Who’s At Fault in a Car Accident? A Guide to Liability in Ohio
Posted in: Car Accidents
KNR Legal Blog
Concerning Ohio car accidents, there is some encouraging news. The Ohio Department of Transportation Facts Book for 2017 indicates some positive trends: Since 2007, car accident fatalities, injury-causing crashes, and total motor vehicle collisions have decreased considerably. However, ODOT statistics also show that car accidents are still a big problem, especially as they relate to those that can be prevented. A look at the top causes of motor vehicle crashes in Cleveland, Ohio and the Lorain area, in particular, demonstrates that injured victims can benefit from the services of a Lorain County car accident lawyer.
Ohio law provides you with legal remedies as the victim of a motor vehicle collision, but you may encounter challenges when trying to file a claim. The Cleveland car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick can handle the legal aspects of your case, especially in dealings with the insurance companies. If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash, please call (216) 658-1330 to schedule a no-cost consultation.
ODOT reports that interference with another motorist’s right of way is among the top causes of car accidents, resulting in over 39,000 total crashes in 2016. There was at least one person injured in 13,388 of these collisions, and a fatality occurred in 121 of the incidents.
Despite harsh laws on drunk and drugged driving in Ohio, too many motorists still engage in this type of risky behavior. Many drivers don’t even realize that they are impaired, thinking that they’re capable of driving while “buzzed.” Unfortunately, in Lorain County, 17 people were killed in 2016 and 16 in 2017 in drunk driving accidents.
Though “tailgating” doesn’t lead to nearly as many fatal crashes every year when compared to failure to yield, such conduct is linked to many injury-causing accidents. Out of almost 80,000 collisions caused by following too closely, at least one person was injured in 21,485 of them.
Motorists who eat, drink, groom, or operate the radio while driving have always been a risk to others on the road, but other forms of distracted driving have proven to be even more deadly. Despite Ohio laws regarding different types of cell phone use while behind the wheel, too many people text, talk, surf the internet, or check email. In 2015, more than 13,000 crashes were linked to various forms of distracted driving, though this figure may be lower due to issues with reporting.
A study conducted by the American Automobile Association (AAA) reveals that drowsy driving may be a factor in an estimated 9.5 percent of all car accidents. Drivers who get even just a few hours less than the recommended seven hours of sleep at night can quadruple the chances of being involved in a motor vehicle collision.
Understanding the data regarding the common causes of auto collisions may be helpful, but you may still be at risk due to the negligence of other drivers. If you or a loved one have been injured or lost a loved one, you have rights under Ohio law and deserve the chance to recover damages.
Our attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick can help by explaining the situation and your available options. Please call (216) 658-1330 or visit our website to set up a free consultation with a Lorain County car accident lawyer.