We all know that car accidents can result in severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial difficulties. It’s worth repeating once again that you have to drive with caution on the roads to avoid these situations but also we know life can’t go as planned sometimes. If you or a loved one were involved in a crash, you can contact our Urbana car accident lawyers who can help you recover compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, medical bills, and other losses.
We assure you that our team of attorneys in Urbana, OH will be ready to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected and you get the help you deserve.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Urbana, Ohio
Car accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, but many crashes are the result of negligence or reckless behavior. Some of the most common causes of car accidents we see in Urbana include:
Distracted Driving
Whether it’s texting, eating, or any other activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. Urbana’s busy streets and intersections, such as those near Monument Square, are hotspots for these types of crashes.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Exceeding the speed limit or driving aggressively is another major factor in car accidents in Urbana. Speeding reduces the driver’s reaction time, leading to severe collisions, especially on highways like U.S. Route 68, where speed limits are higher.
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant problem in Urbana and throughout Ohio. Drunk drivers often display poor judgment and delayed reaction times, causing devastating accidents.
Weather Conditions
Ohio’s unpredictable weather can make driving treacherous. Rain, snow, ice, and fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, contributing to accidents. Drivers should drive with caution if any of these weather conditions are present, as failure to do so may result in liability for an accident.
Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
As we all know, running red lights, failing to yield, and disregarding stop signs are always frequent causes of accidents in residential areas. Whether at a busy intersection or a rural road, not following traffic signals can lead to serious collisions.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Urbana
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Urbana, it’s essential to take the right steps to protect yourself and strengthen your potential legal claim:
Check for Injuries and Call 911: Your health is the top priority. Check for injuries and seek medical attention immediately. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get a medical evaluation, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Document the Accident Scene: If you can, take photos or record videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. This documentation can be critical evidence for your claim.
Exchange Information: Gather the contact and insurance information from the other driver(s) involved. Be sure to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses as well.
Report the Accident: Make sure to report the accident to the Urbana Police Department or the Ohio State Highway Patrol, depending on where the accident occurred. A police report is also a key piece of evidence in car accident cases.
Contact an Urbana Car Accident Lawyer: After the initial shock of the accident wears off, it’s time to seek legal help. The sooner you involve an experienced personal injury lawyer, the stronger your case can become. At Kruger & Hodges. we’ll handle communication with insurance companies, negotiate settlements, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
Types of Injuries in Car Accidents
Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-threatening. Some common injuries we see in Urbana car accidents include:
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: The spine is generally affected at the level of the neck. Often caused by rear-end collisions, whiplash can lead to long-term pain and limited mobility.
Head and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries, including concussions and more severe TBIs, can have lasting impacts on a person’s quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, affecting a person’s ability to work and care for themselves.
Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other areas of the body are common after high-impact accidents.
Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or lungs, may not be immediately apparent and can become life-threatening without prompt medical attention.
Ohio Car Accident Laws
Ohio car accident law is clear as it states that in any car crash, the driver responsible for causing the accident is liable for all the damages, including injuries,psycological trauma and much more. As an accident victim, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, in our experience, insurance companies will try to reduce the payout, so having an experienced attorney on your side is essential to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Remember that you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio and many other states. This is called the statute of limitations and incentivizes people to act quickly to protect their rights.
How Kruger & Hodges Can Help
Our skilled personal injury lawyers will help you navigate the entire legal process while you focus on recovery. We assure you our lawyers will fight tirelessly for your rights. Plus, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our goal is to relieve your legal burden, so you can focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
We’ll handle every aspect of your car accident claim, including:
Investigating the accident
Collecting evidence
Dealing with insurance companies
Negotiating a fair settlement
Representing you in court if necessary
We believe in giving each client personalized attention. You are not just another case number. We will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and give you frequent updates to ensure you are fully informed throughout the legal process. Our focus is on making your recovery easier by handling the legal challenges you face.
Contact Our Urbana, Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Urbana, Ohio, it’s crucial to take legal action immediately. Contact our lawyers at Kruger & Hodges for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of Ohio’s car accident laws and secure the maximum compensation for your losses. Reach out to us today to talk about your case and the best possible outcomes.
