Skilled Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers
A car accident can have a profound impact on the victim and their family. Injured people are forced to manage many financial hurdles, including the cost of medical care, lost wages and planning for future care. Additionally, the emotional fallout from the pain and suffering caused by injuries, temporary or permanent disabilities, and the loss of a loved one can cause deep psychological wounds.
If you have been seriously injured in the Cincinnati area on I-75, I-71 or another dangerous roadway, then you need to contact a law firm with a history of positive results in this area. At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our Cincinnati car accident lawyers bring exceptional care and attention to every vehicle accident case they accept. They will help you get the financial resources and time you need to move forward with your life after a motor vehicle accident with serious injuries or the loss of a loved one. You can reach our office 24/7 by calling us at 513-496-0134.
Table of Contents
- What Do I Do After A Car Accident In Cincinnati?
- Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Cincinnati And Hamilton County
- How Fault Is Determined In A Cincinnati Car Accident
- Do I Need An Attorney?
- How Much Does A Car Accident Attorney Cost?
- How Much Is My Case Worth?
- What If I Do Not Have Insurance Or The Person Who Hit Me Does Not Have Insurance?
- What If The Insurance Policy Limits Are Less Than My Damages?
- What If The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance Adjust Refuses To Pay Me For My Injuries?
- How Long Does It Take To Pursue A Claim?
- How To Handle The Insurance Company After An Accident In Cincinnati
- How Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
What Do I Do After A Car Accident In Cincinnati?
The shock of a car crash can make it difficult to know how to act or what to do. The most important thing to remember is to see a doctor, even if you do not have any visible bruising or cuts. Try to follow these steps:
- Get medical attention: You might not feel injured, but you should still get medical treatment. Many injuries do not appear right away.
- Contact the police: The police officers can write an accident report that makes important future evidence for your claim.
- Document the accident site: Ask a friend or family member to take pictures of the crash scene. Focus on the damage to the vehicles and on any visible injuries you have.
- Get contact information: Write down the names, insurance information, license plate numbers (take a picture with your phone), and contact information of the other driver and any witnesses.
- Do not downplay the accident: It is natural to say, “I’m fine,” or “I’m sorry,” after a crash. Try to avoid this, as it can give the insurance company grounds to reduce your compensation.
- Start a journal: Our lawyers also encourage clients to keep journals about their injuries, documenting medical treatment and progress. The more serious the injuries, the more important it is to document how they changed your life.
- Contact an attorney: You will need a car accident lawyer to advocate for your rights against the insurance company’s tactics.
The insurance company will likely have a representative contact you. Do not give a statement until you have representation. Speak to our Hamilton County car accident lawyers and will give you advice about what to do after a car accident.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Cincinnati And Hamilton County
Cincinnati is one of the most dangerous places to drive in Ohio. In 2023, there were 14,631 car crashes in the city, 38 of which were fatal. Between 2018 and 2022, 294 fatal collisions occurred in Hamilton County, where Cincinnati is located.
Car accidents in Cincinnati and Hamilton County happen for a variety of reasons. Among the most common causes of auto wrecks are:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Inclement weather
- Traffic violations
Our attorneys are ready to represent you, no matter what kind of car accident you were involved in.
How Fault Is Determined In A Cincinnati Car Accident
Ohio follows comparative negligence (also called contributory fault) laws. Under these laws, parties more than 50% responsible for an accident cannot collect damages. Parties less than 50% responsible for an accident can collect damages, though the amount they can recover decreases as their percentage of fault increases.
Proving fault in a Cincinnati or Hamilton County car accident is a matter of evidence. Accident reports will give a general idea of who was at fault based on law enforcement observations. Witness testimony can also help determine liability. Evidence gathered at the accident scene, such as photographs, can be valuable in this regard as well.
Maximizing your compensation can be difficult regardless of your role in an auto accident. We can help you collect the evidence you need to put you in a position to obtain full financial relief.
Answering Your Most Pressing Car Accident Questions
The following is a sample of the frequently asked questions that our lawyers receive from individuals injured in car accidents throughout the state of Ohio, including in Hamilton County. For more information and answers to other questions, reach out to our car accident attorneys for a consultation.
- Do I need an attorney?
- How much does a car accident attorney cost?
- How much is my case worth?
- What if I do not have insurance or the person who hit me does not have insurance?
- What if the insurance policy limits are less than my damages?
- What if the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster refuses to pay me for my injuries?
- How long does it take to pursue a claim?
Do I need a Cincinnati car accident attorney?
People who hire car accident attorneys recover more money than people who do not, even when taking attorney fees into account. Even the Insurance Research Council (IRC) agrees. The IRC conducted a study and found that lawsuits that were settled out of court were 3.5 times higher for injury victims who were represented by an injury lawyer than for those who did not have a lawyer.
While it is possible to obtain a car accident settlement from an insurance company on your own, an experienced lawyer will help you understand the value of your claim and guide you through the critical steps of what you need to do after a car accident to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.
How much does a car accident attorney cost?
Some people believe it costs a lot of money to hire a skilled car accident attorney. All our lawyers represent injured accident victims on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay nothing unless we get a favorable car accident settlement or verdict for their injuries. If you have been injured in an accident, then you do not need money to retain an experienced lawyer.
How much is my accident case worth?
Your car accident claim depends significantly on the extent of your injuries, the damage done to your vehicle and many other financial considerations. Your claim can also include damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount you will be able to recover also depends on your insurance coverage and the at-fault driver’s coverage.
What if I do not have insurance, or the person who hit me does not have insurance?
Ohio law requires every driver to have insurance but unfortunately not every driver follows the law. There are multiple potential sources of insurance after a car accident, including but not limited to insurance for the owner of the at-fault car, insurance for the at-fault driver, insurance for the at-fault driver’s employer, and insurance for your family or you. Most auto insurance carriers offer uninsured/underinsured insurance (UM / UIM coverage) to provide coverage the at-fault driver does not have insurance. If neither of you has insurance, then you do have the opportunity to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver. Please speak to one of our experienced car accident lawyers to learn more.
What if the insurance policy limits are less than my damages?
Suppose medical bills or damages are greater than the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. In that case, you should look to your own uninsured/underinsured insurance to cover the balance. Furthermore, you must receive written consent from your uninsured/underinsured carrier before accepting money from the at-fault driver if you intend to claim your uninsured/underinsured coverage. Your attorney should analyze every potential insurance policy before advising you on any settlement offers.
What if the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster refuses to pay me for my injuries?
In many cases, insurance adjusters deny liability even when their driver is cited as the at-fault driver in the police crash report. Do not panic. This issue is a standard insurance company tactic – delay, deny, and defend. If your injury is a result of someone else’s fault, a lawsuit should be filed and the case should be prepared for trial. In almost every case, the insurance company will change its position when a jury trial is imminent (if you have a lawyer with jury trial success in injury cases).
How long does it take to pursue a claim?
The length of time a car accident claim takes to process varies depending on the complexity of your claim, the severity of your injuries, your policy limits, the insurance company’s willingness to offer fair compensation, and your desire to settle or go to trial. While some settlements can be obtained within a matter of months, many claims last longer. It is essential that you do not rush to accept a settlement. You should be finished with your treatment and be certain of your future medical needs before taking a settlement offer.
What is Ohio’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim?
In Ohio, you have two years from the date of your car accident to file a claim.
How To Handle The Insurance Company After An Accident In Cincinnati
As we mentioned, the insurance company will probably try to contact you and get you to make a statement. Usually, people are contacted by an insurance adjuster within days or weeks of a car crash. However, they often do not truly want to help you. Please do not rely on the insurance adjuster’s advice. Insurance companies are for-profit corporations that usually care more about avoiding paying your claim than about getting you back on your feet. Many insurers offer cash settlements that might sound tempting. Do not accept any settlement offers until you have a car accident insurance attorney review them. Your damages might be even more expensive than you realize, so you need a lawyer to advocate for you. Our attorneys analyze every potential insurance carrier in each case to make sure that they compensate for past and future damages.
How Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our staff includes lawyers who have been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Best Lawyers in America. Many of them have also been selected for inclusion in the Ohio Super Lawyers list for multiple years. Our lawyers obtained these recognitions by providing clients with the highest quality of legal service and results. They care about getting positive outcomes for you and your family. They assist clients with a wide range of vehicle accident cases, including:
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Dangerous highway crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Recreational vehicles accidents
- Fatal car accidents
Our car accident attorneys want you to receive the compensation you need after a car wreck. We offer the personalized representation you require after your car accident. As soon as you retain our attorneys’ services, they will immediately begin working on your behalf. They have experience handling all types of car accident cases in and around Cincinnati and Hamilton County. They will gather evidence about the car accident, review police reports and medical records, talk to witnesses and hire the necessary experts to pursue a claim in your case.
They will also contact the car insurance companies and handle all communications regarding your car accident claim. Because our lawyers have handled personal injury claims for more than 30 years, they know how to present your claim to the insurance company and prepare your case for trial. They know how to get you a fair car accident settlement.
Injured In An Accident? Speak With An Attorney Today.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries or a loved one has died in a Hamilton County car accident, our team will listen carefully and explain your legal options. Please contact us by calling 513-496-0134 and tell our lawyers about the accident. From offices in Lebanon, West Chester and downtown Cincinnati, we serve clients in Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties and the surrounding areas of southwest Ohio.
Client Review: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“On September 13, 2022 my father -in- law was involved in a life changing car accident. We realized shortly the insurance, bills and paperwork were more than we could handle. We are thankful we found Rittgers law office and more specifically Matt Nakajima and Collette Witker. I dealt with Collette on what seemed like a daily basis for months. She was always patient, kind and helpful in answering every question we had and pointing us in the right direction. Matt answered all our questions, explained things thoroughly and handled our case masterfully. Our family is forever grateful for them and if we ever need legal services in the future we will be calling Rittgers and referring all of our friends to your office. Thank you for making a difficult year much easier to navigate.” – Michele J.
What Do I Do After A Car Accident In Cincinnati?
The shock of a car crash can make it difficult to know how to act or what to do. The most important thing to remember is to see a doctor, even if you do not have any visible bruising or cuts. Try to follow these steps:
- Get medical attention: You might not feel injured, but you should still get medical treatment. Many injuries do not appear right away.
- Contact the police: The police officers can write an accident report that makes important future evidence for your claim.
- Document the accident site: Ask a friend or family member to take pictures of the crash scene. Focus on the damage to the vehicles and on any visible injuries you have.
- Get contact information: Write down the names, insurance information, license plate numbers (take a picture with your phone), and contact information of the other driver and any witnesses.
- Do not downplay the accident: It is natural to say, “I’m fine,” or “I’m sorry,” after a crash. Try to avoid this, as it can give the insurance company grounds to reduce your compensation.
- Start a journal: Our lawyers also encourage clients to keep journals about their injuries, documenting medical treatment and progress. The more serious the injuries, the more important it is to document how they changed your life.
- Contact an attorney: You will need a car accident lawyer to advocate for your rights against the insurance company’s tactics.
The insurance company will likely have a representative contact you. Do not give a statement until you have representation. Speak to our Hamilton County car accident lawyers and will give you advice about what to do after a car accident.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Cincinnati And Hamilton County
Cincinnati is one of the most dangerous places to drive in Ohio. In 2023, there were 14,631 car crashes in the city, 38 of which were fatal. Between 2018 and 2022, 294 fatal collisions occurred in Hamilton County, where Cincinnati is located.
Car accidents in Cincinnati and Hamilton County happen for a variety of reasons. Among the most common causes of auto wrecks are:
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Failure to yield
- Inclement weather
- Traffic violations
Our attorneys are ready to represent you, no matter what kind of car accident you were involved in.
Answering Your Most Pressing Car Accident Questions
The following is a sample of the frequently asked questions that our lawyers receive from individuals injured in car accidents throughout the state of Ohio, including in Hamilton County. For more information and answers to other questions, reach out to our car accident attorneys for a consultation.
- Do I need an attorney?
- How much does a car accident attorney cost?
- How much is my case worth?
- What if I do not have insurance or the person who hit me does not have insurance?
- What if the insurance policy limits are less than my damages?
- What if the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster refuses to pay me for my injuries?
- How long does it take to pursue a claim?
Do I need a Cincinnati car accident attorney?
People who hire car accident attorneys recover more money than people who do not, even when taking attorney fees into account. Even the Insurance Research Council (IRC) agrees. The IRC conducted a study and found that lawsuits that were settled out of court were 3.5 times higher for injury victims who were represented by an injury lawyer than for those who did not have a lawyer.
While it is possible to obtain a car accident settlement from an insurance company on your own, an experienced lawyer will help you understand the value of your claim and guide you through the critical steps of what you need to do after a car accident to ensure that you receive maximum compensation.
How much does a car accident attorney cost?
Some people believe it costs a lot of money to hire a skilled car accident attorney. All our lawyers represent injured accident victims on a contingency fee basis. Our clients pay nothing unless we get a favorable car accident settlement or verdict for their injuries. If you have been injured in an accident, then you do not need money to retain an experienced lawyer.
How much is my accident case worth?
Your car accident claim depends significantly on the extent of your injuries, the damage done to your vehicle and many other financial considerations. Your claim can also include damages for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The amount you will be able to recover also depends on your insurance coverage and the at-fault driver’s coverage.
What if I do not have insurance, or the person who hit me does not have insurance?
Ohio law requires every driver to have insurance but unfortunately not every driver follows the law. There are multiple potential sources of insurance after a car accident, including but not limited to insurance for the owner of the at-fault car, insurance for the at-fault driver, insurance for the at-fault driver’s employer, and insurance for your family or you. Most auto insurance carriers offer uninsured/underinsured insurance (UM / UIM coverage) to provide coverage the at-fault driver does not have insurance. If neither of you has insurance, then you do have the opportunity to seek compensation directly from the at-fault driver. Please speak to one of our experienced car accident lawyers to learn more.
What if the insurance policy limits are less than my damages?
Suppose medical bills or damages are greater than the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. In that case, you should look to your own uninsured/underinsured insurance to cover the balance. Furthermore, you must receive written consent from your uninsured/underinsured carrier before accepting money from the at-fault driver if you intend to claim your uninsured/underinsured coverage. Your attorney should analyze every potential insurance policy before advising you on any settlement offers.
What if the at-fault driver’s insurance adjuster refuses to pay me for my injuries?
In many cases, insurance adjusters deny liability even when their driver is cited as the at-fault driver in the police crash report. Do not panic. This issue is a standard insurance company tactic – delay, deny, and defend. If your injury is a result of someone else’s fault, a lawsuit should be filed and the case should be prepared for trial. In almost every case, the insurance company will change its position when a jury trial is imminent (if you have a lawyer with jury trial success in injury cases).
How long does it take to pursue a claim?
The length of time a car accident claim takes to process varies depending on the complexity of your claim, the severity of your injuries, your policy limits, the insurance company’s willingness to offer fair compensation, and your desire to settle or go to trial. While some settlements can be obtained within a matter of months, many claims last longer. It is essential that you do not rush to accept a settlement. You should be finished with your treatment and be certain of your future medical needs before taking a settlement offer.
What is Ohio’s statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim?
In Ohio, you have two years from the date of your car accident to file a claim.
How To Handle The Insurance Company After An Accident In Cincinnati
As we mentioned, the insurance company will probably try to contact you and get you to make a statement. Usually, people are contacted by an insurance adjuster within days or weeks of a car crash. However, they often do not truly want to help you. Please do not rely on the insurance adjuster’s advice. Insurance companies are for-profit corporations that usually care more about avoiding paying your claim than about getting you back on your feet. Many insurers offer cash settlements that might sound tempting. Do not accept any settlement offers until you have a car accident insurance attorney review them. Your damages might be even more expensive than you realize, so you need a lawyer to advocate for you. Our attorneys analyze every potential insurance carrier in each case to make sure that they compensate for past and future damages.
How Our Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, our staff includes lawyers who have been named to the Top 100 Trial Lawyers, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Best Lawyers in America. Many of them have also been selected for inclusion in the Ohio Super Lawyers list for multiple years. Our lawyers obtained these recognitions by providing clients with the highest quality of legal service and results. They care about getting positive outcomes for you and your family. They assist clients with a wide range of vehicle accident cases, including:
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Drunk driving accidents
- Dangerous highway crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Recreational vehicles accidents
- Fatal car accidents
Our car accident attorneys want you to receive the compensation you need after a car wreck. We offer the personalized representation you require after your car accident. As soon as you retain our attorneys’ services, they will immediately begin working on your behalf. They have experience handling all types of car accident cases in and around Cincinnati and Hamilton County. They will gather evidence about the car accident, review police reports and medical records, talk to witnesses and hire the necessary experts to pursue a claim in your case.
They will also contact the car insurance companies and handle all communications regarding your car accident claim. Because our lawyers have handled personal injury claims for more than 30 years, they know how to present your claim to the insurance company and prepare your case for trial. They know how to get you a fair car accident settlement.
Injured In An Accident? Speak With An Attorney Today.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe injuries or a loved one has died in a Hamilton County car accident, our team will listen carefully and explain your legal options. Please contact us by calling 513-496-0134 and tell our lawyers about the accident. From offices in Lebanon, West Chester and downtown Cincinnati, we serve clients in Butler, Warren, and Hamilton counties and the surrounding areas of southwest Ohio.
Client Review: 5/5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“On September 13, 2022 my father -in- law was involved in a life changing car accident. We realized shortly the insurance, bills and paperwork were more than we could handle. We are thankful we found Rittgers law office and more specifically Matt Nakajima and Collette Witker. I dealt with Collette on what seemed like a daily basis for months. She was always patient, kind and helpful in answering every question we had and pointing us in the right direction. Matt answered all our questions, explained things thoroughly and handled our case masterfully. Our family is forever grateful for them and if we ever need legal services in the future we will be calling Rittgers and referring all of our friends to your office. Thank you for making a difficult year much easier to navigate.” – Michele J.
