Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, sees thousands of traffic accidents each year, many with serious or even fatal outcomes. In 2024, Franklin County recorded 24078 crashes, including 84 fatalities, 506 serious injuries, and thousands more involving minor or possible injuries, according to the OSTATS Crash Dashboard. One particularly dangerous stretch, US Highway 40, was recently named Ohio’s deadliest road, with 25 deaths occurring over just 12 miles between 2018 and 2022. If you have been injured in a crash, a Columbus car accident lawyer from The Fitch Law Firm can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.

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 are 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 the 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.

Our Columbus Car Accident Lawyers Can Manage Any Commercial Accident 

An important part of our attorneys’ work is establishing negligence, which means identifying who failed to meet a legal duty and how the accident could have been prevented. When negligent driving causes a serious crash, you can reach out to one of our lawyers:  

• Columbus Side-Impact Collisions Accident Lawyer: Side-impact collisions include sideswipe and T-bone crashes, which are among the most common and potentially serious types of accidents. Because the side of a vehicle provides less protection than the front or rear, occupants may suffer significant injuries and property damage. Common injuries include broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, and internal organ damage. 

• Columbus Rear-End Collisions Accident Lawyer: Rear-end collisions are common and can cause serious injuries, particularly when a moving vehicle strikes one that has stopped or slowed. Victims may experience lasting physical injuries and emotional distress, potentially entitling them to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. 

• Uber and Lyft Rideshare Accident Lawyer in Columbus: Victims involved in Uber or Lyft rideshare accidents often suffer serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial hardships. These accidents can result in significant medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic losses. At the same time, since Ohio drivers are required to have some form of insurance or liability, your case could be covered in some situations, which is why working with a rideshare accident lawyer is fundamental. 

• Columbus Whiplash Injury Lawyer: Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head, similar to the cracking of a whip. It can cause pain, stiffness, headaches, and limitations on daily activities, and treatment may include medication, physical therapy, or other medical care. Because symptoms may not appear immediately, accident victims should seek prompt medical attention and document their condition to support a potential injury claim. 

• Columbus Hit-and-Run Car Accident Lawyer: A hit-and-run accident can leave victims uncertain about the at-fault driver’s identity and how to pursue compensation. If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic, remain at the scene, call law enforcement, seek medical attention, and document available evidence. A police investigation, witness statements, surveillance footage, and vehicle debris may help identify the driver and support your claim. 

• Columbus Distracted Driving Car Accident Lawyer: Distracted driving is a leading cause of crashes across the United States. Activities such as eating, adjusting the radio or otherwise diverting attention from the road can lead to severe injuries, property damage, or death. Victims, when possible, should document all resulting economic and non-economic losses, because this information may help establish the compensation available in a claim. 

• Columbus Texting While Driving Accident Lawyer: Same as with distracted driving, texting and driving can have devastating consequences, which may result in medical expenses, disruption of daily activities or missing wages. A driver who uses a phone or another electronic device may miss traffic signals, road signs, changing conditions, or nearby vehicles. An attorney can gather evidence of phone use, establish negligence, and pursue compensation. 

• Columbus Head-On Collisions Car Accident Lawyer: Head-on collisions account for more vehicle collisions than side-impact, rear-impact, and rollover collisions combined, making it extremely common. Victims may experience emotional distress and physical pain.  One of our lawyers can help you determine if you are eligible for compensation and explain factors that may affect your claim. 

• Columbus Fatal Car Accident Lawyer: A fatal car accident can leave a family grieving an unexpected loss while facing the difficult process of determining liability and pursuing compensation. Our lawyers can advocate for your family, investigate the circumstances of the crash, and seek compensation for eligible losses. We will review your case at no upfront or out-of-pocket cost to you. 

• Columbus Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyer: Driving under the influence impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making serious and fatal crashes more likely. Victims and their families are left to deal with the aftermath of someone else’s reckless behavior every day. Our lawyers can investigate the crash, identify liable parties, and pursue compensation for eligible losses, as we are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for your injuries.

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 partFirm, 621y’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.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Columbus

Cars become more sophisticated with every passing year, and safety technology continues to evolve, but the fact remains: factors like human error, hazardous conditions, and unexpected circumstances can lead to life-changing misfortune on the road. 

According to data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, more than 250,000 car crashes take place in Ohio annually. Of those accidents, 6,000 result in serious injury and more than 1,000 prove fatal. Franklin county is a regular contributor to these figures, continuously ranking in the top 3 of counties with the most crashes. 

Car accidents can often stem from a mix of different factors, including:

• Distracted driving
• Road rage, tailgating, and other aggressive driving behaviors
• Failure to yield
• Speeding
• Driving under the influence
• Hazardous road conditions
• Faulty traffic signs

While many of these are the result of driver negligence, any combination of these factors can result in rear-end collisions, head-on impacts, t-bone wrecks, and other serious emergencies. 

Injury victims can often be disoriented after their accident, and filing a claim or gathering evidence can easily fall from their list of priorities. Additionally, determining what caused their collision and which parties may be at fault may not be immediately evident to them. Fortunately, there are ways to recover this information if they weren’t immediately able to do so while being treated:

• Find Your Report: You can search the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s database for a past crash report, which local law enforcement (such as the Columbus Division of Police or the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office) should have made when they arrived on scene.
• Retrieve Video Evidence: There is a possibility that your accident was recorded by traffic cameras. In that case, you may be able to retrieve it from the Ohio Department of Transportation, which stores traffic footage for a 72-hour period, or other possible surveillance sources local to your accident.

The process of investigating your accident can be overwhelming and stressful when you’re still trying to recover from your injuries, but you don’t have to go through it alone. An experienced car accident attorney can help accident victims like you piece together all of this information. At The Fitch Law Firm, we’ll guide you through the claims process and handle the legal legwork so that we can help relieve some of your burden.

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. 

How The Fitch Law Firm Can Help

If you were severely injured in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, a Columbus car accident lawyer can help you manage your claim. 

At The Fitch Law Firm, our legal team can:

• Investigate your car accident and any crash-related injuries 
• Gather accident reports, witness statements, and video footage
• Work with medical professionals to document your injuries and recovery needs
• Identify liable parties
• Review your insurance coverage and disputed fault claims
• Calculate damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and future treatment needs
• Negotiate with insurance companies and responsible parties
• Pursue compensation through settlement negotiations and provide litigation support if necessary

Car accidents can happen in a matter of moments, but victims may have to contend with treatment and recovery long after the fact. Fortunately, in Columbus, there are numerous highly rated medical centers whose care can help community members like you achieve recovery, such as: 

• OhioHealth Grant Medical Center
• Mount Carmel Health System
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

We understand that long term treatment can be costly for the average person, and dealing with growing medical bills on top of lost income can add to your stress. At The Fitch Law Firm, our legal team can help accident victims like you alleviate the financial burden that comes with getting adequate medical care by obtaining a fair and reasonable settlement on your claim. We can take care of your legal needs so that you can focus on getting your life back.

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. 

Contact a Columbus Car Accident Attorney Today 

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.