Ohio Rear-End Accident Lawyer
Our attorneys at Gervelis Law Firm have the knowledge and experience to represent victims of rear-end accidents across Ohio, and are committed to getting clients the compensation they need to recover. We’ll investigate fast, build your case, and manage the details so you can focus on recovery. Contact Gervelis Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Legally Reviewed by:
Mark S. Gervelis, Esq.
Last Updated:
- November 17, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Our Successful Rear-End Accident Settlements
- Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Ohio
- Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
- Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Accident in Ohio?
- What Evidence Is Required to Establish Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
- Compensation Available After a Rear-End Crash
- Why Choose Gervelis Law Firm for Your Rear-End Accident Case
- Rear-End Accident FAQs
A rear-end collision happens when the front of a following vehicle crashes into the rear of the leading vehicle, often from following too closely or speeding. According to an Ohio Department of Transportation study, rear-end accidents are one of the most prominent types of crashes, with resulting injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening, like whiplash or traumatic brain injuries.
Ohio is an at-fault state, making it complicated in some cases to determine liability in an accident and difficult to negotiate with insurance companies. With Gervelis Law Firm representing you, you can trust that your attorney has experience with rear-end accidents, helping victims like you get the compensation you deserve.
Our Successful Rear-End Accident Settlements
Nothing is more important to our team at Gervelis Law Firm than providing our clients with the best representation possible and getting them the settlement they deserve.
Our attorney Stephanie Mehle has settled some of our highest payouts in rear-end cases, keeping her clients informed throughout the process and providing effective representation.
Some of these case results include:
- $200,000.00 for a client who was rear-ended on North Road in Warren. The client’s vehicle was rear-ended by a box truck driving for a furniture company.
- $175,000.00 for a client who was rear-ended in Toledo
- $140,000.00 for a case involving their client’s car being rear-ended when it was disabled on the road in Chillicothe
- $135,000.00 for a rear-end accident in Reading Township in Columbus
Our team will work tirelessly to earn your trust and keep your needs at the forefront.
Common Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Ohio
Many rear-end accidents have similar causes, whether someone is not paying attention to traffic ahead of them or not giving themselves enough time to stop. Common causes of rear-end accidents include:
- Distracted driving, using their phone for GPS, or texting
- Following too closely or tailgating
- Speeding or sudden braking
- Poor weather or road conditions
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Faulty or out-of-order brake lights or vehicle defects
Injuries Caused by Rear-End Collisions
Even low-speed rear-end crashes can cause serious harm. Some symptoms are delayed after a car accident, so seeking medical attention promptly can protect your health and your claim. A rear-end accident can result in serious whiplash, back injuries, or traumatic brain injuries, and if you don’t get medical attention, they could only worsen.
Some common injuries from rear-end accidents are:
- Whiplash
- Neck and back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Concussions and head trauma
- Broken bones
- Chronic pain and PTSD
Who Is At Fault in a Rear-End Accident in Ohio?
In Ohio, the following driver is often found at fault in rear-end crashes, frequently due to violating the “assured clear distance ahead” rule. But liability isn’t automatic. Sudden, unforeseeable stops, unsafe cut-offs, or chain-reaction pileups can shift or share fault.
Ohio is an at-fault state, and uses modified comparative negligence: you can recover damages unless you’re more than 50% at fault. If you’re 20% at fault, your award is reduced by 20%.
What Evidence Is Required to Establish Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
If it’s safe, gather all the evidence possible at the scene of the accident, such as videos and photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and anything else related to the accident, like skid marks. Exchange contact and insurance information from all parties involved, get the names and contact information of any witnesses, and note the incident’s time, date, and location after the accident.
More evidence that can be used to prove fault in your accident includes:
- Police reports
- Dash camera or video surveillance footage
- Eyewitness accounts
- Vehicle damage
- Accident reconstructions
Evidence proves fault, and your chances of getting compensation depend on how strong your case is. Acting quickly is crucial for protecting your rights and collecting evidence, which can be difficult without an attorney. Gervelis Law Firm deploys our Rapid Investigation Team to investigate your accident, arriving at the scene within 24 hours to take photos, interview witnesses, create accident diagrams, perform crash diagnostics, and gather thorough information to support your claim.
Compensation Available After a Rear-End Crash
After a car accident in Ohio, you can seek compensation for economic and nonmonetary damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages cover physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of quality of life due to the accident.
Economic damages are straightforward to quantify using documents like bills, receipts, bank statements, and pay stubs.
In contrast, non-economic damages are more challenging to measure because they are intangible but can change your verdict or settlement. Under Ohio law, non-economic damages are capped at either $250,000 or three times the economic damages, whichever is higher. Additionally, there’s a limit of $350,000 on non-economic damages per plaintiff and $500,000 per accident.
Ohio’s noneconomic-damages cap does not apply in cases involving a permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of use of a limb or organ system, or a permanent injury that prevents self-care and independent life-sustaining activities.
Why Choose Gervelis Law Firm for Your Rear-End Accident Case
With offices in Canfield, Warren, Akron, Columbus, and Toledo, Gervelis Law Firm knows Ohio—and we act fast. Our Rapid Investigation Team can be on-site within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence. We meet clients at home, in the hospital, or wherever is most convenient, and there’s no fee unless we win.
We’ve resolved numerous rear-end cases through aggressive negotiation and trial-ready preparation. You’ll get personalized strategy and frequent updates—the Gervelis Guarantee—from a team that puts your needs first.
Our support extends beyond gathering evidence. Our firm assists clients in finding doctors, specialists, and therapists to support their recovery. Our team understands both the medical and legal aspects, along with understanding the courtroom.
Protect your rights by consulting an experienced rear-end accident attorney who can help you secure compensation. Contact Gervelis Law Firm today for a free consultation or call (866) 792-2728.
Rear-End Accident FAQs
What is the average settlement for a rear-end accident in Ohio?
The average settlement for car accident cases can be from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. Specific amounts depend on each plaintiff’s injuries and losses.
Each case is unique, making it difficult to pinpoint Ohio’s average car accident settlement. The severity of your injuries, medical expenses, and other factors can all impact the cost of your settlement.
How long do I have to file a claim after a rear-end accident in Ohio?
Ohio’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years, starting from the date of the injury. You must file a claim within two years of the accident.
What if I was rear-ended by a commercial vehicle or truck in Ohio?
You can still pursue a lawsuit after being rear-ended by a commercial vehicle or truck in Ohio, but truck accidents typically involve more than one party. Depending on the facts, potential defendants can include the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, or a parts manufacturer.
These parties could have different liability amounts in your accident, which can be difficult to sort out without an experienced attorney.
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From our main office in Canfield and offices conveniently located throughout the state, we are uniquely positioned to provide aggressive, experienced and effective legal representation for individuals and families throughout all of Ohio. Find out how an experienced car accident lawyer can help you with your case. Contact our law firm today.
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