Hurt in a Cleveland auto accident? KNR will explain your rights & fight for maximum compensation.
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800-487-8669Everybody at KNR was amazing. I would recommend them to anyone. They were very nice and informative. I never really felt alone in my case, and that was the best thing I got out of it.
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Legal Help for Car Accident Victims
If you’ve been injured in a Cleveland car crash, filing an insurance claim might seem like the obvious first step. But dealing with adjusters, paperwork, and delays can be overwhelming, especially when you’re hurt. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Cleveland car accident lawyers know how to cut through the red tape and fight for every dollar you deserve.
With decades of experience in Cuyahoga County and millions recovered, our highly skilled Cleveland injury lawyers will handle the hard parts so you can focus on recovery. Backed by our statewide Ohio car accident attorneys, we put serious resources behind every Cleveland claim. To schedule a free, no-risk consultation with a car accident lawyer near you, call (216) 658-1330 or 1-800-HURT-NOW (1-800-487-8669) today.
We're Award-Winning & Highly-Skilled Attorneys
If you’ve been in a car accident in Cleveland, taking the right steps immediately afterward can protect your health, rights, and future claim. Here’s who you should call after a crash and what you should do:
Responsibility for a Cleveland car accident isn’t always straightforward. While the other driver may seem at fault, liability could extend to multiple parties, especially in Cuyahoga County where winter road conditions and construction zones are common.
A negligent driver, a bar that overserved them, or even a city agency that failed to fix potholes on Lorain Avenue may all share blame. Our attorneys investigate all angles to hold the right party accountable.
The driver at fault for the collision is the one who was most negligent. Drivers are expected to behave as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances. When a driver violates a traffic law or acts carelessly, they are considered negligent. If this negligence results in an accident and causes injury to another person, that driver is at fault and liable for the injuries sustained.
When another driver causes a crash that injures you, you typically file a third-party claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. However, if the driver was in a vehicle owned by someone else or a business, that car owner’s liability policy may cover the accident and your injuries. Our auto accident lawyers in Cleveland will pursue additional compensation from the owner’s policy.
Was the at-fault driver on the job at the time of the crash? If the driver was fulfilling work-related duties when the accident occurred, then their employer may be liable for your injuries. Your Cleveland car accident attorney will seek compensation under the employer’s liability policy, which may have higher coverage limits.
In Ohio, establishments serving alcohol can be held liable for accidents caused by intoxicated drivers if they served alcohol to someone under 21 or to an obviously intoxicated individual. If we find that the at-fault driver was impaired at the time of the collision, we will investigate where they obtained alcohol prior to the crash and pursue legal action against that party.
A defect in the vehicle may have caused the crash rather than driver negligence. If our investigation reveals a vehicle defect, we will pursue compensation through a product liability claim against the vehicle manufacturer or retailer.
Your accident, or its severity, may have resulted from road hazards such as improperly placed construction equipment, potholes, or poorly designed roads. If inadequate road design or hazards contributed to your crash, we may file a claim against the local government or construction company. This requires an experienced attorney to navigate claims against city, county, or state entities.
Ohio law gives you just two years from the date of your Cleveland accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (O.R.C. § 2305.10). But don’t wait, evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and insurers become harder to deal with. Whether your wreck occurred on I-90 or in University Circle, getting a legal team involved early can make all the difference.
Cleveland’s mix of urban traffic, lake-effect snow, and aggressive commuting often leads to serious collisions. Drivers speeding down I-77, texting on Euclid Avenue, or blowing through red lights in Ohio City cause preventable injuries daily. Add in poorly maintained roads in East Cleveland or sudden ice patches on Shoreway, and the risks rise sharply.
Cleveland has many roads and intersections where accidents are prevalent, including Cleveland truck accident and motorcycle accident claims, often due to negligent drivers. The toll is serious: the Ohio State Highway Patrol recorded 82 fatal crashes in Cuyahoga County in 2022, a reminder of how dangerous local roads can be.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, several intersections in Cuyahoga County report more car crashes than others. In Cleveland, these dangerous intersections include:
Our Cleveland car accident lawyers handle a wide range of crash scenarios across Cuyahoga County. From crowded downtown streets to fast-moving interstates, we’re here to help after:
It is also common for cars to collide with other motor vehicles and pedestrians. Cleveland truck accident cases can be complex due to serious injuries and significant property damage. Cleveland motorcycle accident claims are also challenging, as determining liability can be complicated. Seeking legal representation is crucial for navigating these types of injury cases.
Fight for Everything You're Owed
Damages and compensation after a car accident depend on the severity of the accident, the injuries you sustained, and other factors involved. You may be able to recover all your assorted economic and non-economic damages.
A few Ohio laws shape almost every Cleveland car accident claim, and knowing them early protects your recovery.
Whether you’re pursuing an insurance settlement or filing a lawsuit in Cuyahoga County, KNR’s Cleveland car accident attorneys are ready to help. We’ve represented countless crash victims across Northeast Ohio and recently secured compensation for a local passenger injured when another driver ignored a stop sign near West 117th Street.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
Whether through negotiation or trial, what your claim may be worth should reflect both your financial losses and the personal impact of your injuries.
These refer to your direct financial losses after the crash, like hospital bills from Cleveland Clinic or University Hospitals, medications, rehabilitation costs, and any out-of-pocket expenses. They also cover your lost wages and reduced earning ability if you’re unable to return to work.
These non-economic damages are harder to measure but just as real. They include pain and suffering, anxiety, sleep loss, and how your injury affects your day-to-day life. We often encourage clients to maintain a journal to document these effects in their own words.
In rare but serious cases, such as drunk driving or extreme recklessness, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These are designed to penalize wrongdoers, not just compensate victims.
If your loved one initially survived the crash but later passed away, their estate can file a survival action to recover what they would have been owed. If death was immediate, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim with our Cleveland wrongful death lawyers to recover compensation for lost income, services, and the deep emotional impact of their loss.
Insurance claims after collisions do not always proceed smoothly for accident victims. You may encounter a number of issues while you pursue a car accident settlement, such as:
One of the toughest issues to overcome is the lack of insurance coverage. The at-fault driver may not have a policy. In this situation, we will look for other policies, such as insurance purchased by the car owner or employer. We may also help you pursue a settlement based on your insurance policy or through a personal injury lawsuit.
You may have hope that your car accident claim will be resolved fairly until you receive a letter in the mail saying your claim for compensation has been denied. You should immediately talk with a Cleveland car accident lawyer about why this denial occurred and how to appeal the decision. We have handled and overcome many initial wrongful insurance claim denials.
Ohio law requires the insurer to treat you fairly when you pursue compensation through a first or third-party insurance claim. The insurer cannot lie or try to manipulate you. Unfortunately, some insurance adjusters fail to handle your claim in good faith.
An adjuster may delay your claim, fail to properly investigate your claim, wrongfully deny your claim, or refuse to settle your claim for an appropriate amount. Any time you fear you are being treated unfairly by the insurer, give us a call to address these bad faith insurance practices.
Your insurance claim process may appear to go smoothly until the adjuster sends its first settlement offer. You may balk at the amount or learn from your accident attorney that this will not cover all of your past and future expenses. Having a car accident lawyer in Cleveland who is prepared to vigorously negotiate a higher settlement is important. We have years of experience dealing with insurance companies.
The purpose of auto insurance and an insurance claim after a crash is to resolve your situation with a settlement. This settlement should cover your property damage, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other physical, psychological, and financial injuries. In exchange for you accepting the settlement, you agree to not file or dismiss an ongoing lawsuit against the liable party.
Car accident settlements are not always easy to get after a crash. Insurance companies may initially wrongfully deny your claim. Or, what is often the case, the insurance adjuster will offer a settlement that is lower than the full value of your damages. A Cleveland car accident lawyer will spot a lowball offer right away and will begin negotiations. In many cases, we can negotiate a far better sum for our clients than the first offer.
However, car accident settlements are not always possible or forthcoming. You may benefit from filing a personal injury lawsuit and preparing for trial in these situations.
Car Accidents
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What Makes KNR Special?
Since our inception in 2005, Kisling, Nestico & Redick has been dedicated to helping personal injury victims fight for the compensation they deserve after an accident affects their way of life. We have helped more than 10,000 people, and we’re ready to keep fighting for Ohioans and anyone who deserves compensation for their personal injury claims.
Free Consultations // Available 24/7 // No Recovery, No Fee
Contact KNRWhat Makes KNR Special?
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR), we are dedicated to making the recovery process after a car accident in Cleveland as smooth as possible. Navigating insurance claims can be daunting, but our experienced car accident lawyers know how to deliver results. With over 750 years of combined legal experience and millions recovered for Ohio clients, including many right here in Cuyahoga County, we are confident in our ability to help you secure maximum compensation.
“Excellent, in all aspects. Kind and compassionate, and listened to details. Well satisfied. Thanks, guys !!” – John P.
While many car accident claims settle out of court, we approach each case with trial-readiness in mind, especially here in Cuyahoga County, where complex injury claims may face aggressive insurance defense. From gathering crash scene evidence near I-90 to consulting expert witnesses familiar with local traffic patterns, we prepare every detail.
To prove liability and secure what you deserve, we will work to show:
We use proven strategies and Cleveland-specific resources to help build a winning case.
Photos, surveillance footage, EMS reports, and vehicle data from the crash site are crucial. We also obtain medical records from local hospitals like MetroHealth and Cleveland Clinic.
Discovery allows both sides to request documents, ask questions under oath, and disclose expert witnesses, an essential phase for revealing key information.
We routinely collaborate with local reconstruction specialists and healthcare professionals who can explain how the crash happened and the full impact on your life.
We help witnesses understand the trial process, anticipate questions, and stay focused, whether it’s a family member, treating doctor, or eyewitness from the scene.
After a car accident, ensure your safety and the safety of others by moving to a secure location if possible. Call 911 to report the accident and seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Exchange information with the other driver(s), gather evidence such as photos of the scene, and collect contact details from witnesses. It’s also important to contact an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.
In Ohio, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury claim (O.R.C. § 2305.10). This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Failing to file within this period may prevent you from recovering compensation. However, there may be exceptions or special circumstances that could affect this timeline, so it’s best to consult with an attorney promptly.
If the other driver involved in your accident is uninsured or underinsured, you may still have options for recovering compensation. Ohio drivers can carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) as part of their auto insurance policy. This coverage can help pay for your medical expenses and other damages if the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance. Our attorneys can help you explore uninsured and underinsured motorist claims and every other avenue for compensation.
Yes, in many cases. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule (O.R.C. § 2315.33), so you can still recover damages as long as you were 50 percent or less at fault for the crash. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, meaning a 20 percent share of blame on a 100,000 dollar claim would leave you with 80,000 dollars. If you are found 51 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover. Because insurers often try to shift extra blame onto you, having a lawyer protect your share of the recovery matters.
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and how the crash affects your daily life. There is no fixed formula, but a thorough investigation of your damages helps establish a fair number. Our attorneys can review the details and explain what your claim may be worth during a free consultation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Cleveland, KNR is here to help. With offices across Ohio, we proudly serve Cleveland from our Cleveland office and offer free, no-obligation consultations. Call (216) 658-1330 or 1-800-HURT-NOW (1-800-487-8669) for a free consultation, or schedule a free consultation online.
