Dayton Car Accident Lawyer

Car accidents happen when they are least expected. In the blink of an eye, your entire future can come crashing down around you, and the consequences are devastating. For many people, whether an accident happens with a commercial vehicle along I-75 or occurs due to the actions of a drunk driver on Wayne Avenue, medical bills and lost wages do extreme harm to personal finances. If you’ve suffered injury, now is the time to speak with a Dayton car accident lawyer.

Following a car wreck, you might be struggling with chronic pain, unable to work, and facing an increasing amount of medical bills. None of these are things you should worry about, but you also might not be aware of the legal options available to you. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we are here to help you cut through the red tape, communicate with your insurance company and other involved parties, and get you both the compensation and justice you deserve.

Protect Your Rights With Spangenberg Shibley & Liber: Over 80 years of Experience

For over 80 years now, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has been protecting the rights of clients across Dayton and the entire state of Ohio. The experience and resources we have at hand allow us to try any case, no matter how difficult, and advocate for your rights to full and fair compensation.

We have recovered more than $1 billion for past clients, and while past results cannot guarantee future outcomes, we are proud to stand by your side and protect your rights.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we go the extra distance for all our clients. In the last two years, we have secured 25% of all seven-figure verdicts throughout Ohio. Let us put that level of legal excellence to work in your case. In 2023, we were voted “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News and have helped thousands of individuals and families get back on their feet after tragic accidents. ** Some of our top accident case results include:

• $2.1 million for a head-on collision that killed two parents
• $4.8 million for an auto accident that resulted in quadriplegia
• $15 million for a trucking collision that resulted in wrongful death *

Types of Car Crashes in Dayton

In 2024, Montgomery County, Ohio, had 60 fatal car crashes, and while this only represents less than 1% of the total crashes for the year, another 30% resulted in serious personal injury. If you or a loved one is harmed in a car crash in Dayton, it is important to understand the type of accident you have suffered. Understanding the type can point you in the direction of the exact cause and can also help prevent future accidents from taking place.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we have handled car accident cases that involve the following types of wrecks:

• Rear-end collisions. These crashes take place when a forward-moving car crashes into the back of the vehicle in front of it. These accidents typically happen when a driver is not paying attention to the road around them, or they are following too closely behind the vehicle ahead of them. These accidents typically result in face and eye injuries, amputations, neck and shoulder trauma, and fractures.
• Head-on collisions. This is the most dangerous and often the most deadly kind of car crash that can take place. These crashes happen when two vehicles that are traveling in opposite directions crash into each other head-on. These accidents often take place when both vehicles are operating at significantly high speeds, which can increase the risk for serious and even deadly injuries.
• Single-car accidents. These collisions only involve a single vehicle and happen when the car hits an object in the road or on the side of the road. These objects tend to be animals, debris in the roadway, or dropped cargo from a commercial vehicle. Depending on the location of the crash, the car can roll over on its side or veer off the road. These accidents tend to be immensely dangerous for the driver of the affected vehicle.
• Side impact crashes. These accidents happen when a vehicle hits another vehicle on its side. Also known as a T-bone accident, these accidents are serious and most commonly happen at intersections when one car neglects to check their blind spots or even stop in the first place for a red light or stop sign.

Whatever type of car crash you have sustained, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is ready to review the details, determine cause and liability, and calculate the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Every day, across the Dayton area, individuals are injured in car crashes, many of which occur through a set of common causes. Being able to determine the cause of an accident can help point you and your attorney in the direction of the liable party, thereby being able to recover the compensation and justice you are due.

Human error plays a significant role in most car accidents across the U.S. In Dayton, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber has handled cases caused by the following:

• Distracted driving. When a driver takes part in any action that removes their hands from the wheel or their eyes from the road, it is considered an act of distracted driving, and the results can be deadly. In fact, in 2023 alone, 3,275 people were killed due to distracted driving actions. Distracted driving can include texting and driving, eating and drinking while driving, and interacting with passengers inside your vehicle.  
• Driving under the influence. Not only is drunk or drugged driving illegal in Ohio, but it is also a fatal recipe for disaster. When an individual gets behind the wheel of a vehicle drunk or drugged or in any way impaired by these substances, it can turn into the perfect scenario for an accident to take place. Drunk drivers have slower reaction times and poorer judgement, making them unable to react to hazards and dangerous conditions. 
• Reckless driving. There are various forms of reckless driving, all of which take place when a driver acts in a willful manner or with a careless disregard for the safety of others or of the property around them. Reckless driving often includes actions of running stop signs or red lights, speeding excessively, racing other vehicles, and driving in an aggressive manner.
• Weather conditions. Various types of weather conditions can lead to serious and even deadly car accidents. For example, when a roadway becomes slick due to rain, snow, or ice, it can affect the traction of a vehicle’s tires. When a car lacks traction, it is easier for it to slide and veer off the roadway or into the lane of another vehicle. Heavy rain, snowfall, and fog can also make it harder to see the road ahead.
• Poor roadway maintenance. When a roadway is not properly maintained, it can lead to an increased risk of accidents. Signs of improperly maintained roadways can include potholes, loose gravel, and other hazards.

At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, from the moment you walk through our office doors, we are here to determine the cause of your accident. The involved insurance company will likely try to blame you. Do not argue with them or try to establish cause and fault. That is what we are here for.

What to Do Following a Car Crash in Dayton

The aftermath of a car accident in Dayton is a terrifying and stressful place to find yourself. While it is natural to feel a sense of panic, it is wisest to remain calm and take the necessary steps to protect your health and the future of your injury claim.

If you find yourself standing amidst the wreckage of a car crash, and you are physically able to do so, you need to take the following actions in as calm and clear a mindset as possible:

• Check yourself for injury. The very first thing you need to do is check yourself and other passengers in your vehicle for injury. If anyone appears to be seriously injured, it is wise to call 911 and seek immediate medical attention at the scene.
• Contact the police. It is then crucial that you contact the police. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, they can create an official report that can serve as evidence in support of your future claim.
• Exchange information. Then, you will want to exchange contact information with the at-fault driver. Make sure that you collect their name, contact details, driver’s license number, license plate number, and the details of their insurance company. You will also want to collect the contact information of any potential eyewitnesses whose testimony could prove vital in your claim.
• Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine following a car accident, it is important to get checked over by your primary healthcare provider. There are some injuries that are not apparent right away, and this evaluation can prove life-saving.
• Notify your insurance. As soon as you are able, contact your insurance company and report the accident so that the claims process can begin. Provide them only with the facts of the case and do not offer any speculation to fault at this time. If you would rather have your attorney handle this step, the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is more than happy to do so.
• Consult an attorney. Finally, you need to speak with an attorney who can protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve. At Spangenberg Shibley & Liber, we are skilled negotiators, but are also tenacious in court and won’t back down without advocating to have your story heard.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Common Injuries in a Car Accident in Ohio?

A: There are a number of common injuries that can be suffered by victims in car accidents across Ohio. These injuries typically include whiplash or other neck injuries, broken bones and fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, serious cuts, bruises, and lacerations, amputations, severe burns, internal organ or nerve damage, internal bleeding, and even death.

Q: What Is the Ohio Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents?

A: In Ohio, there is a strict time limit on when you can file a car accident claim. This time limit is known as a statute of limitations and, for car accidents, currently stands at two years from the date of the accident. This means that if you do not file your claim within the necessary two years, your case will likely be dismissed and you will be unable to recover any compensation.

Q: What Evidence Is Helpful in a Car Accident Claim?

A: In a car accident claim, there are various forms of evidence that can be helpful. These types of evidence include any area traffic camera footage that caught the accident or the events leading up to the accident, photographs of the accident, statements made by eyewitnesses, and possible testimony from medical professionals and crash reconstruction professionals.

Q: What Damages Can I Recover Following a Car Accident?

A: Following a car accident, there are a number of damages you are likely able to recover. Keep in mind that, according to a recent report, non-lethal car accidents can cost around $162,000 in damages. Damages can include monetary compensation for things like all related medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of the enjoyment of life, and wrongful death damages, which can help cover funeral and burial costs.

Hire a Car Accident Lawyer Today

After a serious car accident in Dayton, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber is the right legal team to have in your corner. When you hire a car accident lawyer from our firm, we work to make a difference and secure the results you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, you are likely facing numerous challenges, including emotional trauma, stress, injuries, and financial burdens you were not expecting.

Dealing with the insurance companies and the at-fault party can only increase stress and anxiety. At this difficult time, you should be able to focus on what really matters: your recovery. Let the team at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber handle everything else. Contact our offices today to learn more about our legal services and to schedule your initial consultation. We are here to help you pursue justice today.

*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.