A car accident can happen in an instant, but the aftermath often becomes a battle over blame. When both drivers share some responsibility, the outcome of your injury claim depends on how Ohio law divides that fault. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland car accident lawyers help victims across the state understand their legal rights and recover the maximum compensation possible, even when insurance companies argue that they were partly at fault. Whether your crash happened in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron, or Lorain, our team fights to protect you and your financial future.
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence system under Ohio Revised Code § 2315.33. This law recognizes that accidents often involve more than one responsible party. It allows you to recover compensation even if you share some blame, as long as your fault does not exceed 50 percent.
Key points to remember:
For example, if your total damages are $100,000 but you are found 20 percent at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. This law applies to all types of personal injury cases in Ohio, including car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle collisions, and pedestrian injuries.
Insurance companies use comparative negligence to limit payouts whenever possible. Even a small increase in your assigned fault percentage can drastically reduce your compensation.
Imagine you are rear-ended in a Cleveland intersection, but the insurer claims you stopped suddenly. If they convince an adjuster or jury that you were 30 percent at fault, your recovery could be reduced by nearly one-third. Our attorneys at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers know these tactics well and build strong, evidence-backed cases to protect your rights and your financial recovery.
Determining fault in an accident requires a detailed and objective investigation. Our Ohio personal injury attorneys gather and preserve key evidence that shows how the crash truly happened. This evidence may include:
By presenting clear evidence, our legal team minimizes your assigned fault and proves that the other driver’s negligence caused the collision.
Comparative negligence applies in many Ohio accidents, especially when multiple drivers make mistakes. Some examples include:
Even when fault is shared, you still have a right to pursue compensation as long as your responsibility stays below 51 percent.
After an accident, insurance adjusters may sound sympathetic, but their goal is to reduce what their company pays. They may claim:
Each of these claims chips away at your recovery. Our legal team at Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni knows how to challenge these accusations using hard evidence, professional investigations, and expert testimony. We make sure your injuries, damages, and the other driver’s negligence are clearly documented and presented.
Even if you believe you share some responsibility for the crash, never assume you cannot recover damages. Instead:
These steps protect your rights and allow your attorney to control the narrative before insurance companies use your statements against you.
In comparative negligence cases, your success often depends on the strength of your evidence. The more proof you have of the other party’s negligence, the less blame you carry. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni, we often use:
This proactive approach not only strengthens your case but also reduces your assigned fault percentage, increasing your final recovery.
Clients throughout Ohio trust us because we deliver results through compassion and dedication.
Our attorneys understand how stressful and confusing accident claims can be. We take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal fight.
Ohio’s comparative negligence system can make or break your claim. Even if you share some responsibility, you still have the right to pursue significant compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Do not let an insurance company decide your level of fault without a strong advocate on your side. At Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland car accident lawyers represent injury victims throughout Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Akron, Lorain, and across Ohio. We know how to prove negligence, minimize your fault, and pursue every dollar you deserve after a crash.
Schedule your free consultation today with Paulozzi, Alkire & Condeni Personal Injury Lawyers. You pay nothing unless we win. Call 800-LAW-OHIO (800-529-6446) or reach out online to discuss your case. Our experienced Ohio car accident attorneys are ready to fight for your recovery and your future.