Columbus Car Accident Lawyer

Trusted Car Accident Attorney in Columbus, OH

Car accidents are stressful and can lead to physical, emotional, and financial damages. In some cases, car accident victims face high medical bills, lost wages, lengthy recovery times, and the stress of worrying about their and their family’s future. When your injuries were someone else’s fault, you deserve a Columbus car accident lawyer with proven legal skills and a record of success.

When you partner with Gervelis Law Firm, our team will investigate your crash, calculate your damages, establish liability, and advocate tirelessly for every penny you deserve. We have a long history of successful negotiations with insurance companies and the skills to argue aggressively for you in local courts, such as the Franklin County Court of Common Appeals, when necessary.

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Why Should I Hire Gervelis Law Firm for My Car Accident Case in Columbus?

Our firm has proudly represented the people of Columbus and all of Ohio since 2000. In those 25 years, we’ve focused on providing great service to our clients. We will meet you at your home or in the hospital if that suits your needs and give your case the personalized attention it deserves from start to finish.

Our attorneys, including Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer Mark S. Gervelis, know Ohio, its laws, and the streets and intersections where accidents commonly occur in Columbus. We move fast when people need our help. If you decide to partner with us, our Rapid Investigation Team will be on site within 24 hours to collect vital evidence.

We have a strong record of settling accidents and have collected millions for our deserving clients. When you partner with Gervelis Law Firm, you get a team devoted to helping accident victims receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.

Case Results and Settlements

Our car accident lawyers have a successful history of securing compensation that helps clients move forward with their lives. Some of our notable results include the following:

• $1,000,000 for a motorcyclist struck by a driver who turned left into his path at an intersection. The motorcyclist was ejected from his motorcycle upon impact and sustained fractures that required multiple surgeries.
• $900,000 for the family of a driver who died from injuries suffered in a seven-car pile-up caused by a semi-truck on a Fulton County highway. The truck driver had entered a construction zone without slowing for traffic, causing the crash.
• $495,000 for a client who had multiple fractures and a brain bleed after a driver failed to stop at a stop sign on CR-37.
• $200,000 for a driver who sustained multiple fractures when a dump truck ran a stop sign and struck her car.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

Our Columbus Car Accident Attorneys

Our accomplished car accident injury lawyers can handle the most complex car accident cases. We have the resources to take on insurance companies and know their tactics for denying claims or offering low settlements.

David Michael Tschantz, Esq.

Attorney

Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.

Founding Attorney

Stephanie M. Mehle, Esq.

Attorney

Types of Car Accidents We Handle

No two car accidents are the same, and there are many different classifications of collisions. At Gervelis Law Firm, we are ready to help you no matter how your accident occurred. Some types of accidents we help clients deal with include the following: 

• Rear-end collisions: Rear-end collisions often occur when drivers are speeding or distracted. When the vehicle in front of a speeding or distracted driver slows down or comes to a stop, it can be difficult or impossible for the liable driver to stop quickly enough to avoid a collision. 
• Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are exceptionally dangerous because they do not allow for lateral release of kinetic energy when the vehicles collide. These crashes are more likely than others to result in serious head injuries and spinal cord injuries. 
• T-bone crashes: A T-bone crash happens when the front end of one car hits the side of another car. These collisions are most common in intersections.
• Sideswipe collisions: Sideswipe collisions are crashes in which two cars traveling in the same direction collide on the sides. These are common while merging on highways and multi-lane surface streets.
• Hit-and runs: When a driver hits another car, a person, or property and fails to report the collision or remain at the scene, it is called a hit-and-run. Leaving the scene of an accident without reporting it is always a crime, and doing so can leave accident victims struggling to recover in the absence of insurance information.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: Multi-vehicle pileups most often occur when several cars in a row fail to stop in time and rear-end each other. Pileups are most likely to occur on high-speed roadways like I-70 and I-71 in Columbus. 

This list does not encompass all car accidents, and our attorneys are prepared to take on your case, regardless of the circumstances of your collision.

Who Is Liable in a Columbus Car Accident Case?

You should name all liable parties in your car accident claim to give yourself a reasonable chance of receiving full compensation for your injuries. Potentially liable parties include the following:

• The other driver
• A third driver who caused someone to hit you
• An insurance company
• A rideshare or delivery company
• An employer, if someone working at the time caused your accident
• A manufacturer of defective parts such as brakes or airbags
• A government entity in cases of poor road maintenance or an accident with a government vehicle.

Under Ohio’s comparative negligence law, you can collect damages if you were not more than 50 percent responsible for your accident. Your share of the fault reduces your potential compensation. For example, if you have $1 million in damages and are 20 percent at fault, you can collect $800,000.

How Can the Car Accident Attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm Help?

While you focus on healing, you need the peace of mind that someone is advocating on your behalf. Our Columbus car accident lawyers take critical steps for your case, such as collecting evidence and talking with the police and insurance companies. We will also contact witnesses to secure their testimony before memories fade and determine which professionals to contact from our carefully cultivated local network.

Our Columbus car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis. You don’t pay unless we win and will pay no upfront costs. Hear from our satisfied car accident clients in Columbus.

5-Star Reviews

"I had another firm refer my wife and I to Gervelis Law firm, and I’m so glad they did because they couldn’t have been more helpful. This firm is one…

Mataan E.

“David and Meghan were very professional and thorough with my recovery and health issues after my accident with a semi. They made sure that the trucking company was held accountable…

Jerry H.

“Very happy they are very understanding and compassionate. They made sure I understood everything that was happening with my case. They are very open and honest with me. They have…

Lexie L.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in Columbus?

Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations imposes a deadline for filing claim over a car accident. The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Ohio is two years from the accident date. If you are filing a wrongful death claim over the death of a loved one, you have two years from the date of death to file. If you miss the deadline, a judge will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to recover compensation.

Hire a car accident lawyer as quickly as possible after a collision. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Columbus know which evidence to gather quickly and will file your case on time so you don’t miss your chance at collecting damages.

What Evidence Is Needed To Prove a Columbus Car Accident Case?

Your attorney uses several critical pieces of evidence to establish your case for liability and damages. Specific needs vary from case to case, but evidence generally includes the following:

• Medical records 
• Paystubs and other income verification
• Photos and videos of the accident scene and from surrounding cameras
• Police reports
• Witness statements
• Expert testimony, such as from accident reconstructionists and medical professionals

For your initial consultation, bring your medical records, police report, and income verification so we can develop an estimate of your damages. Also, bring witnesses’ names, contact information, and any pictures or videos you took. If you cannot collect this evidence, our team of highly skilled investigators can gather it for you.

What Damages Can I Receive Compensation for in a Columbus Car Accident Case?

Our car accident lawyers in Columbus can help you seek economic and non-economic damages after a car accident. Economic damages make up for your financial losses, while non-economic damages compensate you for the emotional impact of your accident. Damages you can pursue include:

• Medical expenses and future medical costs you may receive from treatment from Riverside Methodist or Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to name a few.
• Rehabilitation costs from centers like the OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death car accident claims

Our car accident attorneys in Columbus, Ohio, have significant experience helping victims calculate damages and understand the average settlement they may be entitled to. We will advise whether a settlement offer sufficiently covers your current and future harm and aggressively negotiate for the full compensation you deserve.

What Factors Contribute to More Car Accidents?

Many factors combine to put people in Columbus at risk of car accidents. These issues put pedestrians, cyclists, motor vehicle riders, and passengers in the path of sometimes dangerous conditions that can result in serious injuries.

Large Student Population

Columbus is the proud home of The Ohio State University. Because of the large student population, many inexperienced drivers are on the road. Of 23,412 crashes in Franklin County in 2023, 29 percent involved drivers between the ages 15 and 24. The sheer size of the university means busy streets in and around campus and plenty of pedestrians and people on bikes.

Summer breaks are no exception. During the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day, teen crashes spike. Many people killed in these crashes are not the teen drivers themselves.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic

In addition to areas around campus, Downtown Columbus and Short North have a dense mix of vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Drivers who fail to yield, drive distracted or intoxicated, and don’t obey signs and signals put vulnerable cyclists and walkers at risk of severe injury in crashes. High Street is one of the city’s main thoroughfares, and the intersection of High and Broad Streets is particularly busy.

Tourism and Large Events

Columbus is home to several sporting events, conventions, and festivals. Out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the roads flock to Columbus to attend, putting others at risk of accidents caused by distracted drivers looking for their destination and those making unexpected moves.

If you’re traveling to and from these events in a rideshare vehicle and find yourself involved in an accident, Gervelis Law can help. We focus on handling rideshare accident claims, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for any injuries or damages sustained while using services like Uber or Lyft. Let us guide you through the process, so you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities.

Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do Immediately After a Columbus Car Accident

It can be difficult to think clearly and make decisions in the immediate aftermath of a car accident, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the steps you should take before you are dealing with such a situation firsthand. If you find yourself involved in a car wreck in Columbus, here are the things you should do to protect yourself and set yourself up for a successful physical and financial recovery in the days and months following the accident: 

• Pull over: If you can move your vehicle, you should pull over to the side of the road. This is especially important if your accident takes place on a highway like I-270 or I-71, where other cars are traveling around you at high rates of speed. Do not get out of your vehicle unless it seems safe to do so. 
• Contact the authorities: You should always report an accident to the police. If there are possible injuries or if there is continuing danger, such as fire or a vehicle that cannot be moved out of the roadway, you should call 911. If no one is hurt and drivers can move vehicles off the roadway, the non-emergency police line is sufficient. 
• Get medical attention: Even if you do not think you have suffered any significant injuries, you should seek a full medical evaluation as soon as you can. Car accident injuries are not always immediately obvious, as adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms. Additionally, some internal injuries take some time to produce symptoms, and the earlier you catch such injuries, the more positive your recovery outlook. 
• Document the scene: If it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the scene of the accident, including collision sites, skid marks, road conditions, and how all involved vehicles look following the crash. If you are unable to do this safely, the police report should include much of this material. Additionally, the Rapid Investigation Team from Gervelis Law Firm can visit the site and take care of the documentation for you. 

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer

After you take care of these immediate tasks following the accident, the next step is to hire a car accident lawyer who can help you navigate the process of filing insurance claims and seeking fair compensation for your injuries. 

Most insurance companies begin negotiations with an offer that does not actually offset a victim’s losses, so it is very important that you do not accept an offer from an insurance company without first consulting an experienced attorney who understands the nuances of car accident cases.

Local Resources for Injured Car Accident Victims in Columbus

Taking care of your health is your primary concern after a car accident. However, when you are in a crash that was someone else’s fault, having documentation of your injuries, whether it be head trauma or broken bones, and the crash is critical to receiving compensation. Evidence from highly respected sources helps bolster your case.

• Columbus Police Department:  The Columbus Division of Police has over 1,800 officers who often respond to car accident scenes. You can request a copy of your accident report through the department or by using the Ohio Department of Public Safety Crash Retrieval form.
• Grant Medical Center is a nationally recognized hospital with highly regarded surgical and trauma care units. It is conveniently located in downtown Columbus.
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has been rated one of America’s Best Hospitals for over 30 years. It is one of the leading academic medical centers in the nation.
• OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital helps those who need advanced treatment or specialized care during long-term recovery.

If you need additional resources, turn to our team. We know Ohio, and we’re here for you.

FAQs

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Injury Case in Columbus?

The time to settle a personal injury case resulting from a car accident can vary because no two cases and no two injuries are the same. Personal injury claims generally cannot be finalized until the injured person has either fully recovered or reached a point of maximum recovery from a medical perspective. Other factors that can influence the time it takes to reach a settlement include the clarity of liability and the willingness of a defendant to reach an agreement.

Why Should I Wait to Accept an Insurance Settlement Until I Consult My Attorney?

Insurance companies are, at the end of the day, for-profit businesses, and they exist to make money. Insurance adjusters generally attempt to downplay their clients’ liability in situations like car accidents to avoid paying settlements to injured people. Your attorney can help you discern whether a settlement offer is fair and can negotiate on your behalf for a more comprehensive compensation package if needed. 

Do Most Car Accident Personal Injury Claims Go to Trial?

No, most personal injury claims, including those stemming from car accidents, do not go to trial. Because courtroom proceedings are both time-consuming and expensive, most defendants would rather reach an agreeable settlement rather than go through the process of a trial. 

If your Columbus car accident case does go to trial, the hearing will likely take place at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, where the attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm have a long track record of success.

How Do Attorneys Calculate Pain and Suffering? 

Pain and suffering, in terms of personal injury compensation, is usually calculated using the per diem method or the multiplier method. In the per diem method, the attorney uses the injured person’s typical daily income to calculate a pain and suffering figure. In the multiplier method, the attorney multiplies the total of the victim’s financial losses by an impact number, which is chosen based on the injury’s overall effect on the victim’s daily life.  

Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today

Our firm has a long history of securing compensation for car accident victims. We provide aggressive, experienced, and effective legal representation to every client who partners with us. You are never just a file number. We provide personalized attention from the time you call us until the completion of your case and will keep you informed at every step of your claim. That’s the Gervelis Guarantee.

Call us today at 330-533-6565 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.