Fatal Car Accidents in Cuyahoga County

Motor vehicle collisions rank among the top causes of accidental death in the US, and these statistics carry over into urban parts of Ohio. In 2017, there were 91 fatal car accidents in Cuyahoga County, and in 2018, so far, the number stands at 39. These victims leave behind families who are emotionally devastated by the loss of their loved one, but the financial toll can also have far-reaching implications.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our car accident lawyers in Cleveland, OH empathize with your grief, and we know nothing can bring your loved one back. However, we can help ease some of the financial burdens you and your family are experiencing without that person’s contribution to your life.

Please call 216-658-1330 to schedule a free consultation with a Cuyahoga County car accident lawyer who can explain how wrongful death claims work in Ohio following a fatal car accident.

Statistics on Fatal Car Accidents in Cuyahoga County

Fatal crash data compiled by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) reveals the causes of most deadly auto accidents, some of which may not come as a surprise:

• Between 2017–2021, 41.1% of driving deaths in Cuyahoga County involved alcohol. That percentage is higher than the statewide average (~32.2%);
• The highest number of fatalities result from OVI-related crashes, followed closely by drug and alcohol involvement,
• Distracted driving fatalities have remained steady—29 in 2024, aligning closely with past figures.

Recent data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol shows that 111 fatal crashes occurred in Cuyahoga County in 2024 (through early April), up from 100 in 2023 and 82 in 2022. However, crashes sometimes involve multiple victims. For example, although there were 107 fatal crashes statewide in Cuyahoga County in 2024, the number of total fatalities was higher—reflecting multiple deaths in some collisions.

Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Car Accidents

If you lost a family member in a fatal auto accident, you might have a claim for compensation under Ohio’s wrongful death statute. When a person dies through the negligent acts of another, including a negligent motorist, certain individuals may be entitled to recover damages for such losses as:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income
• Loss of comfort and society
• Loss of prospective inheritance

The personal representative of the decedent’s estate must bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. This individual may be named as executor in the decedent’s will or appointed by a probate court. Further distant relatives may have a cause of action for wrongful death, but only if they can demonstrate some financial loss.

Speak with a Cuyahoga County Car Accident Lawyer for Free

Fatal car accidents impact entire families beyond their grief, but Ohio law does provide you with legal remedies to alleviate some of the financial hardship. If a loved one was killed in a motor vehicle crash, please call 216-658-1330 to set up a free case assessment with an attorney at Kisling, Nestico & Redick.

You can also visit us online to learn more about our legal services for clients in Cuyahoga County and throughout Ohio.