1. The Donahey Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death from auto accidents, uninsured/underinsured motorist claims, catastrophic injury cases
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical lien resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Established in 1968. Over 55 years of experience representing injury victims in Central Ohio. Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements obtained for clients. Licensed in Ohio. The firm has handled thousands of personal injury cases throughout Franklin County and surrounding areas.
Location: 471 East Broad Street, Suite 1520, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: (614) 224-8166 | https://www.donaheylaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee arrangement (no fee unless recovery is obtained)
2. Gervelis Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, product liability, catastrophic injuries
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, commercial trucking accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: Established in 1976. Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Licensed to practice in Ohio. Extensive trial experience with focus on personal injury litigation. Recognized for handling complex injury cases throughout Ohio.
Location: 1335 Dublin Road, Suite 212D, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: (614) 656-3566 | https://www.gervelislaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis
3. Kisling, Nestico & Redick (KNR)
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, rideshare accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, Uber and Lyft accidents, hit-and-run accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical bill management, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Multiple offices throughout Ohio including Columbus location. Over 40,000 cases handled. Licensed to practice in Ohio. The firm maintains a significant presence in Central Ohio with attorneys experienced in Ohio traffic laws and local insurance practices.
Location: 20 South 3rd Street, Suite 210, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: (614) 487-8669 | https://www.knrlegal.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available 24/7, no recovery no fee
4. Slater & Zurz LLP
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, personal injury, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial vehicle accidents
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical expense recovery, lost wage claims, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death representation
Background: Over 30 years of combined experience. Licensed to practice in Ohio. The firm has handled over 40,000 cases across Ohio. Columbus office serves Franklin County and surrounding areas with attorneys knowledgeable in Ohio personal injury statutes.
Location: 20 South 3rd Street, Suite 210, Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: (614) 756-2714 | https://slaterzurz.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no fees unless case is won)
5. Erney Law
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, dog bites, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, multi-vehicle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, pedestrian versus auto accidents, semi-truck collisions
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, property damage claims, medical expense recovery, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims
Background: Over 30 years of experience in personal injury law. Licensed to practice in Ohio. Father-daughter legal team of Robert and Mary Erney. Focus on providing personalized attention to each client. Extensive experience with insurance company negotiations and courtroom litigation.
Location: Columbus, OH (Central Ohio area)
Contact: (614) 228-7455 | https://ohioinjurylaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation, contingency fee arrangement
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Ohio
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident (Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10). Failing to file within this period typically bars recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Four years from the date of the accident (Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.09).
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of the decedent’s death.
Fault vs. No-Fault Insurance Status: Ohio is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for resulting damages. Injured parties may file claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. An injured party can recover damages only if their share of fault is 50% or less. If an injured party is more than 50% at fault, they are barred from recovering any compensation. Damages are reduced proportionally by the injured party’s percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements: Ohio law requires the following minimum liability coverage (Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.51): $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. This is often referred to as 25/50/25 coverage.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Ohio does not require drivers to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, but insurers must offer it. Approximately 18.5% of Ohio drivers are uninsured, making UM/UIM coverage advisable.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Ohio does not require PIP coverage. Medical payments coverage (MedPay) is available as an optional coverage.
Damage Caps: Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in Ohio are generally capped at the greater of $250,000 or three times economic damages, with a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff. These caps do not apply to catastrophic injuries such as permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of limb, or permanent physical functional injury.
Punitive Damages: Capped at two times the amount of compensatory damages awarded to the plaintiff. These are only awarded in cases involving malicious, willful, or reckless conduct.
Dram Shop Liability: Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4399.18, establishments that serve alcohol may be held liable for injuries caused by an intoxicated patron if they served the patron while the patron was noticeably intoxicated or served alcohol to a minor.
Vicarious Liability for Vehicle Owners: Ohio generally does not hold vehicle owners vicariously liable for accidents caused by someone else driving their vehicle with permission, with some exceptions for negligent entrustment.
Accident Reporting Requirements: Accidents involving injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 must be reported to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles within six months if not investigated by police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Ohio?
A1: In Ohio, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from a car accident is two years from the date of the accident under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. For property damage claims, you have four years. Missing these deadlines typically results in permanent forfeiture of your right to seek compensation through the courts. Insurance claims should be filed promptly, as most policies require notification within a reasonable time after the accident.
Q2: How does Ohio’s comparative negligence rule affect my compensation?
A2: Ohio uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. If you are found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would receive $80,000. However, if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation from other parties.
Q3: What are the minimum insurance requirements for drivers in Ohio?
A3: Ohio law mandates minimum liability insurance coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident. While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required, insurers must offer it, and it is strongly recommended given the percentage of uninsured drivers in Ohio.
Q4: Can I sue a bar or restaurant if a drunk driver injured me in Ohio?
A4: Yes, under Ohio’s dram shop law (Ohio Revised Code Section 4399.18), you may be able to hold an alcohol-serving establishment liable if they served alcohol to a patron who was noticeably intoxicated or who was underage, and that patron subsequently caused your accident. You would need to prove the establishment knew or should have known the patron was intoxicated or underage at the time of service.
Q5: What happens if the at-fault driver in my Columbus car accident has no insurance?
A5: If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may file a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if you have it. You can also sue the at-fault driver directly, though collecting a judgment may be difficult if they lack assets. Ohio allows wage garnishment and other collection methods for personal injury judgments. It is advisable to carry adequate UM/UIM coverage to protect yourself, as approximately 18.5% of Ohio drivers are uninsured.