Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus

The Columbus car accident lawyers at The Fitch Law Firm have over 30 years of experience helping auto accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you’ve been injured in an accident, reaching out to our Columbus car accident lawyers is a positive step toward your recovery. With years of experience in helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve, our legal team can provide clear communication and outstanding service to you and your family. We recognize the physical, emotional, and financial challenges a motor vehicle accident can create, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Filing a lawsuit with the help of a Columbus personal injury lawyer could lessen that load and allow you to concentrate on getting healthier. We at The Fitch Law Firm want to seek maximum compensation in your case. Call for a free consultation today and learn more about your legal options moving forward.

 

Our Columbus Car Accident Lawyers will Pursue the Damages You are Owed 

There is a wide range of compensatory damages that you could potentially claim after a car crash. The combination of injuries and losses you can ask for is specific to your situation. Our Columbus car accident attorneys can help you compile the damages you may seek compensation for, such as the following:

Your Medical Expenses

Car accidents in Columbus can result in a wide range of injuries for victims. In catastrophic cases, victims may suffer such severe injuries as the following: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Dislocated, crushed, or broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Organ damage
• Burns
• Scarring
• Lost limbs

These catastrophic injuries may require extensive medical care at a level one trauma center like Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, or Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Your recovery could be extensive and lengthy, and in some cases, victims never fully recover. 

Any fair settlement offer must take into account the time you need to recover as fully as possible from your injuries. The Fitch Law Firm LLC can provide you with a compassionate assessment of your medical bills, such as:

• Hospitalizations
• Doctor’s visits 
• Medications
• Surgeries
• Rehabilitation and therapy

We will even address any necessary home modifications and ongoing or long-term health care.  

Your Lost Income

In conjunction with medical debt, victims typically suffer lost wages while at home or in the hospital recovering from their injuries. We have the means to calculate your lost income, including such sources as the following: 

• Bonuses
• Benefits
• Missed opportunities 
• Secondary sources of income

Additionally, we can assess any reduced earning potential if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job or working ever again. 

Your Damaged Car and Property

Property damage is yet another common economic loss many auto accident victims face. However, we can seek fair compensation to pay for the repair or replacement of your vehicle. In fact, we can also seek compensation for such items as: 

• Electronic devices, like smartphones and laptops
• Jewelry and clothing
• Personal effects

When you speak with our legal team during your free case consultation, we can help you generate a list of the items you have lost in the accident. 

Your Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering is typically associated with non-economic damages. These damages are based on the individual and how the accident has impacted their life. It represents a loss in their quality of life and often includes such losses as the following: 

• Disability and disfigurement
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

Our personal injury law firm understands the methods used by the insurance companies and courts to evaluate such losses and can make sure your non-economic damages are included in any settlement offer given. 

Your Family’s Wrongful Death Damages

We also recognize the sad reality that some victims do not survive their car accident injuries. If your family is dealing with a fatal car accident, please accept our condolences. We can explain how wrongful death claims work in Ohio and help you seek such compensation for your loved one’s funeral expenses and the following damages: 

• Final medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of consortium

Our wrongful death lawyers in Columbus will manage your case while you and your family find the best way to honor the life of your loved one. 

How Our Columbus Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You

Our Columbus car accident lawyers recognize how crucial it is for you and your family to rebuild your lives after a personal injury. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so that:

• Compassionate Service: You can tell us what happened in your car accident. We will listen compassionately as you share every detail and be available throughout the legal process. 
• Legal Guidance: We can explain your options in your car accident. A member of our team will advise you about the best way to pursue accident compensation.
• Aggressive Representation: We can start on your case promptly. You need damages as soon as possible. Our attorneys want to start fighting for you quickly so we can put that money in your pocket.

If you were badly injured and have not been cleared to travel yet, we can come to you. Members of our team can visit you at home or in the hospital to begin the legal process.

We Handle a Wide Range of Car Accidents in Columbus, OH

One of the most crucial things our Columbus, OH, car accident attorneys can do is determine negligence. This means figuring out who failed to uphold their duties and what actions they could or should have taken to protect you. Negligence in auto accidents may be the result of such reckless behaviors as:

• Hit and Run Accidents: These occur when a driver causes an accident and leaves the scene without stopping to provide information or help. Victims may face challenges identifying the at-fault party, but uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and legal assistance can help pursue compensation.
• Texting While Driving Accidents: Texting takes a driver’s eyes, hands, and mind off the road, making it one of the most dangerous types of distracted driving. These accidents often lead to serious collisions due to delayed reaction times.
• Uber & Lyft Accidents: Crashes involving rideshare vehicles can be complex due to the involvement of multiple insurance policies. Whether you’re a passenger, another driver, or a pedestrian, liability depends on the driver’s status at the time of the accident.
• Rear-End Collisions: Common at intersections and in heavy traffic, rear-end collisions usually happen due to inattention or tailgating. Even at low speeds, these crashes can result in soft-tissue injuries.
• Drunk Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and increases the risk of severe or fatal crashes. Victims can pursue both civil damages.
• Distracted Driving: This includes any activity that diverts attention from driving—eating, using a GPS, talking to passengers, or adjusting controls. 
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting routine maintenance, like checking brakes, tires, or lights, can cause mechanical failures that lead to accidents. Drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles roadworthy.
• Manufacturing Defective Vehicles: Some crashes are caused by design flaws or manufacturing defects, such as faulty airbags or brake systems. In these cases, auto manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable through a product liability claim.
• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic and increases the severity of accidents.
• Not Adjusting to Conditions: Even if a driver is within the speed limit, going too fast for road, traffic, or weather conditions can still be negligent. Wet roads, low visibility, or construction zones require reduced speeds for safety.

Some car accident cases involve more than one at-fault party. This could complicate your case, but The Fitch Law Firm LLC can still be there to protect your future by pursuing fair compensation today.

We Manage Your Columbus Car Accident Claim While You Recover

The Fitch Law Firm LLC can handle your claim so you can focus on your recovery. We can take the burden off your family by providing these legal services:

• Investigate the Accident: We have the resources to investigate the accident scene and collect evidence for your insurance claim. We may collect such evidence as eyewitness testimony, accident reconstruction, police reports, medical records, photographs and video, physical evidence, and other items to prove fault.
• Determine Your Damages: From our investigation and evidence, we can compile your damages so that we can negotiate with the insurance companies toward your fair settlement. 
• Deal With the Insurers: We will handle any complex insurance claims, fight claim denials, and negotiate on your behalf, advocating for your interests.
• Handle All Communications: We will speak on your behalf with the insurance companies, their adjusters, the lawyers, and the defendant, giving you peace of mind to heal stress-free. 

One of the most important things our car crash lawyers can do for you is show the at-fault party’s insurance company that you are serious about protecting your rights. Once they see that you are represented by our highly rated legal team, they may be more inclined to cooperate with your legal action.

We are Your Columbus Car Accident Lawyer

The Fitch Law Firm LLC provides services trusted by many Ohioans for car accident cases. Our Columbus personal injury attorneys’ compassionate but determined legal support is unmatched. Here are some of the reasons our clients have chosen us to represent their claims:

• Successful and proven track record
• 30+ years of experience in personal injury law
• Recognized by legal organizations and the media
• No upfront or hourly fees
• You pay no fee unless we win your case
• Your consultation is free
• We will travel to you as needed

For us, our clients are not numbers or cases. They are human beings who have been through a terrible ordeal and deserve the kind of dedicated legal representation that we can provide.

How Our Columbus Car Accident Attorneys Prove Liability

Who is at fault in a Columbus car accident, and what percentage of fault each party shares, will directly impact your claim. To prove your percentage of fault or that you were not at fault at all, our Columbus car accident attorneys can provide proof of the following:

• The Driver Had a Duty to Exercise Reasonable Care Toward You: Drivers have a duty to use caution when they are on the road. They are legally obligated to follow the laws so other drivers can stay safe.
• The Driver Was Negligent in Exercising That Duty of Care: Our auto accident lawyers can find evidence that the at-fault driver was negligent when on the road. Drivers who take needless risks must assume responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
• The Driver’s Negligence Was the Cause of the Accident: Next, The Fitch Law Firm LLC can prove that the driver’s negligent action led directly to your motor vehicle accident and injuries.
• You Suffered Damages by the Driver’s Negligence: Finally, we must show that you have suffered. Your damages can include physical injuries, financial hardships, or emotional trauma. 

Many, if not most, car accidents occur because of driver error or negligence. However, there is also the possibility that you were the victim of a careless mechanic or product manufacturer. When we investigate your collision, we can figure out who you should hold liable.

What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Columbus?

After an auto accident, there are things you can do to increase your chances of achieving a satisfactory personal injury settlement. Here is a checklist of what you should do after a collision. However, do not attempt any of these things if your injuries prevent you or it will place you in greater danger:

• Move to a Safe Location: If you are in the flow of traffic, you are at risk of being hit and injured again. Get off the road as best as you can. If you can still operate your car well enough to move it to the shoulder, do so. If the car cannot move but you can, try to get to the side of the road. If it is too dangerous, do not leave the car and wait until help arrives.
• Call 911: You want to get help to your location as fast as possible. This help could include the Columbus Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), and/or emergency medical services. Make sure to file an accident report. Having a police report about your accident can support your injury claim later on.
• Seek Medical Attention Immediately: You should never make assumptions about your health. A doctor can professionally assess the full extent of the injury, preventing potentially bigger problems from arising in the future. In addition, medical statements can support your car accident claim.
• Complete Your Treatment Program: In addition to seeing a doctor immediately, follow their orders completely. Do not skip appointments, medications, or therapy. If you are feeling better, discuss it with your doctor and let them record the change and make the decision on your treatment. 
• Collect Contact Information: If possible, get information about the vehicles involved, as well as the drivers’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, and insurance information. Be sure to request any witnesses’ names, addresses, and phone numbers. If the other driver is belligerent or aggressive, don’t sink to their level. Let the police handle them.
• Collect Evidence While It Is Fresh: Document the accident scene as well as you can. Take photographs or videos of all the vehicles involved, any injuries you or your passengers suffered, and the accident location. Also, take pictures of any possible contributing factors to the accident, such as standing water, construction debris, or beer bottles lying around.
• Exercise Caution When Speaking About the Accident: Anything you say after a wreck can be used to devalue your claim. Even a simple “I’m okay” can be used to discount your injuries. It is better to say very little to the other driver or an insurance agent than to have your words used against your claim later. When the police ask questions, keep your answers factual and short.

These steps can greatly help your lawyer develop a claim for compensation. 

Common FAQs Residents of Columbus, Ohio, Ask

Below, we provide some of the common questions our clientele asks us regarding their cases. Hopefully, you will find an answer here, and we welcome you to call anytime for your free consultation.

What is the Standard Amount Awarded for a Car Accident Injury in Columbus?

There is no hard and fast rule as to how much you may be entitled to receive. Your financial compensation depends on various factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the time it takes to recover, the insurance policy limits, and the amount of available evidence.

Every case is unique, and your compensation should cover the damages you have suffered.  

Can I Still Collect Compensation if I am at Fault in a Traffic Accident?

It depends on how much you contributed to the crash. Ohio follows a comparative negligence doctrine, which quantifies the degree to which each party contributed to the accident. The amount the accident victim receives from the at-fault driver is then adjusted based on that percentage of fault. For instance:

• If you were found to be 25 percent responsible for the crash, you can still recover damages, but your payout will be reduced by 25 percent.
• You will not receive anything if you were 51 percent or more at fault.

To evaluate the extent to which your fault played a role in the car accident, you can allow our car crash lawyers in Columbus to investigate your case.

How Do I Choose the Right Columbus Car Accident Lawyer?

Many personal injury and wrongful death law firms do business in Ohio. A simple internet search gives you hundreds of results, and you may even have received referrals from friends. Here is a checklist to help you choose the right attorney for your accident case:

• How many years of personal injury law experience does the firm have?
• Does the lawyer deal with multiple areas of law, or does their practice focus only on personal injury cases, such as vehicle accidents?
• Has the lawyer succeeded in handling accident cases like yours?
• What do the law firm’s case results say about their ability to win compensation for clients?
• Do previous clients have good things to say about the lawyer or firm?
• Is the lawyer or firm available and approachable when you need to talk to them?
• Does the lawyer charge reasonable fees?
• Do you feel comfortable working with this lawyer or firm?
• Have any ethical complaints been reported against the attorney?

While finding a lawyer may not be a problem, choosing the right one can be if you do not know what to look for. You do not want to spend your time, money, and effort with a lawyer who does not give you the best chance at getting the best result for your case.

How Soon Should You Contact Our Columbus Car Accident Lawyers?

It is important to start your case quickly. According to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, car accident victims typically have two years to file a lawsuit with the Franklin County, Delaware County, or Fairfield County courthouse, depending on where your accident occurred in Columbus. After this time has passed, your attempt to sue may likely be dismissed by the court. This is the general rule, though there are exceptions.

If you contact us soon enough, we can protect your right to sue, build your case, and deal with the insurance companies. 

How Dangerous are the Roads in Columbus, Ohio?

According to the OSTATS Crash Dashboard, the following number of accidents occurred within Franklin County in 2024:

• Fatal 84
• Serious Injury 506
• Minor Injury 4,118
• Injury Possible 2,923
• Property damage 16,448

The total number of accidents in the county came to 24,078. 

Also, a recent study found that U.S. Highway 40 in Franklin County is Ohio’s deadliest road, with 25 people killed on a 12-mile stretch between 2018 and 2022. 

Contact The Fitch Law Firm LLC Regarding Your Columbus Car Accident

We are here to take your case, fight for your rights, and help you get the fair compensation you deserve. Call The Fitch Law Firm LLC for a free initial consultation. Use our knowledge to your advantage today. Our Columbus car accident lawyers are eager to start figuring out the best ways to help you—all for no upfront fees.