If you suffered serious injuries in a vehicle crash you didn’t cause, an Ohio car accident lawyer can fight for your legal right to recover compensation.
You are likely experiencing fear and uncertainty in addition to your pain.
Effective medical care to recover from your injuries is essential. You also need resources to help you get through this challenging time, especially if your injuries make it impossible for you to return to work.
Talking to an Ohio car accident lawyer can give you the answers and assistance you need. If you are in Lima, Elida, Findlay, Van Wert, or anywhere in Northwest Ohio, talk to Aaron Bensinger of Bensinger Legal Services today for help.
Contact us online or call (419) 455-1410 for a free consultation.
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Why Do You Need a Lawyer for an Ohio Car Accident?
Although Ohio law doesn’t require accident victims to hire a lawyer, the benefits of having an attorney on your side can be significant. When you choose our Ohio auto accident law firm to assist you, these are just some of the benefits you will experience.
Proactive Communication
We understand how important it is to communicate with you regularly and provide updates on the status of your case. We are always available by phone to answer your questions and provide any information you need.
Settlement Negotiation
For most of our clients, we successfully negotiate a fair financial settlement without going to court. We build a persuasive case and push the at-fault party’s insurance company to make a reasonable settlement offer that gets you the resources you need.
Protection of Your Legal Rights
Bensinger Legal Services handles all correspondence and negotiations with the at-fault party’s lawyers and the insurance company. This helps you avoid making statements that could potentially harm your case.
Ohio’s statute of limitations provides only two years to pursue legal action for vehicle accident injuries. Our Ohio accident lawyers work closely with you to help ensure that you don’t lose your legal right to recover compensation for your physical, emotional, and financial losses.
Why Local Representation Matters in Northwest Ohio
Car accident cases are influenced not only by state law but also by local court procedures, judges, and insurance practices. Working with a lawyer who understands how cases are handled in Lima, Findlay, Van Wert, and throughout Northwest Ohio can make a meaningful difference.
Aaron Bensinger combines local insight with experience handling complex, high-stakes cases in larger legal markets. That allows clients to benefit from personalized representation backed by seasoned litigation experience.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Ohio?
After a crash, the actions you take in the moments and days that follow can shape your legal and financial future. Following these essential steps can protect your health and your right to compensation.
Call 911
Alerting emergency services helps ensure that law enforcement documents the scene and that medical responders can promptly assess your injuries. The Ohio police report created at the scene can serve as foundational evidence in your claim.
Get Medical Care
Even if you believe you escaped serious harm, seek medical attention right away. Injuries such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or head trauma may not appear immediately. A thorough evaluation by a qualified medical practitioner will ensure you get the treatment you need. Prompt medical documentation also links your condition to the crash, which is crucial for seeking compensation in the future.
Gather Evidence
If you can, take pictures of vehicle positions, visible injuries, skid marks, and other relevant details of the accident scene. Also, collect the names and contact information of drivers, passengers, and witnesses. This information can help reconstruct what happened and determine liability.
Avoid Giving Recorded Statements
Insurance adjusters might contact you shortly after the crash and ask for a statement. Politely decline until you’ve spoken with legal counsel. Statements made early on can be used to downplay your injuries or dispute fault.
Contact an Experienced Ohio Car Accident Lawyer
Working with a knowledgeable accident attorney in Ohio gives you the support and guidance you need during this difficult time. An attorney can help handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, and advocate for your interests while you focus on healing.
Every case is unique, and the particular steps you should and must take can vary from even a similar accident. A Lima car accident lawyer from Bensinger Legal Services can help you stay organized and guide you on the necessary steps to take.
What Types of Ohio Accident Injuries Do We Handle?
At Bensinger Legal Services, we can assist with virtually any type of injury you sustain in a car crash.
Some of the most common types of injuries that result from motor vehicle accidents in Ohio include:
- Contusions and soft tissue damage,
- Fractures and dislocations,
- Internal injuries,
- Neck and back injuries,
- Spinal cord and nerve damage,
- Traumatic brain injuries, and
- Lost digits and limbs.
Even if you suffered an injury that isn’t listed above, contact our experienced Ohio car accident lawyers today to discuss your case. If you suffered injuries and other damages due to the actions of another party, you may be entitled to compensation for your economic and noneconomic losses.
Common Causes of Ohio Car Accidents
In Ohio, car accident attorneys work with victims of virtually all types of accidents and injuries.
Some of the most common factors that lead to motor vehicle collisions include:
- Distracted driving,
- Aggressive driving,
- Drug or alcohol impairment,
- Driving while tired,
- Speeding,
- Illegal lane changes and passing,
- Failure to yield, and
- Wrong-way driving.
In some cases, victims sustain injuries in single-car crashes.
Single-vehicle accidents result from a variety of factors, including:
- Poorly maintained roads,
- Roadway obstructions,
- Visual obstructions,
- Road construction,
- Poor lighting and signage, and
- Improperly marked hazards.
Defective vehicle components are another common cause of both single-car accidents and deadly collisions. A manufacturing defect in a tire, for example, can lead to a blowout on the interstate. These types of high-speed crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries and even death.
What Compensation Can You Recover After an Auto Accident?
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to a wide range of damages. These include both measurable financial losses and intangible effects on your life.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses—initial treatment, follow-up visits, prescriptions, and equipment;
- Future healthcare costs—rehabilitation, surgeries, and therapy;
- Lost income—missed workdays and long-term income disruptions; and
- Property damage—repair or replacement of your vehicle and personal property.
Economic losses are typically supported by records, invoices, and expert assessments.
Examples of noneconomic damages include:
- Pain and suffering—physical discomfort and chronic pain;
- Emotional anguish—anxiety, fear, and sleep disturbances;
- Loss of enjoyment—limitations on hobbies and daily activities; and
- Loss of consortium—reduced companionship or spousal support in wrongful death claims.
These noneconomic losses reflect the human toll of an accident. While harder to quantify than economic damages, they are a vital part of your recovery. In select situations involving egregious behavior, punitive damages may also be available to penalize the at-fault driver and prevent similar conduct.
Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Crash
Insurance companies begin working on your claim almost immediately after an accident. Their goal is to minimize payouts, not to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries. Adjusters may request recorded statements, push for quick settlements, or question the severity of your injuries.
Even statements made casually or while medicated can be used to undermine your claim. Accepting an early settlement may also prevent you from recovering compensation for future medical care or long-term limitations caused by the crash.
An Ohio car accident lawyer can help handle all communication with insurance companies, protect you from unfair tactics, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf. That allows you to focus on recovery while your legal rights are protected.
What Should You Know About Car Accident Settlements in Ohio?
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to estimate an average Ohio car accident settlement value. It is equally challenging to estimate what your settlement could be worth without knowing all the facts of your case.
The value of a settlement depends on several elements unique to each case.
Key factors include:
- The severity of your injuries,
- The length of your medical recovery,
- The amount of available insurance coverage,
- Whether liability is disputed, and
- How the accident has impacted your daily life.
Documentation such as medical records, expert opinions, and employment data all play a role in determining a fair resolution. An Ohio car accident lawyer can evaluate your damages thoroughly and consult with specialists when needed to develop a full picture of your losses.
At Bensinger Legal Services, attorney Aaron Bensinger strives to rigorously evaluate each of these factors so that he can build the strongest possible claim for compensation.
Proving Fault in an Ohio Car Accident Case
Establishing fault is one of the most important elements of any car accident claim. To recover compensation, you must show that another party’s negligence caused the crash and your resulting injuries. Ohio law requires accident victims to prove liability by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning it is more likely than not that the other driver was at fault.
Evidence used to prove fault may include police reports, eyewitness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage analysis, and expert testimony. In some cases, accident reconstruction specialists are used to evaluate skid marks, impact points, and vehicle dynamics to determine how a collision occurred.
Insurance companies often dispute liability, especially in crashes involving multiple vehicles or unclear right-of-way issues. An experienced Ohio car accident lawyer can gather and present evidence, counter disputed claims, and build a case that clearly demonstrates fault.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Ohio Car Accident Cases
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence system. This rule determines how your role in the crash affects your compensation. Under this law, you can recover damages as long as your share of fault is 50% or less.
However, your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility. For instance, if you were 20% at fault and your total damages were $100,000, you would be eligible to receive $80,000.
If you are found 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover any damages. Insurance companies may attempt to inflate your share of fault to reduce payouts. With a skilled Ohio car accident attorney like Aaron Bensinger, you can fight against their tactics by presenting a strong case supported by evidence and expert analysis. Aaron knows how to challenge biased findings and can work to defend your right to full compensation.
Ohio Car Accident Deadlines and the Statute of Limitations
Ohio law strictly limits the amount of time you have to pursue a car accident claim. In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a motor vehicle accident is two years from the date of the crash. If a lawsuit is not filed within this time frame, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation.
Certain situations may involve either shorter or longer deadlines. Claims involving government vehicles or public entities may require special notice within a limited time. Wrongful death cases follow separate procedural rules, and claims involving minors may be subject to different timelines.
Because these deadlines can be complex and unforgiving, it is crucial to speak with an Ohio car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Early involvement allows your attorney to preserve evidence, identify all responsible parties, and verify your claim is filed on time.
When a Car Accident Claim Goes to Court
While many car accident cases resolve through settlement, some disputes require litigation. A claim may proceed to court if the insurance company denies liability, disputes damages, or refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Litigation involves formal discovery, depositions, motion practice, and potentially a trial. Preparing a court case requires a thorough understanding of Ohio civil procedure, evidentiary rules, and trial strategy.
Aaron Bensinger strives to prepare each case as though it may go to trial, even when settlement is the goal. This approach strengthens negotiation positions and promotes readiness if litigation becomes necessary.
How Can Our Accident Attorney in Ohio Help You?
Insurance companies have experienced teams working to limit payouts. Having a dedicated car accident lawyer in Ohio levels the playing field and gives access to a knowledgeable legal advocate.
At Bensinger Legal Services, we offer our clients:
- Personalized legal attention,
- Proven track record in high-stakes litigation,
- Deep knowledge of Ohio personal injury law, and
- Transparent communication and responsiveness.
Our Ohio auto accident lawyer strives to ensure that every client understands their rights and feels supported throughout the legal journey. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we have the trial experience to pursue the case in court and advocate for you before a jury.
Hiring the Best Car Accident Lawyer in Ohio
Choosing the best Ohio car accident lawyer for your needs can be a challenge. You need an attorney who takes an aggressive stance with the insurance company and who won’t hesitate to take your case to court, if necessary. At the same time, you deserve a lawyer who will listen and provide the compassionate, personalized level of assistance you deserve.
Aaron Bensinger of Bensinger Legal Services provides exceptional service for clients in Northwest Ohio. Mr. Bensinger has extensive experience fighting for injury accident victims in California as well as Ohio.
If you would like to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case, contact us online today.
You can also call our car accident injury hotline any time of the day or night, at (419) 455-1410, for help from an Ohio car accident lawyer.
Ohio Auto Accident Lawyer FAQs
No, most Ohio car accident lawyers don’t require you to pay anything up front. You only pay when you receive a settlement or verdict for your case. Consultations are free, so you don’t need to worry about paying out of pocket.
As soon as you can. You need to focus on getting medical care and addressing your injuries, but getting started early will help in a few ways. First, the attorney will need to collect evidence, the sooner they can start the better. Second, the insurance company will be contacting you and pressuring you to talk to them. It’s best to let your lawyer handle this communication.
No. It’s highly likely that the insurance company is offering you far less than your case is worth. Their job is to minimize payouts. Your lawyer is there to protect your rights, make sure you’re treated fairly, and that all bases are covered.
If the driver who caused your accident does not carry insurance or lacks sufficient coverage, you may still have options. Many Ohio drivers carry uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage through their own insurance policies. These claims can be complex and often involve disputes with your own insurer, making legal guidance especially important.
Yes, Ohio’s modified comparative negligence law allows you to recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Insurance companies frequently attempt to assign more blame to reduce payouts, which is why evidence and legal advocacy matter.
The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, the complexity of liability, and whether the case settles or proceeds to litigation. Some claims resolve in a few months, while others may take a year or longer. Your attorney can provide a more accurate estimate after evaluating the specifics of your case.