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:

• Around one-third of fatal collisions in Cuyahoga County every year are linked to drug or alcohol abuse, comprising 30 percent of all deaths in 2017 and 37 percent in 2016;
• The highest number of fatalities result from a motorist’s inability to control the vehicle, followed by improper lane changes or passing; and,
• In 2016, there were 27 Ohio traffic fatalities involving distracted driving, though this figure may actually be higher due to inconsistencies in reporting.

In addition, these figures on fatal car accident statistics reveal the number of crashes in which at least one person was killed. Serious auto collisions can take the lives of multiple victims, so total fatalities are typically higher. For instance, even though there were 75 fatal car collisions in Cuyahoga County in 2016, 82 people lost their lives in these crashes.

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.