Toledo Car Accident Lawyers

Toledo Car Accidents: Dangerous Roads

With busy roads like West Central Avenue, Monroe Street, North Summit, I-75, and I-475, hundreds of thousands of vehicles travel through Toledo and northwestern Ohio every day. While most drivers are responsible, you can be caught off guard and injured by a negligent driver anywhere in the area.

While many Toledo accidents happen on crowded interstates, devastating and even deadly collisions often happen in neighborhoods or on low-traffic roads. The Ohio State Highway Patrol reports that there were 33 fatal traffic accidents in Lucas County in 2019. Additionally, hundreds of victims suffer from painful and even debilitating injuries.

While you can be hit anywhere, Toledo car accidents stats indicate a higher percentage of accidents:

• Interstate highways – Accidents are common on Interstates 75, 90, and 475 in Toledo. Some of the most dangerous areas are on-ramps where vehicles are transitioning between the interstates and slower-paced roads.
• Busy city streets – Serious and deadly accidents are common on crowded streets such as Dorr St, Monroe St, and Secor Rd. in Toledo. These streets have crowded intersections, and the roadsides have many distractions for drivers.
• Access points for recreational or industrial zones – Many large trucks and other vehicles use small rural roads to access industrial areas or recreational spots. Accidents often happen near the Maumee River or Lake Erie, where drivers can often lower their guard or easily be distracted.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Toledo

There are countless ways that a careless or reckless driver can hurt you or your loved ones.

While the other person’s negligence may seem obvious, you and the lawyer you select need to build a strong case. Some of the most common causes of accidents in Toledo that our lawyers have seen include:

• Intoxicated drivers – A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be able to react to certain events in time to prevent an accident. Drunk driving causes thousands of fatal car accidents in Ohio every year.
• Distracted drivers – A person behind the wheel can be distracted by their passengers, radio, or cell phone. A vehicle can travel hundreds of feet during the time its driver takes their eyes off the road.
• Unsafe vehicles – A car that is not roadworthy can cause a terrible wreck when something goes wrong. This can be due to a careless owner failing to perform necessary maintenance or a negligent company whose defective product makes a car unsafe.
• Road rage – Some drivers are unable to control their emotions when they are behind the wheel. This often results in overly aggressive driving that can easily cause a car accident.
• Exhausted drivers – A sleep-deprived driver can nod off for a moment and cause a collision. Truck drivers are often overworked and spend too many hours behind the wheel, and this results in many truck accidents in the Toledo area.
• Reckless driving – A person may not be able to avoid an accident if they are speeding or swerving in and out of lanes. A reckless driver can easily catch you off guard and cause a wreck even if you are attentive and careful.

Toledo Auto Accident: Common Injuries

Car accident injuries can range from minor to severe, requiring significant and expensive medical care. Here are a few of the injuries we frequently pursue damages for:

What to Do After a Toledo Car Accident?

It’s common for people to be uncertain about what steps to take after an accident, especially when serious wrecks almost always catch people by surprise. Knowing exactly what to do after a car accident can be difficult since every situation is unique.

After years of experience working with accident victims, KNR encourages the following:

• Get to safety – The scene of your accident can be dangerous due to debris and passing vehicles. If possible, get yourself and others to safety before doing anything else.
• Call for emergency help – It’s important to call 911 if you or your passengers may be injured. Do not delay in addressing any physical harm you suffered.
• Call an experienced Toledo car accident lawyer – The legal process that follows a car accident is complex. A skilled lawyer will know how to help you through every step of your recovery.
• Write down details of the accident – Writing things down helps us remember details as weeks and months go by. Make a list of events and possible witnesses to your accident, and share this information with your lawyer.
• Take your ongoing treatment seriously – Follow up with your doctors after being hurt in an accident. Ask them how your life may be affected due to the injuries you sustained in your car wreck.

Medical Care after a Car Accident

Toledo is home to several leading healthcare facilities that can treat you after a car crash. With considerable experience helping local injury victims, our Toledo personal injury lawyers will guide and assist you with documenting your medical care and the costs associated with your injuries.

We have strong relationships with the many excellent hospitals and trauma centers in Toledo:

• ProMedica Toledo Hospital
• Mercy Health – St. Anne Hospital
• Mercy Health Children’s Hospital

Filing a Toledo Car Accident Claim or Lawsuit

If the auto accident and your injuries were caused by someone else, you should not bear the financial burden. Fortunately, the law lets you pursue financial compensation for the harm caused by a car crash. This is accomplished through either an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

To prove your case and ultimately secure the compensation deserves, you must establish negligence and liability for the accident. This means demonstrating:

• The party at fault for your accident had a duty of care toward you
• This duty was breached by a failure to act reasonably
• The breach of duty caused the car accident and your subsequent injuries
• You suffered harm from these injuries that you can be compensated for

KNR has helped numerous injury victims after Toledo car accidents get compensation for their long-term needs. For example, we reached a $500,000 settlement after a client suffered multiple injuries in a Lucas County car wreck.

Fatal Car Accidents

Tragically, some car accidents are fatal. If someone has died in a crash, their loved ones can still seek compensation by filing a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful death damages can include:

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

Our Toledo Car Accident Team Will:

Identify Who Was At Fault & Liable

Bringing a successful car accident claim means bringing it against the right person or business. Through our in-depth investigation, we find out who caused the car accident and why. We also look for whether anyone else might be liable for your injuries, such as the vehicle’s true owner or the driver’s employer.

Negotiate with Insurance

If the insurer approves your claim, the next step is to agree on a car accident settlement. The insurer might make a low offer. It’s up to you to decide whether to accept or negotiate, and you have the right to ask for more compensation. An attorney experienced in handling car accident claims and negotiating settlements can help.

Take Your Case to Court (If Necessary)

Sometimes accident victims benefit from filing a lawsuit. While most car accident claims settle, a lawsuit shows the insurance company you’re serious and lets you collect more evidence.

From intense pain to the stress associated with keeping up on your finances, you have enough to deal with after a Toledo auto accident. At KNR, we can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Let us guide you through the claim, from filing the paperwork to constructing an argument that gives your case the best possible chance at getting maximum compensation.

Toledo Car Accident FAQs