Need a Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus Ohio? Slater & Zurz Can Help

Suffering injuries in a car accident in Columbus, Ohio, can be a life-altering event. The aftermath often involves navigating complex legal and insurance processes while trying to recover physically and emotionally. For over 32 years, the experienced car accident lawyers at Slater & Zurz LLP have been dedicated to assisting individuals in Columbus and throughout Ohio, who have been injured due to someone else’s negligence. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you secure the maximum compensation you deserve.

Established in 1991, Slater & Zurz has built a strong reputation for successfully representing car accident victims. We have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, always prioritizing our clients’ needs and striving for the best possible outcomes in their cases. Our experienced legal team is prepared to guide you through every step of the process, from obtaining necessary medical treatment to filing your injury claim and aggressively advocating for your rights. We handle all aspects of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on healing and rebuilding your life.

At Slater & Zurz, we believe in being there for our clients when they need us most. We are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation you are entitled to. Distracted driving, a major cause of car accidents in Columbus and beyond, is an issue we are passionate about addressing, both through legal representation and by raising public awareness.

Your consultation is free, and you pay no fees unless we win your case. Contact a knowledgeable car accident attorney today for a free review of your situation.

Call us at (614)756-2714 or fill out this form.

Understanding Motor Vehicle Accidents in Columbus, Ohio

Car accidents, from minor fender-benders to serious multi-vehicle collisions, can result in significant injuries. In Columbus, Ohio, where traffic and busy roadways are common, accidents can happen unexpectedly. The car accident attorneys at Slater & Zurz are well-versed in the complexities of Ohio traffic laws and are ready to help victims of car accidents obtain the compensation they need to recover from their injuries and losses.

Seven Crucial Steps to Take Immediately Following a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a disorienting and stressful experience. Knowing the right steps to take immediately after a collision is vital for protecting your health and your potential legal claim. Even if an accident seems minor, taking the following steps can provide a solid foundation for navigating the aftermath and ensuring your rights are protected. Here are seven key steps to follow:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health is paramount. Even if you feel initially unharmed, some injuries, such as whiplash or internal injuries, may not present symptoms immediately. A comprehensive medical evaluation is essential to identify and address any injuries promptly. Follow your doctor’s treatment plan meticulously and maintain detailed records of all medical bills and reports. If you lack health insurance, our firm can assist you in accessing the necessary medical care.

Medical attention after car accident

Contact 911 and File a Police Report: Reporting the accident to the police is crucial. Police officers will create an official traffic collision report, which can be a valuable piece of evidence for your insurance claim and legal case. Obtain a copy of this report for your records.
Document the Accident Details: As soon as possible, write down everything you remember about the accident. Include details about the events leading up to the crash, the impact itself, and what happened immediately afterward. Even seemingly minor details can be significant when reconstructing the accident and proving your claim.
Gather Visual Evidence: Photographs and videos are powerful tools for documenting the accident scene. Capture images of vehicle damage, your injuries, and the overall accident scene from various angles. Visual evidence can be crucial in determining fault, illustrating the severity of the damage, and supporting your injury claim.
Exchange Information with All Drivers Involved and Identify Witnesses: Collect contact and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, driver’s license details, insurance companies, and policy numbers. Additionally, look for any witnesses to the accident and obtain their names and phone numbers. Witness statements can strengthen your case.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Immediately: It’s generally advisable to refrain from speaking to any insurance company, including your own or the other driver’s, immediately after an accident without consulting with an attorney first. Statements you make, even unintentionally, could be misinterpreted or used against you to minimize or deny your claim. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, politely inform them that your attorney will be in touch with them shortly.
Consult with an Experienced Columbus Car Accident Attorney: To safeguard your rights and maximize your chances of recovering fair compensation, it is essential to hire a qualified Columbus car accident lawyer. The attorneys at Slater & Zurz are experienced and dedicated to advocating for your best interests. Contact us as soon as possible for guidance and support.

Don’t delay. Speak to a car accident lawyer now for a free consultation.

Call us at (614)756-2714 or fill out this form.

Types of Damages You Can Recover in a Columbus Car Accident Claim

If you have been injured in a car accident due to another person’s negligence, Ohio law provides you with the right to seek compensation for your losses. The damages you may be entitled to recover can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your accident and injuries. These damages can include:

Medical Expenses: Coverage for all medical bills incurred due to the accident, including past, present, and future medical treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
Vehicle Repair or Replacement Costs: Compensation for the costs to repair your damaged vehicle or the fair market value of your vehicle if it is totaled.
Lost Wages: Recovery of income lost due to your injuries, both for time already missed from work and for projected future lost earnings if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous employment.
Property Damage: Compensation for damage to personal property beyond your vehicle that was damaged in the accident.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in a diminished ability to earn income in the future, you can seek compensation for this loss.
Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs: Coverage for rehabilitation treatments, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other necessary therapies to aid in your recovery.
Future Medical Care: Compensation to cover anticipated future medical treatments and ongoing care related to your accident injuries.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries and the accident.
Emotional Trauma: Damages for psychological injuries such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from the accident.
Impairment, Disability, and Disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent physical impairments, disabilities, or disfigurement resulting from your injuries.
Loss of Consortium: In cases where injuries severely impact your relationship with a spouse, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium, which includes loss of companionship, affection, and services.

In cases of permanent injury that significantly impact your quality of life and ability to work, Slater & Zurz attorneys are committed to ensuring you receive compensation for both immediate medical needs and long-term care and support. In situations involving extreme negligence or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may also be pursued.

Ohio’s Modified Comparative Fault Law: Understanding Shared Negligence

Ohio operates under a “modified comparative fault” system. This legal principle means that even if you are partially responsible for a car accident, you may still be eligible to recover compensation for your damages, provided you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your final compensation award will be reduced proportionally to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 25% responsible for the accident, your total recoverable compensation will be $75,000. Understanding this law is crucial, and our attorneys can help you navigate these complexities.

How Our Columbus Car Accident Lawyers at Slater & Zurz Can Assist You

Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident and serious injuries can be overwhelming. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. The Columbus car accident attorneys at Slater & Zurz are here to provide comprehensive legal support every step of the way:

Free, No-Obligation Consultation: We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide honest, informed legal advice without any obligation.
Medical Care Assistance: We can help you access the necessary medical treatment to recover from your injuries, even if you are uninsured or have difficulty obtaining care.
Consistent Communication and Support: We keep you informed about all developments in your case and are readily available to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the legal process.
Handling Insurance and Legal Communication: We manage all communication and negotiations with the at-fault party, their insurance company, and legal representatives, protecting you from potentially damaging interactions.
Thorough Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Our experienced legal team conducts thorough investigations to establish fault and gather compelling evidence to demonstrate the full extent of your injuries and losses.
Skilled Negotiation for Maximum Compensation: We are skilled negotiators dedicated to securing the maximum possible compensation for your injuries and damages through settlements.
Aggressive Trial Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, we are fully prepared to file a lawsuit and aggressively advocate for your rights in court.
Ongoing Support for You and Your Family: Our commitment extends beyond the resolution of your case. We are here to support you and your family for as long as you need us.

If you need to discuss a potential injury claim after a car accident, contact the experienced Columbus car accident lawyers at Slater & Zurz for a free consultation. Reach our trusted legal team at (614)756-2714 or submit our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Claims

How much does it cost to hire a car accident lawyer?

Many car accident victims hesitate to hire an attorney due to concerns about fees. At Slater & Zurz, we handle all car accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. Our fees are a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
Will my car accident case go to court?

Not necessarily. While some complex cases or disputes over fault may require filing a lawsuit, the majority of car accident cases are resolved through settlement negotiations outside of court. Our attorneys will strategically determine if litigation is necessary to maximize your compensation.
What is the time limit for filing a car accident claim in Ohio?

In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including car accidents, is generally two years from the date of the accident. While exceptions may exist, it is crucial to consult with a Columbus car accident lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable time frame.
Should I speak with the insurance company after a car accident?

It is generally advisable to have your attorney handle all communication with insurance companies. Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize payouts or use your statements against you. By communicating directly with insurance companies, we protect your rights and interests and allow you to focus on your recovery.

Download Our Free Injury Guide

For further information about the personal injury lawsuit process and answers to common questions about filing a claim, download our free injury guide.