Car accidents can be life-changing events that leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial injuries. However, if the accident was caused by another party's negligence or wrongdoing, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for their losses.

Establishing Fault and Comparative Negligence

The first step in seeking compensation for car accident injuries is to establish fault. Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, which means that the injured person's recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault in causing the accident. For instance, if the injured person was 20% at fault, their recovery would be reduced by 20%.

Seeking Damages from A Car Accident

Once fault is established, the injured person can seek compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To prove damages in a car accident injury case, it is vital to gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

When most people think of car accident claims and lawsuits, they usually imagine situations where two or more vehicles were involved in a collision caused by one of those drivers engaging in an activity or behavior that resulted in the crash. Unfortunately, there are also many people injured – even killed – in accidents that are the result of a dangerous or defective vehicle part. In these situations, the injured individual may be able to pursue legal action against the vehicle manufacturer or other responsible entity for damages they sustain as a result of the accident.

Vehicle Recalls

Every part of the manufacturing of a vehicle, from the initial design of the vehicle to the time it rolls off the assembly line, involves a process that is supposed to include multiple safety checks and inspections to ensure that all parts of the vehicle are safe. Consumers depend on this process, trusting that the vehicle they are purchasing is free from defects or dangerous issues.

Unfortunately, far too many vehicles end up with issues that prove to be dangerous to owners, their passengers, and other commuters they share the road with. Some of these issues are unknown to the manufacturer and are only discovered after complaints are filed by consumers who have had bad experiences. Other issues are known by manufacturers who decide to keep the information secret, putting profits over people.

One of the staples of the Fourth of July weekend is the traditional fireworks celebrations. Many Americans attend community events, but there are also millions of families across the country that put on their own firework displays. Unfortunately, while firework shows can be exhilarating to both old and young alike, they can also be dangerous. National data shows that the number of injuries and deaths that are firework-related has increased by approximately 25 percent over the past 15 years.

Firework Injury Statistics

According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more than 11,500 people were injured in accidents involving some type of firework. Nine people were killed. According to the report issued by the CPSC, the number of victims could have actually been higher except many public events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 15,600 victims who sought treatment for firework-related injuries in 2020.

Six of those fatalities occurred in incidents where there was some type of misuse of the pyrotechnics and one death was the result of a malfunctioning mortar launch.

Being injured in a car accident can leave a person with medical debt, lost wages from time off work, vehicle damage, and other financial losses. Typically, the at-fault driver’s insurer is responsible for covering at least some of these costs. Unfortunately, recovering financial compensation after a crash is often a stressful, complicated process. Countless factors can influence the case, and insurance companies are often uncooperative. If you or a loved one were hurt in a car crash in Medina, Ohio, consider the following options for pursuing financial compensation.  

Pursuing a Settlement with the Insurance Company

Covering accident-related costs is the primary purpose for which auto insurance companies exist. However, getting the compensation you deserve from the insurance company can be complicated by questions regarding liability, damages, and other issues. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence such as traffic camera footage and witness statements and use this evidence to support your claim. Your lawyer can also handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company for you so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries.

Seeking Compensation Through Your Own Insurance Company

Car insurance is required in Ohio. Unfortunately, some people choose to drive without insurance or without enough insurance to cover accident-related costs. If you were struck by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured or you were the victim of a hit-and-run, you may still be able to get compensation. Your best option may be to file a claim with your own insurance company through your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Many people keep dogs as pets and treat them as members of their families. However, dogs do not always behave as expected, and even if an animal had always acted in a friendly manner, it may bite or attack someone. Dog bites can inflict multiple types of serious injuries, including severe cuts and bruises, broken bones, and puncture wounds that damage muscles, tendons, ligaments, or internal organs. In some cases, dog bites can result in permanent scars, and a victim may also experience emotional trauma that affects their ongoing well-being. 

Dog bite victims can sometimes be placed in a difficult position, especially if they are attacked by a dog that is owned by a friend or family member. When an attack occurs in a public place, at someone else’s home, or when a dog is in the care of someone other than the animal’s owner, victims may be unsure about their options. By understanding how the personal injury laws in Ohio address dog bites, victims can make sure they take the right steps to receive compensation for their injuries and damages.

Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in Ohio

“Strict liability” applies to dog bite injuries in Ohio. This means that when a dog bites or attacks someone, the victim may seek compensation for the injuries and property damage they have suffered, and liability will not be affected by whether a dog had previously bitten someone or exhibited aggressive tendencies.