When a Car Accident Leaves You Injured

A car crash can change your life in an instant. Even collisions that seem minor at first can lead to painful injuries, expensive medical treatment, and long-term recovery. Serious accidents may result in fractures, head trauma, spinal injuries, or permanent impairment.

After a car accident, many people feel overwhelmed by what comes next. Insurance adjusters may pressure you to settle quickly. Fault may be contested. Medical bills begin piling up while you are still trying to heal. The legal process can feel confusing at a time when you need clarity the most. At The Stuckey Firm, we focus on serious injury cases. Our car crash attorneys in Cleveland work with you, not just for you, building your case around your injuries, your priorities, and what you need to recover.

What Is a Car Accident Claim?

A car accident claim is a personal injury claim seeking compensation when negligence causes a motor vehicle crash. These cases may involve injuries to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. Liability may rest with another driver, an employer, a vehicle manufacturer, or multiple parties at once.

Car accident claims often involve detailed insurance investigations, medical documentation, and legal deadlines. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides public safety data and guidance on roadway risks, crash causes, and traffic safety standards.

How a Car Wreck Attorney in Cleveland Can Help

  • A Clear Investigation Into Who Caused the Crash: Car accidents often involve disputed responsibility. Legal counsel helps identify what happened, who was at fault, and who carries financial liability.
  • Evidence Preservation Before It Is Lost: Car accident cases may depend on crash reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage records, and phone data. Early action helps preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
  • A Claim That Reflects Serious Injury: Car crashes frequently cause head injuries, whiplash, fractures, spinal trauma, and long-term impairment. A strong claim accounts for medical costs, wage loss, and future needs.
  • Trial-Ready Leverage Against Insurance Companies: Insurance carriers often defend these cases aggressively and may attempt to minimize injuries. Trial-ready preparation strengthens your position and protects your right to fair compensation.
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Does My Situation Require a Car Accident Lawyer?

You may need legal guidance if you were injured in a car crash, especially if your injuries required ongoing treatment or your recovery is uncertain. These cases become even more complex when fault is disputed or multiple vehicles were involved.

Even if injuries seemed minor at first, conditions like whiplash, concussions, and spinal injuries can worsen over time. If an insurer is pressuring you to settle quickly or your claim is being challenged, speaking with a motor vehicle accident attorney in Cleveland can help clarify your options.

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What do I do after a car accident?

Get a Free Case Review

Available 24/7 (216) 425-0336

The Car Accident Claim Process What to Expect

Step One: Injury Review and Liability Analysis

We begin by listening to what happened, reviewing your injuries, and identifying potential responsible parties.

Step Two: Records Requests and Evidence Collection

We gather crash reports, witness statements, medical records, and available evidence such as traffic footage, vehicle inspections, and documentation of fault. For serious roadway incidents, the Ohio Department of Public Safety provides resources related to accident reporting and traffic enforcement.

Step Three: Building and Presenting the Claim

Once the full impact of your injuries is clear, we build a claim reflecting medical costs, long-term treatment needs, lost income, and the broader impact on your life.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some cases resolve through settlement, while others require litigation, particularly when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation. We prepare every case with trial readiness and pursue the path that aligns with your goals.

Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents often result from preventable negligence, including:

  • Distracted driving, texting, or inattention
  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Failure to obey traffic signals or right-of-way laws
  • Unsafe lane changes or tailgating
  • Driving in poor weather or failure to adjust speed

Because drivers have a duty to operate vehicles safely, a strong case often depends on showing how that duty was ignored or violated.

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Cases Won Real Outcomes for Real People

$3.6 Million

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports...

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports that characterized their elderly father as a reckless motorcyclist. After a complex accident reconstruction identified the negligence of multiple parties, the case was settled during a second private mediation.

Motorcycle Accident | Marysville, Ohio

$1.6 Million

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as...

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, Ohio has a cap of $250,000 for non-economic damages, with no exceptions, for cases against political subdivisions. Through a comprehensive case work up and well versed arguments presenting a real threat to challenging the constitutionality of caps on damages, we were able to negotiate a higher settlement than what was provided under the law.

Pedestrian Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$1.3 Million

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with three young adult siblings.  TSF was engaged to serve as local counsel to assist with the litigation, mediation, and resolution of the case.

Truck Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$600,000

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left and turned in front of a motorcyclist, causing serious injury. An accident reconstructionist was retained to disprove inflammatory witness accounts of speed, as motorcyclists are commonly accused of speeding due to the sound of their bike. 

Motorcycle Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$500,000

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic...

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with an oncoming motorist. Client sustained serious injuries requring extensive hospitalization and rehab.  He and his wife heavily relied upon counsel to guide them through the maze of medical bills and insurance claims so they could focus on healing and recovery.  Settlement was further maximized through negotiations with multiple lienholders.

Car Accident | Galion, Ohio

$135,000

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert...

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert to demonstrate permanency of scarring to enhance case value

Dog Bite | Marysville, Ohio

$100,000

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash...

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash and injury to college aged passenger. Policy limits settlement offer obtained despite minimal medical treatment options and $5,000 in medical bills. Client was unsure how to protect her concern for permanent injury and retained counsel to help her obtain expert testimony to document permanent injury to justify the policy limits settlement.

Car Accident | Mentor, Ohio
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“Mike Vervoort handled every detail of my case with care and professionalism after a terrible accident. His guidance made an overwhelming situation manageable.”

—K.V.

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Meet Your Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Leaders in Ohio Personal Injury Law

Our team of local attorneys were hand-selected for their experience and leadership in client service, top legal organizations, and our communities.

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
Read Nathan's Bio

Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

  • Past President, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Active Member, American Association of Justice
  • National Women’s Trial Lawyers, Top 25
Read Sydney's Bio

Partner

J. Michael Vervoort

  • Board Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Read Michael's Bio

Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
Read Paul's Bio

Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, Clark County Bar Association
  • Founding Board Member, Recon & Sniper Foundation
Read Christian's Bio

Attorney

James E. Heath

  • Past President, Clark County Bar Association
  • Board Member, Clark County Sportsman’s Club
  • Former Captian, U.S. Army JAG Corps
Read James's Bio

Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Read Christian's Bio

Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Bus accident cases can feel impersonal when large organizations are involved. We take a different approach, working with you, not just for you, and keeping you informed at every stage.

Trial-Ready Preparation for Complex Claims

These cases often involve layered insurance coverage and aggressive defenses. We prepare thoroughly and preserve evidence early so your claim can withstand close scrutiny.

Credibility That Helps Your Case Be Taken Seriously

Our attorneys are respected statewide for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters when large entities attempt to minimize injuries or deny responsibility.

Car Accidents Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be held responsible for a car accident?

Liability may involve another driver, an employer (if the driver was working), a vehicle manufacturer, or multiple responsible parties, depending on the facts of the crash.

What injuries are common in car accidents?

Car accidents often cause concussions, spinal injuries, fractures, internal injuries, whiplash, and soft-tissue trauma.

How soon should I speak with a lawyer?

As soon as possible. Evidence may disappear quickly, and early guidance can protect both your health and your claim.

What if the insurance company disputes fault?

Fault disputes are common. A thorough investigation and strong evidence can help protect your claim and establish liability.

What if the insurer says my injuries are minor?

Insurers often minimize injuries to reduce payouts. Thorough medical documentation helps demonstrate the true impact of your injuries.

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Get Clear Answers From Car Accident Attorneys in Cleveland

If you were injured in a car accident and are unsure what comes next, help is available. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation with an auto injury lawyer in Cleveland and get clear guidance focused on protecting your recovery and your future.

Talk With a Local Attorney Get a Free Case Review

If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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