How to Avoid Distracted Driving in Ohio
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
In the aftermath of a crash caused by someone else’s reckless decision to drive under the influence, your top priorities should be to protect your health, family, and legal rights. Knowing what to do after a drunk driver hits you in Ohio can make a big difference in your ability to recover, physically and financially.
Every decision matters, from seeking immediate medical care to protecting your ability to pursue a lawsuit against the drunk driver and their insurance. That’s why working with an experienced Ohio DUI accident attorney is critical.
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we’ve helped countless Ohioans hold drunk drivers accountable. If you’ve been hurt in a drink-driving accident, we’re here to help. Call 1-800-HURT-NOW for a free, no-risk consultation.
Being hit by a drunk driver is a traumatic and often life-altering event. It’s hard to know where to turn, what to ask, or what you can do to protect yourself, up to and including filing an insurance claim or suing the drunk driver.
In the moments after the crash, here are the critical steps you should take if you believe you’ve been hit by an intoxicated driver in Ohio.
If your vehicle is drivable and the accident is minor, steer it to the side of the road to avoid further danger. If the crash was severe or your car is inoperable, remain in place unless it’s unsafe to do so (e.g., fire risk or traffic hazard). When in doubt, prioritize your physical safety over your vehicle.
Ohio law requires drivers to remain at the scene of an accident, but does not require you to stay in harm’s way. Only move if it’s safe and avoid attempting to interact with the intoxicated driver directly.
Whether or not injuries are immediately apparent, you must call 911. Police presence is essential not only for emergency medical assistance, but to document the suspected DUI. Tell the dispatcher if you believe the other driver is intoxicated—this ensures officers come prepared to assess and potentially charge the driver with a DUI.
A police report is a key piece of evidence in DUI injury claims, especially in Ohio, where proving negligence depends heavily on law enforcement documentation.
It’s natural to feel anger or fear after a drunk driving accident, but confronting the at-fault driver can escalate the situation. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs may act unpredictably or aggressively.
Instead, keep a safe distance and focus on observing their behavior. Note any signs of intoxication—such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol—and save that information for the police.
If you’re physically able and the driver is cooperative, exchange names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance information. Also, try collecting contact information from witnesses and passengers at the scene.
Use your phone to take photos or notes. The more evidence you collect—license plate numbers, behavior descriptions, damage photos—the stronger your personal injury claim will be.
When law enforcement arrives, give a detailed account of the driver’s behavior. Mention anything you saw, heard, or smelled that indicated impairment. For example: open alcohol containers, staggering, or incoherent speech.
You are not responsible for proving the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC), but your observations can help police justify conducting field sobriety tests or requesting a breathalyzer.
Visual evidence is crucial after a drunk driving accident. If you’re physically able, take clear photos and video of:
This documentation supports your claim and preserves evidence that may otherwise be lost.
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor immediately. Many injuries, including whiplash, concussions, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. A medical record linking your injuries to the crash is essential for your legal claim.
Medical attention also signals to insurers and opposing counsel that you took the crash seriously, which can impact your settlement.
As soon as you are safe and have received medical care, contact an Ohio car accident attorney, with experience in cases involving impaired drivers. A personal injury attorney can:
At Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR), our attorneys are highly skilled in handling DUI-related injury claims. We have extensive experience representing victims of drunk driving accidents across Ohio and a long track record of successful outcomes.
Because our firm is deeply rooted in Ohio, we’re familiar with the nuances of courts throughout Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo, and beyond. This local insight helps us tailor our strategies and better advocate for your best interests in each jurisdiction.
With decades of combined legal experience and a reputation for aggressive representation, KNR has earned the trust of DUI accident victims throughout the state. Contact KNR for a free, no-risk consultation.
Yes, you could sue a drunk driver in Ohio if their impaired driving caused your injuries or property damage. While the state may pursue criminal charges, you have the right to file a separate lawsuit to recover compensation. Liability typically rests with the drunk driver, but their auto insurance policy is often the source of your compensation. In some cases, additional parties—such as bars or restaurants that overserved the driver—may also share responsibility under Ohio’s dram shop laws.
The value of a drunk driving accident claim in Ohio depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses, and how fault can be proven. Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and in some cases, punitive damages.
If the drunk driver fled the scene of the accident, you may still be able to recover compensation through your uninsured motorist coverage or by working with law enforcement to identify the driver. Ohio law treats hit-and-run DUI crashes seriously, and leaving the scene can increase the at-fault driver’s liability.
Even if the driver was arrested and charged with DUI, their criminal case does not guarantee that you’ll receive compensation. A personal injury lawyer ensures your civil rights are protected, gathers evidence to strengthen your claim, and negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf. Legal representation greatly improves your chances of recovering the full amount you’re entitled to.
If you were injured in a drunk driving accident, do not hesitate to reach out to Kisling, Nestico & Redick . We have considerable experience representing people hurt by drunk drivers all over Ohio, and we can help you, too.
We understand the insurance and litigation processes for these types of crashes. We will gather evidence of the other driver’s impairment to prove they were negligent and responsible for your injuries. Our goal is to ensure you are fully compensated.
To learn more, contact KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free consultation, and there’s no fee unless you recover compensation.