1. Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, dog bites, slip and fall accidents
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents, commercial truck accidents, fatal accidents, semi-truck collisions, multi-vehicle 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: The firm has secured millions of dollars in compensation for victims of serious injuries. Notable results include an $1,800,000 settlement for a grandmother and grandchild injured in a head-on collision with an intoxicated driver, and substantial recoveries for victims of semi-truck accidents. The firm handles cases throughout Northwest Ohio and is dedicated to helping clients regain normalcy after serious accidents.
Location: Toledo, OH
Contact: https://www.charlesboyk-law.com/
Consultation: Free case review, contingency fee basis
2. Gervelis Law Firm
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, product liability, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, multi-vehicle pileups, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, evidence gathering, accident reconstruction, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has been helping Ohioans injured in accidents for almost 25 years. Founder Mark S. Gervelis is board-certified in trial advocacy by the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. He has been recognized as Ohio Super Lawyers from 2007-2012 and 2014-2016. Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Notable results include $1,000,000 for a motorcyclist with fractures requiring multiple surgeries and $900,000 for a family in a fatal semi-truck collision. Attorney David Michael Tschantz focuses on motor vehicle cases and is a member of the Mahoning Trumbull County Academy of Trial Lawyers.
Location: Secor Road, Toledo, OH (near Trilby Park)
Contact: https://www.gervelislaw.com/toledo-oh/
Consultation: Free consultation, contingency fee basis (no fee unless case is won)
3. Lafferty Gallagher & Scott, LLC
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, insurance disputes, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, insurance dispute resolution, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has been dedicated to helping accident victims in the greater Toledo area since 1973. Over 100 million dollars obtained for clients. Award-winning approach that holds negligent parties and insurance companies accountable. The firm takes an aggressive approach to reducing unwarranted blame placed on victims by insurance companies.
Location: Toledo, OH
Contact: (419) 241-5500 | https://www.lgslaw.net/
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis (no payment unless case is won)
4. Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A.
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, medical malpractice, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, catastrophic injuries, medical errors
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, medical malpractice claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims
Background: The firm has over 100 years of combined experience pursuing compensation for the injured. Attorneys Peter O. DeClark, Chad M. Tuschman, and Jacob J. Hamilton lead the firm. The attorneys are passionate about protecting clients’ rights and have proven abilities to help clients obtain just compensation. Recognized by top-level organizations nationally and throughout Ohio.
Location: Toledo, OH
Contact: (419) 719-5195 | https://www.wdtlaw.org/
Consultation: Free initial consultation, contingency fee basis
5. Groth & Associates
Practice Focus: Car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, wrongful death, personal injury
Case Types Handled: Rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, T-bone accidents, intersection accidents, commercial vehicle accidents, uninsured motorist accidents, catastrophic injuries
Legal Services: Insurance claim negotiation, litigation, trial representation, settlement negotiations, uninsured motorist claims, property damage claims, lost wage recovery, pain and suffering claims, wrongful death claims, punitive damage claims
Background: The firm has 100 combined years of experience representing clients. Attorneys hold negligent defendants and insurance companies accountable. The firm knows how to file winning claims and represents clients throughout Northwest Ohio and Southern Michigan. Experienced in handling cases involving uninsured motorists and complex insurance disputes.
Location: Toledo, OH
Contact: https://www.grothlaw.com/toledo/personal-injury-lawyer/
Consultation: Free no-obligation case evaluation
Car Accident Laws and Regulations in Ohio
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims: Two years from the date of the accident under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10(A).
Statute of Limitations for Property Damage Claims: Two years from the date of the accident.
Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death Claims: Two years from the date of death under Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
At-Fault vs. No-Fault Status: Ohio is an at-fault (tort) state. The party responsible for causing the accident is financially liable for damages. Victims can file claims against the at-fault driver’s insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence Rules: Ohio follows modified comparative negligence under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33. Injured parties can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault. If found more than 50% at fault, no recovery is permitted. Compensation is reduced by the plaintiff’s percentage of fault.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements:
Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Requirements: PIP coverage is optional in Ohio.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Optional but strongly recommended. Provides protection when at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient coverage.
Damage Caps: Ohio imposes caps on non-economic damages in personal injury lawsuits. Non-economic damages are generally capped at $250,000 or three times economic damages, whichever is greater, with a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff (with exceptions for catastrophic injuries such as permanent physical deformity, loss of bodily function, or permanent disability).
Punitive Damages: Available under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.21 in cases involving malice or aggravated fraud. Capped at two times compensatory damages, with an absolute cap of $350,000 regardless of compensatory damages amount.
Dram Shop Liability: Ohio Revised Code Section 4399.18 permits limited dram shop liability against liquor permit holders for serving visibly intoxicated persons or minors.
Vicarious Liability: Vehicle owners may be held liable under certain circumstances when permitting others to operate their vehicles.
Reporting Requirements: Under Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.06, accidents must be reported if they result in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Ohio’s modified comparative negligence rule affect my car accident claim in Lucas County?
A: Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33, you can recover damages only if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if a Lucas County jury determines you were 25% at fault and your total damages are $100,000, you would receive $75,000. However, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any compensation. Insurance companies often try to assign more fault to victims to reduce or eliminate their liability.
Q: What is the statute of limitations for filing a car accident lawsuit in Toledo?
A: Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period begins on the date of death. Missing this deadline typically results in your case being dismissed, and you lose your right to pursue compensation. Acting quickly also helps preserve evidence, as witnesses’ memories fade and physical evidence can be lost or destroyed over time.
Q: What damages can I recover in an Ohio car accident case?
A: Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2307.011, recoverable damages include economic damages such as medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and rehabilitation costs. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Ohio caps non-economic damages at $250,000 or three times economic damages (whichever is greater), with a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff. Exceptions exist for catastrophic injuries. Punitive damages may be available in cases involving egregious conduct, capped at two times compensatory damages or $350,000.
Q: What should I do if the at-fault driver in my Toledo car accident has no insurance?
A: If you are injured by an uninsured motorist, you may have limited options for recovering from that driver directly since they likely lack assets. However, if your own insurance policy includes uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, you can file a claim under your own policy. Ohio does not require UM coverage, but many policies include it. If you have UM coverage, your insurance company will compensate you for damages up to your policy limits. An attorney can help you navigate this process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Q: How long do car accident cases typically take to resolve in Lucas County?
A: The timeline varies based on case complexity, injury severity, liability disputes, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases with clear liability may settle within several months to a year after maximum medical improvement. Complex cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take two to three years or longer. Cases filed in Lucas County Common Pleas Court must navigate court scheduling, discovery (depositions, interrogatories, document exchange), potential mediation, and trial preparation.