Cleveland Car Accident Lawyers
We've Recovered $1 Billion for Our Clients in Cuyahoga County
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of personal injury claims in the country. If you were seriously injured in an accident, you may have the right to obtain compensation for your injuries and losses. Our team provides accident victims throughout the Cleveland area with legal representation they can count on in their time of need.
Accident victims should not have to suffer the medical and financial consequences of another driver's negligence. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident, think carefully about the type of attorney you want representing you. Experience in trial preparation will make a significant difference in the outcome of your lawsuit. That’s why Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is a choice you can trust.
We encourage you to speak with one of our Cleveland car accident lawyers today for a free review of your case.
Ohio Car Accident Laws
Car accident cases in Ohio are governed by several important laws that may impact your claim:
- Fault-Based System – Ohio follows a “fault” system, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
- Comparative Negligence – Ohio applies a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are partially at fault for the crash, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% responsible, you cannot recover damages.
- Statute of Limitations – You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Ohio. Missing this deadline can prevent you from seeking compensation.
- Insurance Requirements – Drivers in Ohio are required to carry liability insurance with minimum limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage.
Understanding these laws can be complex. An experienced Cleveland car accident lawyer can help ensure your rights are fully protected.
Where Do Crashes Often Happen in Cleveland, OH?
Cleveland is a busy city with heavy traffic, highways, and intersections where serious accidents frequently occur. Common crash locations include:
- Highways – I-90, I-71, and I-480 are major routes where high-speed accidents are common.
- Downtown Cleveland – Busy streets near Playhouse Square, the Gateway District, and Public Square see frequent collisions.
- Intersections – Dangerous intersections such as Carnegie Ave & East 55th St or West 25th St & Detroit Ave are hotspots for crashes.
- Neighborhood Roads – Distracted and reckless driving often lead to accidents on smaller residential streets throughout Cleveland.
No matter where your accident happened, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is here to investigate and pursue your claim.
Ohio Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
Thousands of Americans are hurt or killed in motor vehicle accidents every year. In 2022, there were 1,180 fatal injury crashes and more than 65,948 injury crashes in Ohio. Out of those involved in injury crashes, over 6,000 experienced an serious of severe injury.
Some other troubling statistics from Ohio crash data in 2014:
- Out of 474,836 drivers involved in crashes, 12,353 were under the influence of alcohol
- 170,781 passengers were injured in crashes
- 3,753 crashes involved motorcycles
- 22,849 crashes involved heavy trucks
- Alcohol related crashes produced 271 fatalities and more than 5,000 injuries
- One person was killed in a crash every 8.7 hours
- Approximately 275.5 people were injured every day in a crash
- In the past five years, 5,216 people have died in traffic crashes in Ohio
If you or a loved one was involved in a serious crash, contact the Cleveland accident lawyers at Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP - (216) 600-0114.
Common Causes of Car Accidents
Car accidents in Cleveland occur for many reasons, but most are linked to driver negligence. The most common causes include:
- Distracted Driving – Texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS while driving.
- Speeding – Driving above the posted speed limit or too fast for weather conditions.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving – Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Reckless Driving – Aggressive lane changes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals.
- Drowsy Driving – Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.
- Poor Weather Conditions – Snow, ice, and heavy rain contribute to many Cleveland crashes.
Identifying the cause of your accident is crucial to building a strong claim for compensation.
Common Car Accident Injuries
Car crashes can cause devastating injuries, ranging from minor to life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Internal Organ Damage
- Cuts, Bruises, and Lacerations
- Psychological Trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Even seemingly minor injuries may require long-term treatment. That’s why it’s important to seek medical care immediately and work with a Cleveland car accident lawyer to calculate the full extent of your damages.
Recovering Compensation
If you were injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical Expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, prescriptions, and future medical costs.
- Lost Wages – Income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as reduced future earning capacity.
- Property Damage – Repairs or replacement for your vehicle.
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injuries prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed.
- Wrongful Death Damages – If you lost a loved one in a fatal car crash, surviving family members may seek funeral expenses and other damages.
Car Accident Claim FAQs
Do I need a lawyer after a Cleveland car accident?
While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer, working with an experienced attorney gives you a much better chance of maximizing your compensation and avoiding mistakes when dealing with insurance companies.
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Ohio?
You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For property damage, the deadline is four years.
What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Call 911, seek medical attention, gather evidence (photos, witness contact information), and contact a Cleveland car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How much does it cost to hire Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP?
We handle car accident cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win compensation for you.
Call Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP today at (216) 600-0114 for a free consultation. Our car accident lawyers in Cleveland are here for you.
What Sets Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP Apart?
Protecting the rights of our clients is what sets Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP apart. We are able to try any case, fighting to maximize our client's compensation. Our team of Cleveland car accident lawyers is dedicated to the interests of those we represent, and we are proud to stand up for accident victims in Cuyahoga County and throughout Ohio.
- History of Excellence - Our firm has been helping individuals since 1946 and has secured billions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
- Passionate Representation - We go the distance for you and your future fight to obtain maximum compensation on your behalf.
- Unwavering Commitment - Our trial attorneys have tried hundreds of cases and are not afraid to take your case to trial.
- Personalized Service - We offer one-on-one attention and detailed counsel. To us you are not just another case number.
Voted "Best Law Firms" By U.S. News
Since 1946, injured motorists and their families have been coming to us for the legal representation they need against some of the largest, most powerful auto insurance companies and auto manufacturers in the world.
For our exceptional representation for accident and injury victims, we've been voted "Best Law Firms" by U.S. News as well as many other prestigious organizations.
How Our Reputation for Winning Could Help Your Case
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is known as a firm that wins cases and maximizes results. Our car accident attorneys in Cleveland are trial lawyers through and through. We know how to bring a case through the litigation process and we know how to win at trial. We are able to leverage our reputation for outstanding courtroom success in order to negotiate equitable settlements out of court as well.
This means a faster and less costly process for you. Should your case require trial, you can rest assured that we will make that happen. We are prepared to do whatever it takes within the bounds of ethics to secure a favorable outcome for our clients.
Our Top Accident Case Results
- $15,000,000 - Trucking Collision Wrongful Death
- $2,100,000 - Head-On Collision Killing Two Parents
- $4,800,000 - Auto Accident Caused Quadriplegia
Request a Free Consultation from Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP
Our team works on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t pay any legal fees until and unless we win your case. It’s just another way we align our interests with our clients and ensure that all of us have a common goal: a maximized recovery achieved efficiently.
Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP is the right team to have in your corner after a serious collision. We are here to make a difference and win on behalf of our clients. Learn more about how we can help in your specific situation.
Contact a Cleveland car accident lawyer from our team by dialing (216) 600-0114 and arrange for a free review of your case.
Recommended Reading
- Crashworthiness: Too Often Overlooked in Car Accidents
- What's the Leading Cause of Truck Crashes
- How Much Is My Accident Case Worth?
