Akron Car Accident Lawyers

What to Do After a Car Accident in Akron

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Akron, here are some essential steps to take:

• Call Akron Police – Contact local law enforcement to file an accident report. Officers from the Akron Police Department will investigate the scene and create an official record, which is crucial for your claim.
• Seek Medical Attention – Visit a nearby hospital such as Summa Health or Cleveland Clinic Akron General for an evaluation, even if injuries appear minor.
• Exchange Insurance Information – Gather the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved in the accident.
• Document the Scene – If it is safe to do so, take photos or videos of the crash site, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
• Contact an Akron Car Accident Lawyer – Before speaking with insurers, consult an experienced car accident attorney who can protect your rights and help you build a strong case.

Summit County: Common Causes of Car Accidents

Car accidents in Akron and throughout Summit County arise due to a variety of factors. Akron experiences high traffic, particularly during rush hours on major roads like I-77, I-76, and Route 8. This congestion, combined with other elements, contributes to the most common causes of car accidents in the area:

• Speeding: Drivers often exceed speed limits, especially on highways like I-76 and Route 8, leading to severe crashes.
• Drugged Driving: Akron has seen a rise in accidents caused by drivers impaired by prescription drugs, marijuana, and other substances.
• Distracted Driving: Common in Akron, particularly with phone use, resulting in crashes in busy areas like Main Street and Arlington Street.
• Drowsy Driving: Fatigued drivers are prone to accidents, especially around The University of Akron and other bustling districts.
• Ignoring Traffic Signs and Signals: Running red lights and stop signs, particularly in Downtown Akron and at high-traffic intersections like East Market Street and Arlington Road, frequently causes accidents.
• Failing to Yield the Right of Way: Drivers often fail to yield at intersections along major roads like Canton Road, leading to collisions.
• Reckless Driving: High-speed maneuvers, tailgating, and weaving through traffic on highways like I-77 are common causes of severe crashes.
• Road Rage: Aggressive driving in heavy traffic zones can escalate into dangerous situations, increasing accident risks.
• Poor Weather: Akron experiences frequent snow and ice in the winter, creating hazardous conditions on highways and residential streets alike.
• Obstacles and Hazards in the Road: Debris, potholes, and construction zones, particularly near growing neighborhoods and business developments, contribute to accident risks.

Types of Car Accidents in Akron

Our Akron car accident lawyers are here to assist you after experiencing various types of car accidents, including:

• Rear-End Collisions: Common in congested areas like Downtown Akron and along I-77.
• Head-On Crashes: Often occurring on two-lane roads in suburban and rural areas of Summit County.
• Side Impact “T-Bone” Wrecks: Frequent at busy intersections such as those along East Market Street and Arlington Road.
• Accidents with Semi-Trucks: Given Akron’s proximity to major highways, truck accidents are common on I-76 and I-77.
• Side Swipe Accidents: Occur often on highways like Route 8 when drivers change lanes without checking blind spots.
• Blind Spot Collisions: Typically happen during lane changes on busy routes like West Market Street.
• Run Off the Road Crashes: Frequently occur on rural roads and high-speed highways surrounding Akron.
• Drunk Driving Wrecks: Drunk driving incidents increase around nightlife areas and during weekends in Downtown Akron.
• Left-Turn Accidents: Common at high-traffic intersections like Tallmadge Avenue and Canton Road.
• U-Turn Collisions: Frequently occur in busy areas like Wallhaven where drivers attempt U-turns in heavy traffic.
• Hit and Run Crashes: Often occur in densely populated areas or parking lots, particularly around shopping centers like Chapel Hill Mall.
• Low-Speed Wrecks: Common in residential neighborhoods and parking garages.
• Parking Lot Accidents: Frequently occur in retail spaces like Summit Mall.
• High-Speed Collisions: Most prevalent on interstates and highways such as I-76 and I-77.
• SUV Rollovers: Occur on high-speed curves and ramps, particularly on Route 8.

It is also common for cars to collide with other motor vehicles. Truck accidents can be particularly complex due to the severity of injuries and property damage. Motorcycle accidents are also challenging, as determining liability can be confusing. Seeking legal representation is crucial to navigating these types of injury cases.

H3: Injuries from Akron Car Accidents

Whether your accident involved a rear-end collision or a high-speed crash, injuries can range from mild to life-altering. Some common injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Concussions & Brain Injuries
• Broken bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Soft tissue damage
• Burns
• Lacerations

Akron Auto Accident Hot Spots

Several areas in Akron are known for frequent accidents. According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the following intersections and roadways have higher crash rates:

• Arlington Street at Waterloo Road
• East Market Street at Canton Road
• Route 8 Interchange near Tallmadge Avenue
• I-76 at the Central Interchange
• Main Street at Mill Street

Who’s at Fault for My Akron Car Accident?

After a car crash in Akron, one of the most pressing questions is determining fault and liability. The liable party—a person, business, or municipality—is responsible for compensating you for your injuries and losses. Liability may extend beyond the other driver.

Akron Car Accident Time Limits

Ohio law allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Starting early strengthens your case. Consult an Akron car accident lawyer promptly to ensure your claim is filed on time.

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What’s the Value of Your Auto Accident?

Whether through a lawsuit or an insurance settlement, KNR has helped Akron car accident victims secure compensation. For example, we recently assisted a Summit County resident in obtaining damages after a collision caused by a distracted driver.
You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Your past and future medical expenses
• Your lost wages from being off work
• The pain and suffering you experienced
• Your emotional distress and mental anguish
• The loss of consortium caused by your injury

Through an insurance settlement or a court award, your car accident compensation should include both special and general damages.

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Special Damages

These include quantifiable economic losses, such as:

• Your medical bills
• Lost income and employment benefits
• Other out-of-pocket expenses related to the crash and your injuries

General Damages

These cover subjective non-economic injuries, including:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

To prove these damages, we may ask you to keep a journal detailing your daily physical and psychological struggles.

Punitive Damages

If the at-fault party’s behavior was especially egregious, such as driving under the influence, you might be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are meant to punish wrongdoing rather than compensate for your injuries.

Fatal Car Accident Damages

If your loved one passed away because of a car accident, we can help you pursue:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income and support
• Emotional and mental anguish

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KNR is Trial-Ready to Maximize Results

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we know that thorough preparation leads to better results. Being ready for trial shows insurers we mean business and helps maximize your compensation.

Comprehensive Evidence Collection

We gather crucial evidence, including police reports, crash scene photos, medical records, and witness statements. Our attorneys investigate every detail, from the at-fault driver’s background to potential vehicle defects, ensuring a strong foundation for your case.

Support from Car Accident Experts

KNR collaborates with specialists like accident reconstructionists, medical professionals, and economic experts to prove liability, assess injuries, and calculate long-term damages. This expertise strengthens your claim in negotiations and in court.

Effective Witness Preparation

We work closely with witnesses to ensure they’re confident and ready to provide compelling testimony. Our attorneys prepare them to handle tough questions from opposing counsel.

By preparing every case as if it’s going to trial, KNR sets the stage for higher settlements and successful verdicts, ensuring you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

FAQs from an Akron Car Accident Lawyer

It is common for accident victims to have many unanswered questions. With this in mind, we have answered some of the most asked questions regarding car accident claims in Akron below. If you have additional questions, contact our office for a free consultation.

Contact an Akron Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Akron, KNR is here to help. We proudly serve Akron and the surrounding areas with compassionate, skilled legal representation. Call us today at (330) 869-9007 for a free, no-obligation consultation.