Have you been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in Cleveland, Ohio? Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers represents accident victims throughout Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Contact us at (216) 510-9985 today to schedule a free consultation with a Cleveland distracted driving accident lawyer.
Distracted driving accidents can cause serious injuries, expensive medical bills, and lost income. Whether another driver was texting, using a phone, or failing to pay attention to the road, you may be entitled to compensation.
How Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident in Cleveland, OH
Our Cleveland personal injury lawyers can help by:
- Investigating the accident and determining how it happened
- Gathering police reports, witness statements, and available video footage
- Obtaining relevant phone records and other evidence when legally available
- Identifying all parties who may be responsible
- Documenting your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages
- Handling communications and negotiations with insurance companies
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit when necessary
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, our attorneys have 181 years of combined experience and have recovered over $100 million for injured clients. Our Cleveland car accident attorneys understand the challenges of distracted driving accident claims, especially when proving that another driver was not paying attention.
Give our law office in Cleveland, OH, a call for a free consultation.
What Are the Most Common Types of Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes their attention away from operating a vehicle safely.
Common examples include:
- Texting while driving: Reading or sending messages can take a driver’s eyes and attention away from the road.
- Using a cell phone: Making calls, browsing apps, or checking notifications can interfere with safe driving.
- Adjusting navigation systems: Entering directions or looking at a GPS can distract drivers from traffic.
- Eating or drinking: Handling food or beverages can reduce a driver’s control and concentration.
- Talking to passengers: Conversations and other interactions can divert attention from driving.
- Adjusting vehicle controls: Changing music, climate settings, or other controls can take attention away from the road.
- Reaching for objects: Picking up dropped items can cause drivers to lose focus or control.
Even a brief distraction can prevent a driver from noticing a stopped vehicle, pedestrian, or changing traffic signal.
How Can I Prove Another Driver Was Distracted?
Proving distracted driving often requires evidence showing what the driver was doing immediately before the collision.
Important evidence may include:
- Police accident reports
- Witness statements
- Cell phone records obtained through appropriate legal procedures
- Traffic camera or dashcam footage
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Statements made by the other driver
- Vehicle data and accident reconstruction findings
Our car accident lawyers in Cleveland can investigate the collision and gather evidence to help establish negligence.
What Is My Cleveland Distracted Driving Accident Case Worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and how the accident has affected your life.
Factors that may affect the value of your case include:
- The severity of your injuries
- The cost of medical treatment
- Whether you need future medical care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- Whether you share responsibility for the accident
- The long-term impact on your daily activities
- Available insurance coverage
Our attorneys can evaluate these factors and help you understand the potential value of your claim.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Distracted Driving Accident in Ohio?
Depending on your case, recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Property damage
Punitive damages may also be available in exceptional cases involving particularly wrongful conduct.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Cleveland Distracted Driving Accident Lawyer?
Our law firm handles eligible personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you generally do not pay attorney’s fees upfront. Instead, your attorney will receive an agreed-upon percentage of any compensation recovered.
If your case does not result in compensation, you generally will not owe attorney fees. Responsibility for additional case expenses depends on your fee agreement.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partially Responsible for the Accident?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33, an injured person can generally recover compensation if their percentage of fault is 50% or less. Their compensation is reduced according to their share of responsibility.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible for a distracted driving accident, your compensation would generally be reduced by 20%.
If you are more than 50% responsible, you generally cannot recover compensation. Our personal injury attorneys in Cleveland can investigate the collision and challenge unsupported allegations of fault.
How Long Do I Have to File a Distracted Driving Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?
Under Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10, most personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years of the accident. This deadline is known as the statute of limitations.
Certain exceptions may apply, and claims involving government entities may have additional requirements. Consulting an attorney promptly can help preserve important evidence and protect your right to pursue a claim.
Contact Our Cleveland Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a distracted driving accident in Cleveland, OH, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses.
At Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers, our attorneys have 181 years of combined experience. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Cleveland distracted driving accident attorney.