behind a massive amount of physical, financial, and emotional stress. For example, if you’re not working due to your injuries, you may worry about how you’re going to pay your mounting medical bills due to the financial strain resulting from your loss of income, all while dealing with the physical injuries you’ve sustained from the accident. If another driver caused the wreck, you shouldn’t have to shoulder this burden. With the help of a Cincinnati auto accident lawyer, you may be able to receive compensation for your losses and damages.
Unfortunately, insurance companies will try to settle as quickly and for as little as possible after a car accident resulting in injury. However, some serious injuries can require a lifetime of medical treatment or even the need for regular personal care. In these cases, it is important that you fight to receive the fair compensation you deserve.
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our car accident lawyers have more than 50 years of experience helping victims and their families recoup damages after serious motor vehicle accidents in both the Cincinnati, OH and Covington, KY areas. If you or a family member is seriously injured in a wreck, contact an experienced auto accident attorney on our team by calling (800) 698-4054 or sending us a message online to schedule your free consultation today.
Why You Need a Cincinnati Car Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in an automobile accident caused by someone else’s negligence, working with a team of experienced car accident lawyers in Cincinnati is crucial for protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Car accident cases often involve complex legal issues, including determining liability, dealing with insurance companies, and calculating the full extent of your damages. Without skilled legal representation on your side, it can be extremely difficult to navigate these challenges and secure appropriate compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
When you equip the help of a Covington or Cincinnati car accident lawyer at TLF, we can help level the playing field against insurance companies that are focused on minimizing payouts. We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurers, and, if necessary, take your case to court to fight for your rights and secure maximum compensation.
Types of Auto Accidents We Handle
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, we understand that every auto accident is unique and can have life-altering consequences. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping clients throughout Ohio and Northern Kentucky who have been involved in a wide range of motor vehicle accidents. Whether you’ve been injured in a minor fender bender with a passenger vehicle or a serious collision with an 18-wheeler, we are here to provide the legal support you need.
Car Accidents
Our Covington car accident lawyers are committed to guiding injured victims through every step of their car accident claims. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car accident can take, which is why we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they need to recover, allowing you to focus on your healing while we handle the many legal challenges that may arise.
Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, and understanding the common causes of truck accidents—such as driver fatigue, improper truck maintenance, and overloaded cargo—is crucial to building a strong case. Our experienced Cincinnati truck accident attorneys thoroughly investigate these factors, work with experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable for your injuries and losses.
Commercial Vehicle Accidents
In addition to semi-truck accidents, we are also well-versed in handling a variety of other complex commercial vehicle accident cases. These cases often involve multiple parties and intricate regulations that require a deep understanding of the law. Armed with a thorough knowledge of both Ohio and Kentucky personal injury law, our commercial vehicle accident attorneys work tirelessly to build a compelling case, advocate for your rights, and secure maximum compensation on your behalf.
Motorcycle Accidents
Due to the lack of protection for riders, motorcycle accidents often lead to severe injuries and require a unique approach to ensure all aspects are thoroughly addressed. Our team of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati motorcycle accident lawyers understands the common causes of these types of accidents, working diligently to investigate these factors. We are committed to fighting for your rights and obtaining the compensation you need to recover fully, giving you peace of mind while we manage the complexities of your case.
Bus Accidents
Our accident attorneys also have extensive experience handling bus accidents, which can result in severe injuries for passengers and others involved. Bus accidents often involve multiple victims and complex legal issues, including the responsibility of bus companies and government entities. Our Ohio bus accident lawyers know firsthand the unique challenges these cases present, such as determining liability and navigating the regulations that govern public and private buses, and are ready and willing to help you fight for your right to financial compensation from all negligent parties.
Bicycle Accidents
Like motorcyclists, bicyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road, meaning any type of accident can lead to serious and even lifelong injuries. These incidents often occur due to drivers failing to see or yield to cyclists, dangerous road conditions, or reckless driving. Our bicycle accident attorneys at TLF are committed to helping injured bike accident victims navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve.
Electric Scooter Accidents
Electric scooter rentals are gaining traction in urban areas such as Northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati Region. However, this surge in usage also brings a rise in accidents involving scooters. Whether it’s caused by road hazards, defective equipment, careless drivers, or simply the increased vulnerability that comes with riding a scooter, these incidents can result in significant injuries that disrupt various parts of your life. At TLF, our Covington and Cincinnati scooter accident lawyers are committed to helping those who have suffered from electric scooter accidents.
Boating Accidents
TLF also extends its legal services to clients who have been injured in boating accidents. Whether it’s due to operator negligence, impaired driving, or equipment failure, boating accidents can result in significant injuries that require specialized legal attention. The Northern Kentucky and Ohio boat accident attorneys on our team have what it takes to handle all aspects of a boating injury claim, helping victims by thoroughly investigating the incident, identifying responsible parties, and pursuing the compensation they need for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents can have a devastating impact on victims and their families. These accidents often result in severe injuries due to the lack of protection pedestrians have when struck by a vehicle. That’s why our Cincinnati pedestrian accident lawyers are fully committed to helping injured pedestrians by taking care of all the legal details of their case so they can focus all their energy on recovering while knowing that their case is in competent and capable hands.
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents
Losing a loved one in a fatal auto accident is an unimaginable tragedy. When this unfortunate scenario happens, our compassionate team helps families navigate the difficult process of pursuing a wrongful death claim. The Ohio and Kentucky wrongful death attorneys on our team have decades of experience helping families seek justice and secure the compensation needed to cover funeral expenses, lost income, and the emotional pain and suffering that comes with such a profound loss. While no amount of money can ever replace your loved one, we strive to provide the legal support and guidance necessary to help you and your family find some measure of peace during this difficult time.
Common Causes and Types of Car Crashes
Car accidents can happen for any number of reasons. Some of the more common causes of Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati car accidents we see at TLF include:
- Distracted Driving – Distracted driving is one of the leading accident causes, often resulting from texting, using a phone, or other activities that take the driver’s attention away from the road.
- Driving Under the Influence – Drunk driving and driving under the influence of drugs or controlled substances remain a significant threat on the roads, with accidents caused by impaired drivers often resulting in serious and catastrophic injuries.
- Reckless Driving – Reckless actions, such as speeding, failing to yield, or disregarding traffic signals, are frequent contributors to auto accidents in Cincinnati, Covington, and throughout the entire country.
- Highway Hypnosis – Highway hypnosis, which is a state where a driver zones out and loses focus on driving, can also lead to serious accidents, particularly during long or monotonous drives.
- Defective Vehicle Parts – Defective auto parts and poor maintenance can significantly increase the risk of auto accidents by causing critical vehicle failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, that endanger both the driver and others on the road.
- Poor Road or Weather Conditions – Poor driving conditions, such as icy roads, heavy rain, or potholes, can contribute to accidents by reducing visibility, traction, and vehicle control, making it more difficult for drivers to safely navigate the road.
In addition to the many different causes of accidents, there are multiple types of wrecks that can occur. Common types of accidents include collisions at intersections, head-on collisions, rear end crashes, sideswipe accidents, jackknife truck accidents, and side impact or T-bone wrecks. It is helpful to know what type of accident you were involved in and the cause of it, as it may help you understand who is at fault and gauge how much you could be compensated for your injuries.
Common Injuries Experienced By Car Accident Victims
The human body is very fragile, and a serious car wreck can leave it battered, bruised, and severely injured. Injuries experienced by car accident victims can range from mild to severe, including catastrophic and incapacitating injuries that have long-lasting effects. These injuries may include:
- Whiplash – A neck injury caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Ranging from concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries, often resulting from a blow to the head or from being ejected from the vehicle. A moderate to severe TBI can pose a lifetime of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional challenges.
- Neck, Back, and Spinal Cord Injuries – Can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity and location of the injury.
- Broken Bones – Fractures are common in auto accidents, affecting arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body.
- Internal Injuries – Internal organs are particularly vulnerable to damage from motor vehicle accidents, including the stomach, lungs, liver, or heart. This type of serious injury typically requires surgical intervention.
- Soft Tissue Injuries – Includes sprains, strains, and bruises, which can affect muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
- Facial Injuries – Resulting from impact with the dashboard, windshield, or airbags, potentially causing cuts, fractures, or dental injuries.
- Psychological Trauma – Emotional and mental distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression, can also result from the trauma of an auto accident.
These injuries can require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, making it important for victims to seek appropriate legal representation to ensure they receive the compensation needed for their recovery.
Steps To Take Immediately After an Auto Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a car accident is crucial to protect your rights and support your car accident claim. Here are some things to remember if you ever find yourself in an automobile accident:
- Ensure Safety at the Accident Scene: Immediately check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible. Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Seek Medical Treatment: Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible to identify any hidden injuries.
- Contact Authorities and File an Accident Report: Call the police to report the accident. Police reports are critical documents that will be needed for your car accident claim.
- Exchange Contact and Insurance Information: Obtain the contact and insurance information of the other driver (or drivers) involved in the accident.
- Gather Evidence at the Accident Scene: If you’re able to, take photos of the vehicles, the accident scene, and any visible injuries. Document road conditions, traffic signals, and any other relevant details.
- Speak with Witnesses: If there are witnesses, gather their contact information and statements, as they can support your claim.
- Consult an Experienced Car Accident Attorney: Contact an experienced car accident attorney to guide you through the claims process and help protect your rights.
Understanding Ohio and Kentucky Auto Accident Laws
Ohio and Kentucky’s auto accident laws establish specific guidelines for filing personal injury claims after an accident caused by a negligent driver. One of these laws is how long you have to file a claim. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in losing your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally two years from the date of the accident. Generally, in Kentucky, you also have a two-year window to file a claim, but it begins from the date of the last Personal Injury Protection (PIP) payment. If you don’t have PIP coverage, the statute of limitations decreases to one year.
How is Fault Determined in a Car Accident?
The question of who is at fault for your automobile accident can essentially be determined in several different places – at the scene of the accident, in a police report, when insurance companies hash it out via arbitration, or when a jury makes its decision in court.
You may know for certain that your car accident was caused by the other driver’s negligence or reckless actions, but this must be proven in order to win your personal injury case. This is where a injury lawyer is of critical assistance. Our Ohio and Kentucky personal injury lawyers at TLF will investigate the facts of your wreck to determine the exact cause of the accident and establish who is at fault.
What Is the Difference Between No-Fault and At-Fault Insurance States?
It is important to be familiar with whether your state is a no-fault or an at-fault insurance state. The main difference between the two pertains to whether or not you, as the victim, have the right to sue after a car accident. Who ends up paying for these damages is another notable difference.
Is Kentucky a No-Fault State?
If you live in Kentucky, you live in a “choice no-fault” state. What this means is that all Kentucky vehicles, save for motorcycles, must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage on their auto policy and must first file accident claims through their own insurance company.
But what exactly is PIP insurance? No matter who is at fault for the wreck, PIP insurance is used to pay such expenses as lost wages, medical bills, or even funeral costs resulting from a fatal car accident. It is worth noting, however, that drivers are allowed the choice to opt out of the no-fault system. If not, the ability to sue is waived by the driver and other occupants of the vehicle unless specific thresholds are met.
If the collision resulted in more than $1,000 in medical expenses or if the injured party experienced one or more of the following as a result of the accident, Kentucky law allows car accident victims to file personal injury lawsuits against the at-fault motorists for:
- Permanent disfigurement
- A weight-bearing bone fracture
- Any bone fracture, whether compound, compressive, or displaced
- A permanent injury
- Any permanent loss of a bodily function
Is Ohio a No-Fault State?
So, is Ohio a no-fault state? Unlike Kentucky, Ohio is an at-fault state. In an at-fault state, those involved in a car wreck will make their initial claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance. In other words, if you are injured in a car accident in Cincinnati, you don’t have to file a claim through your own insurance first.
If the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough coverage, then the injured party’s own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage kicks in. This type of coverage is required in addition to your regular motor vehicle insurance.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Car Crash Claim?
There are generally two types of damages that are available to victims of a car accident injury. These are economic damages and non-economic damages. A claim for economic damages involves easily quantifiable damages such as lost wages and medical expenses (including borth past and future damages). Medical records, bills from healthcare providers, pay stubs, and other supporting documentation are used to demonstrate this loss as well as to establish a fair amount of compensation.
Non-economic damages include things like pain and suffering and emotional distress. If the injuries you sustained in the accident impact your relationship with your family, loss of consortium may be another pursuable non-economic damage.
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages can be difficult to prove. However, that is not to say you cannot recover for these types of damages, only that it is typically harder to provide a quantifiable amount. As a result, these types of losses may require the help of a skilled car accident attorney to secure the testimony of expert witnesses about your injuries.
How Much Does a Car Accident Attorney Cost?
The cost of hiring an attorney for a car accident case is a common concern for injured victims. Fortunately, many auto accident attorneys make their services accessible by working on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront fees; instead, the attorney’s fee is a percentage of the compensation they recover for you. In other words, if the case is not successful, you typically won’t owe any attorney’s fees. This fee structure allows individuals to pursue justice and compensation without the financial burden.
At TLF, our Covington and Cincinnati injury attorneys are committed to providing high-quality representation on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that everyone has access to the legal help they need after a car accident.
How Our Covington and Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
The Covington and Cincinnati car accident lawyers at our firm are dedicated to helping injured victims and their families navigate the often overwhelming process of dealing with Kentucky and Ohio car accident cases. Our seasoned legal team has successfully handled personal injury claims of all types and sizes, meaning we understand the many challenges that come with these cases, including the tactics that insurance adjusters use to minimize payouts.
Our attorneys at TLF are skilled negotiators who know how to fight for a car accident settlement that truly reflects the extent of your injuries and losses. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we’re fully prepared to seek compensation before a judge and jury. Rest assured, when we take on your case, our skilled Covington and Cincinnati car accident lawyers are dedicated to ensuring you receive the justice you deserve.
Call TLF For a Free Consultation With an Experienced Kentucky or Ohio Car Accident Lawyer Today
At TLF: The Medical Injury Law Firm, our experienced Covington and Cincinnati car accident attorneys proudly and fiercely advocate for accident victims throughout Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident, our legal team is prepared to defend your rights in both states. We will thoroughly investigate your case, negotiate on your behalf, and represent you in court if necessary, all with the goal of securing the fair compensation you deserve.
And remember, you won’t be responsible for any legal fees unless we successfully recover financial damages on your behalf. To schedule a free consultation with a Covington or Cincinnati car accident attorney at our firm, simply contact us online or call us toll-free at (800) 698-4054 today.
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You Pay No Fees Unless We Win!
We are happy to offer a free consultation to evaluate your case. If you hire us as your legal counsel, we will represent you on a contingency-fee basis. You will pay no attorneys’ fees unless we recover financial damages.