1. Gervelis Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, premises liability, construction accidents, wrongful death, product liability
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, commercial vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, catastrophic injury cases including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, evidence collection, expert witness coordination, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery
Background: Founding attorney Mark S. Gervelis is board-certified in civil trial advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. He has been practicing law in Ohio since 1976 and was recognized by Super Lawyers as one of the top attorneys in Ohio from 2007-2012 and 2014-2016. He is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Attorney David Michael Tschantz is an Akron native who graduated from the University of Akron School of Law and has been practicing civil litigation at the firm since 2011. He was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2014-2016. Attorney Stephanie Mehle joined the firm in 2015 after graduating cum laude from the University of Akron School of Law.
Location: Wallahaven building at W. Market, Exchange, and S. Hawkins intersection, Akron, OH
Contact: https://www.gervelislaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation
2. Slater & Zurz LLP
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, workers compensation
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, rear-end accidents, intersection crashes, commercial vehicle accidents, hit-and-run accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, medical record analysis, damage documentation
Background: The firm has over 32 years of experience and has handled more than 40,000 cases. The attorneys are committed to securing full compensation for clients, including coverage for medical bills and related damages. The firm takes a relentless approach to holding liable parties accountable and provides support throughout challenging times.
Location: Akron, Ohio office serving Summit County and surrounding areas
Contact: https://slaterzurz.com/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless recovery is obtained)
3. Willis, Willis & Rizzi Co., L.P.A.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, insurance litigation, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, semi-truck trailer accidents, rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, wrongful death cases, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, insurance coverage disputes, health plan subrogation challenges
Background: The attorneys concentrate exclusively on personal injury and insurance litigation. The firm does not represent insurance companies, manufacturers, or other corporate interests, focusing solely on representing individual plaintiffs. The firm has achieved victories in the Ohio Supreme Court, Federal Courts, Federal Courts of Appeals, State Courts of Appeals, and trial courts. Clients have direct contact with experienced personal injury attorneys throughout their cases.
Location: Akron, Ohio
Contact: (330) 535-2000 | https://www.willislegal.com/
Consultation: Contact firm to discuss claim
4. Hoover Kacyon, LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rear-end accidents, intersection crashes, catastrophic injury cases including brain injuries and orthopedic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, vehicle repair assistance, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims
Background: Attorney Joseph A. Kacyon heads the Personal Injury Attorney Practice Group and has worked with clients to ensure just compensation for personal injury and property damage after accidents. Attorney Rachel Smick brings extensive knowledge and experience to the Personal Injury Practice Group and has been working with personal injury and wrongful death clients since the beginning of her career in law. The firm provides support through the entire claims process.
Location: Akron, Ohio (serving Summit County, Portage County, and Medina County)
Contact: (330) 922-4491 | https://www.hooverkacyon.com/
Consultation: No obligation initial consultation, no fee until recovery
5. The Buckeye Law Group Inc.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, slip and fall accidents, workplace injuries, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Motor vehicle collisions, commercial vehicle accidents, rear-end collisions, intersection crashes, multi-vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury cases
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, accident investigation, medical expense documentation, lost wage recovery
Background: The firm’s accident attorneys combined have negotiated or won more than a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts. The firm serves clients throughout Ohio with offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, and Akron. The attorneys are willing to meet clients at the hospital or at home during recovery and ensure clients are treated as individuals rather than case numbers.
Location: 388 South Main Street, Suite 400, Akron, OH 44311
Contact: (330) 426-0288 | https://www.buckeyeaccidentattorneys.com/
Consultation: Free, no-obligation case evaluation
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Ohio
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Ohio has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from car accidents under Ohio Revised Code 2305.10. This means you must file a lawsuit within two years from the date of the accident. For property damage claims, the statute of limitations is also two years. Missing these deadlines typically results in the court dismissing your case.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance State Status: Ohio is a fault-based (tort) state for car accidents. The driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Victims can pursue compensation by filing claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence system under Ohio Revised Code 2315.33. You can recover damages if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and have $100,000 in damages, you would receive $70,000.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Ohio requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage (25/50/25). These are minimum requirements, and many drivers carry higher limits for additional protection.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: While not mandatory in Ohio, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is recommended to protect against accidents with drivers who lack adequate insurance. Insurance companies are required to offer this coverage, and policyholders must sign a written rejection if they choose not to purchase it.
Damage Caps: Ohio law caps non-economic damages at the greater of $250,000 or three times the economic damages, with a maximum limit of $350,000 per plaintiff and $500,000 per accident under Ohio Revised Code 2315.18. However, these caps do not apply in cases involving catastrophic injuries, serious physical deformities, or permanent injuries that prevent victims from independently caring for themselves.
Punitive Damages: Ohio law allows punitive damages if the defendant’s actions showed “malice or aggravated or egregious fraud” or the defendant knowingly “authorized, participated in, or ratified” such conduct. Punitive damages are generally capped at two times the amount of compensatory damages.
Dog Bite Strict Liability: Ohio has a strict liability law for dog bites under Ohio Revised Code 955.28. Dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dogs regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior.
Accident Reporting Requirements: In Ohio, you must report any accident resulting in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $400 to law enforcement immediately. If police do not respond to the scene, you must file a crash report with the Ohio Department of Public Safety within 6 months.
Wrongful Death Claims: Wrongful death claims in Ohio must be filed within two years of the date of death. The personal representative of the estate files the claim on behalf of surviving family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deadline to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio?
A: The statute of limitations for personal injury and property damage claims in Ohio is two years from the date of the accident. If you miss this deadline, the court will likely dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to pursue compensation. It is advisable to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an accident to ensure your rights are protected and important evidence is preserved.
Q: How does Ohio’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my case?
A: Under Ohio law, you can recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a jury determines your damages are $100,000 but you were 20% at fault, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any damages. Insurance companies often try to shift blame to victims to reduce or eliminate payouts.
Q: Are there caps on damages in Ohio car accident cases?
A: Yes, Ohio caps non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering) at the greater of $250,000 or three times the economic damages, with a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff and $500,000 per accident. However, these caps do not apply in cases involving catastrophic injuries, such as permanent and substantial physical deformity, permanent loss of use of a limb or organ, or injuries that permanently prevent the victim from being able to care for themselves.
Q: What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Ohio?
A: Ohio requires drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to all persons per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not mandatory, insurance companies must offer it, and you must sign a written rejection if you choose not to purchase it. Many attorneys recommend carrying higher coverage limits for better protection.
Q: What should I do immediately after a car accident in Ohio?
A: First, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 if there are injuries. Exchange information with other drivers, including names, contact information, and insurance details. Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and any injuries. Get contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Report the accident to your insurance company, but avoid making statements that could be used against you. Consult with a personal injury attorney before speaking with the other driver’s insurance company.