Car accidents cause significant strain long after the initial crash. Many victims face prolonged physical pain, emotional distress, and financial strain. They often feel confused, lost, and unsure of what to do next. A Youngstown car accident lawyer from Gervelis Law Firm can help. Our attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims across Ohio. We don’t back down when insurance companies push back. You can find us at 3790 Boardman-Canfield Rd, Canfield, OH 44406, or call 330-533-6565 for a free consultation.
If you have suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash, you deserve compensation for your expenses and losses. A Youngstown car accident lawyer from Gervelis Law Firm can explain your options, protect your rights, and represent you if you choose to take legal action.
When you need a car accident lawyer in Youngstown, Ohio, you deserve someone you trust. Our experienced car accident attorneys are your neighbors, many having lived in Ohio for most of their lives. We know the local laws, Youngstown court systems, and community, and have years of experience representing accident victims across all of Ohio, including in Youngstown and Mahoning County.
We take a personalized and client-centric approach to the practice of law. Focusing on compassionate service, we provide each client with one-on-one attorney access.
We are dedicated to pursuing justice for each client and have a strong track record of six- and seven-figure verdicts and settlements. To further earn your trust, we work on contingency, so there’s no fee unless we win.
Our attorneys have secured successful car accident verdicts and settlements for car accident victims across Youngstown. Notable case results include:
Car accident claims can be challenging to navigate. Accident law is highly nuanced, and many insurance companies deliberately misdirect or lowball victims to protect their bottom lines. Having a car accident attorney from Youngstown can improve your chances of a fair settlement.
Our experienced attorneys understand the law and are committed to protecting your rights. We handle negotiations with insurance companies, so you can rest easy knowing no one will take advantage of you. With our team doing the legwork, you can prioritize healing and potentially enjoy a more favorable outcome.
Our attorneys handle a wide variety of crash types, including:
What you do after a car accident matters, even if it’s not your fault. Follow these steps to protect your interests in a claim:
Not sure what to do next? Contact us now at 866-792-2728 for a free consultation.
Our attorneys are on your side every step of the way, from the first consultation to the day your settlement resolves. You’ll be kept informed at every stage—that’s the Gervelis Guarantee. We commit to:
“ I don’t care if I have to wait an hour in the hospital, I will go there. I want to make that personal contact. I will be there right away. I will be there as long as I possibly can. After I leave that person, if a family member needs a ride home, jump in: We’ll get you home. What do you need? You need me to get you something to eat or drink? I’m there. We’ll get you taken care of, and from there, I’ll go to the scene. Even if the police are gone and it’s safe for me to be there, I’ll go and photograph that scene. The sooner we get it done, the better it is for you, the better it is for us to represent you.” – Investigator Frank Bennett
Ohio is an at-fault state for car accidents, which means the driver who caused the accident is liable for damages. If another driver is responsible for your crash, your primary options are to file a claim with their insurer or file a lawsuit against them directly.
To succeed with a claim or lawsuit, you will need to prove that the other driver is at fault. It’s essential to have a car accident lawyer with experience in Youngstown, OH, to assist in this process.
You may be eligible for compensation even if you are partially at fault for the car accident. Ohio follows the rule of comparative negligence, which allows accident victims to recover damages as long as they are 50% or less at fault. If you are partially responsible, you would receive a reduced award based on your percentage of responsibility.
For instance, if you were 30% at fault and received $100,000 in damages, you would collect 70% of that amount, or $70,000. If you believe you may be partially at fault for your accident, reach out for a free case review.
When an accident victim files a claim, the company starts by assigning an adjuster to the case. The insurance adjuster will review coverage, assess the damage, and provide an initial repair estimate. In most cases, the person filing the claim will also need to get an estimate from a mechanic.
Because fault affects whose insurance pays and how much, the adjuster will also investigate the accident to determine liability. The company will use this determination and damage estimates to issue a settlement offer.
Many insurance companies purposefully undervalue claims to reduce the amount they offer and save themselves money. Consider protecting your rights by letting an attorney handle communications with insurers.
While it’s safest not to talk to the other insurance company until you have an attorney, there are scenarios when you may choose to speak with them directly. If so, avoid the following:
Overall, the safest strategy is to decline answering a question until you can speak with an attorney.
Car accident victims in Youngstown report a range of injuries, such as:
These injuries range from mild to catastrophic, with some severe injuries ending in wrongful death. Keep all paperwork, and be sure your medical records include evidence of each injury and its treatment.
“If you have a head injury, a concussion, make sure you record it. Make sure the doctors write it down because if it’s not written down, as far as the insurance company is concerned, it didn’t happen.” – Attorney Mark S. Gervelis
A Youngstown personal injury lawyer can use documentation about your injury to strengthen your case and fight for maximum compensation.
Personal injury cases typically include economic and non-economic damages. Some victims also qualify to receive punitive damages intended to penalize the at-fault party.
Economic damages address accident-related out-of-pocket costs, such as:
Documenting all of your costs can help you maximize the value of your claim.
Non-economic damages compensate you for less tangible expenses, including:
If you are filing a wrongful death claim on behalf of an immediate family member, such as a spouse or child, you may also be able to claim loss of consortium. This compensation acknowledges the loss of companionship and support you would have otherwise enjoyed.
If the at-fault party acted maliciously or engaged in fraud, such as misrepresentation of identity, you may qualify to claim punitive damages. This special compensation exists to penalize the defendant, while economic and non-economic damages are purely compensatory.
To be successful in your car accident claim, you must prove that the other party acted negligently. Proving negligence requires you to demonstrate four truths:
When you hire an attorney, they will begin by gathering evidence that supports your claim of negligence.
The next step is to file an insurance claim, which prompts the insurer to investigate the incident on its end.
Part of the insurance company’s job is to evaluate fault. Ohio follows the rule of comparative negligence, which allows you to collect compensation if you are 50% or less at fault.
The insurer will use the information it collects to issue an initial offer, which begins the negotiation process. If a fair settlement proves impossible, our attorneys are ready to take your case to court.
Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. The clock typically starts running on the date of your accident, or the date of death in a wrongful death claim. Connecting with an attorney early can help you avoid missing your deadline.
In 2024, the Youngstown Police Department recorded 1,511 crashes. Eight were fatal, and 224 resulted in a suspected injury. Routes with the most crashes included:
Youngstown also has multiple dangerous intersections, including several along Market Street. Winter snow and ice can make accidents more likely. Fortunately, the proximity of Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Hospital gives victims a fighting chance.
See what our clients have to say about working with us:
Depending on the complexity of your case, the car accident claims process can take several months to over a year.
Having uninsured motorist coverage can protect you if the other driver is uninsured. A lawyer can help you identify additional options.
Our Ohio attorneys only collect a fee if you win. In that case, you pay a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
It’s best to wait until you have an attorney, as insurers may undervalue your claim to protect their bottom lines.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm to discuss your case with a trusted Ohio
with a trusted Ohio personal injury attorney.
At Gervelis Law Firm, we use our knowledge of Youngstown and Ohio accident laws to pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 330-533-6565 or contact us online today for a free consultation.