Ohio Personal Injury Legal News

The latest updates regarding Ohio personal injury news and laws from the Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC, a top accident legal firm located in Toledo. http://www.charlesboyk-law.com

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Options for Injured Workers in Ohio

There are several different benefits that injured workers can seek after a work injury accident. The options that they have are explained by our Ohio work injury lawyers.

Temporary Total Disability

Temporary total disability claims are those that our Ohio work injury lawyers see the most often. When an individual is injured on the job, they often are unable to work for a short period of time. Temporary total disability helps to replace the wages that are lost during this temporary time when the individual is unable to work. 

The injured worker must miss eight consecutive days of work in order to be eligible to seek temporary total disability. During the first 12 weeks, they receive 72% of their full weekly way. This is based on the average gross wages earned during the six weeks prior to the injury. 

Permanent Partial Disability

Sometimes workers sustain disabilities that remain with them forever, but they are still able to continue to work. These individuals could be eligible for permanent partial disability based on their impairment. 

A Bureau of Workers' Compensation doctor determines the percentage of lost wages based on the American Medical Association's Guide to Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. 

Permanent Total Disability

An individual who is injured on the job and will NEVER be able to be employed again is eligible to permanent total disability benefits. This person would be able to receive compensation for the rest of their life. 

The compensation that is received takes into the account the statewide weekly wage average and whether or not they receive Social Security benefits. 

Work Injury Attorney in Ohio

If you or your loved one has suffered injury while on the job and would like to seek compensation for lost wages, call our Ohio work injury attorneys at 800.637.8170. Our team can answer any questions that you or your loved one has over the phone, as well as give a free case evaluation. Call today to get on your way to receiving the compensation that is deserved.

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Damages Available in Wrongful Death Claims

Beneficiaries of wrongful death cases are able to seek damages for the following in the event that their loved one dies. Our Ohio wrongful death lawyers explain the damages below.

Loss of Support

This refers to the lost earning capacity of the decedent had they not died. This would include the salary at the time of the death and the money the decedent could have reasonably earned in the future. 

Loss of Services

This type of damage may seem like a vague claim, but it allows beneficiaries to collect compensation for services that the decedent provided the beneficiaries. The jury can help to determine a dollar figure for each lost service. 

Loss of Society

Beneficiaries can seek compensation for loss of companionship, care, assistance, protection, advice, guidance, and education. It may seem difficult to put a dollar amount on such things, but a lawyer will help to quantify the damages to a jury. While they are not easily quantifiable, the loss of society has a huge affect on someone's life. 

Loss of Prospective Inheritance

This category includes the inheritance that beneficiaries may have received from the decedent if they had lived a normal lifespan. 

Mental Anguish

Mental anguish is also hard to quantify because it is difficult to put a dollar amount on someone's pain. But, this can account for a significant amount in damages. 

Ohio Wrongful Death Lawyers

If you have lost your loved one and wish to seek the above damages that are related to their untimely death, call our Ohio wrongful death lawyers at 800.637.8170. Our legal team can answer any questions that you have regarding your loved one's death, as well as give a free case evaluation as you call in. 

For more information regarding the wrongful death process in Ohio, request your free copy of The Ohio Wrongful Death Book when you call into our office, or order a copy directly from our website.

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What is a Contingent Fee?

Many accident victims who wish to seek representation for their case are worried about how they will pay for their lawyer. But, what a lot of people do not realize is that many lawyers work on a contingent fee. This prevents victims from having to pay for a lawyer if they do not have the funds to do so. 

Contingent Fee

When a lawyer operates on a contingent fee, it means that their fees depend on their success in resolving their client's case. The fee will come out of what is awarded to the accident victim when their claim is settled. 

In the case of a workers' compensation claim, a lawyer often takes one-third of the gross award or settlement that is received. This arrangement works well for both the client and the lawyer because the lawyer takes a risk representing the client (they don't get paid unless they win), and the client does not have to pay their lawyer if they do not have the funds to do so in the end. 

Another thing that workers' compensation lawyers do for their clients is cover many of the fees throughout the case. Accident victims often do not have the money to cover some of the fees that are charged throughout the case, so their lawyer will take care of everything for them, ensuring all fees are paid in full and at the deadline. Once the claim is settled, the accident victim will pay their attorney back for the fees that they covered. 

If you have been injured at work and are worried about paying for a lawyer, worry no more. The lawyers at our office operate on a contingent fee so our clients do not pay unless they receive an award, and they fee paid to the lawyer is based upon the amount of money received. We do want our clients to receive the money that they deserve which is why our fees are based upon that amount. 

To speak to an Ohio workers' compensation attorney, call 800.637.8170. You can ask any questions that you may have about your case and also receive a free case evaluation. You can also order a free copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book which contains information that will help work injury victims throughout the claims process.

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Involved in an Ohio Truck Accident: What now?

Truck accidents are very serious and can cause personal injury to those victims involved. If you have been injured in an Ohio truck accident and are wondering what to do now to ensure your protection and compensation, follow the below 5 steps that our Ohio personal injury attorneys put together:

1. Get Medical Treatment

You MUST get medical treatment following a truck accident. This will not only help you with your recovery, but also will you give the doctor's visits and proper medical documentation that you will need later down the road to prove your injuries. 

2. Beware of the Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters will be contacting you just days after your accident. It is imperative to NOT talk with these adjusters as they are professionals working on behalf of the insurance company trying to make sure that you do not get the compensation that you deserve. You need a personal injury attorney representing you who will take care of the insurance adjusters so you don't have to deal with that headache. 

3. Do NOT Sign Forms Without Your Lawyer

Make sure your lawyer looks over every form that you sign. Insurance companies will try to get access to your personal medical records and other documentation that they should not gain access to. While it can be very confusing to know what's right and what's wrong, an experienced lawyer will be able to easily guide you through the process, protecting your rights and ensuring a favorable settlement. 

4. Document EVERYTHING

Keep a file folder with all of the documents related to your accident. This will include police reports, medical documentation, doctor's orders, and every other piece of paper that is related to your injury or accident. Make copies of important papers and have an organized filing system. This will help you immensely throughout your claims process as you will have easy access to the proof that you need.

5. Be Honest with Your Lawyer

If you want your lawyer to help you receive the compensation that you deserve for your injuries, you will need to disclose all relevant information to them that may pertain to the accident. Even if there are embarrassing facts that you think do not matter, they do, and the insurance company could find out about them and then ruin your case down the road. Be sure that your lawyer knows everything about the case and the facts so that they can prepare to represent you to their best ability.

If you have been injured in an Ohio truck accident, call our Ohio truck accident attorneys at 800.637.8170. Our legal team can help you throughout the legal process, giving you the information that you need and taking the stress off of your shoulders. We know how difficult these situations can be so we make the process as simple as we can for our clients. Call our office today for your free case evaluation. 

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Child Accidents: Protecting Your Child's Rights

If your child is involved in an accident, there are several things that you will have to deal with. While seeking medical care and helping your child to recover is of the utmost importance, so is protecting their rights. 

Dealing with the insurance companies

After a child accident, parents can expect to get phone calls within days from the insurance companies. Insurance adjusters will attempt to settle the case quickly, offering parents what may seem to be a decent amount of money. It is very important for parents to NOT settle their case quickly. What may seem like a lot of money initially can end up barely covering medical expenses when all is said and done. It is smart for parents to contact an experienced child accident lawyer to guide them through the claims process. 

A lawyer knows how to protect your child's rights throughout the legal process because they have dealt with similar cases. It isn't fair for parents to go up against professionals that work for insurance companies with one sole purpose: reduce the amount paid to injured individuals. When a lawyer is on your side, you actually have a chance to review what you deserve. 

Let a lawyer deal with the complications

Injury cases are complicated, especially those involving children. The number of legal issues that arise can be tricky. A lawyer can help you make the right decisions on the legal end as well as when it comes to medical care. Due to the fact that they are in this space often with other cases, your lawyer may know the best doctor that can help your child. Use them as a resource to make the entire process easier. 

If your child has been involved in an accident, call a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. To speak to our experienced child accident attorneys, call 800.637.8170. Our team is available to answer any questions that you may have as well as provide additional information and resources that can be of use. 

Our office even gives free case evaluations over the phone. This allows you to know what your case is worth and to get the process started as soon as possible. We know that you are busy and your child is injured, so our goal is to make life easier for you. Call us today to get the ball rolling and receive the compensation that your child deserves. 

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What is accident reconstruction?

If you are involved in a car or truck accident and your attorney feels as though it is beneficial to reconstruct the accident to help your side of the case, they will use an experienced Reconstructionist to do so.

Accident reconstruction uses math and physics to determine the cause of the accident. In a case where both sides are attempting to put liability on the other, a Reconstructionist is likely to be hired by both. A reconstructed accident can help to prove a case and result in the compensation that an accident victim deserves.

The Reconstructionists that our lawyers hire are experts in the field because we want to ensure that our clients have the best people working on their behalf. On the full spectrum, a Reconstructionist could have a high school degree or be a professor who teaches at a university. Those that we have worked with in the past are found to be the experts for each individual scenario. In the past we have even had to hire a defense-oriented expert for one of our cases in the past due to the fact that the other side had turned the tables on us, hiring an expert that ended up testifying for the plaintiff.

We treat every client with the upmost importance that they deserve so this means that we only seek out the best possible expert for their case. When working with the personal injury attorneys at the Charles E. Boyk Law Offices, LLC, you can be sure that you have the best of the best working toward your settlement. We do not cut any corners as we believe every aspect of a case contributes to the end result. 

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Ohio Workers' Compensation: Claims Process

When going through the Ohio workers' compensation claims process, there are eight essential steps that you should be aware of. They are as follows...

1. Report the injury to your employer

If you are injured at work, you must inform your employer. Ask for a written report of the incidence and if they do not write a report, document the date and time of the incident, how and where it happened and if there were any witnesses. Keep all records of the incident in a file.

2. Complete a First Report of Injury Form

The First Report of Injury form, or FROI form, must be completed. If your employer does not fill one out, your attorney can help you with one. It is the only way that you can get a claim number associated with your case. The Bureau of Workers' Compensation will assign your case a claim number and you have two years after the incidence to file a claim.

3. Get a claim number

You need a claim number associated with your case before you can do anything. Make sure the BWC gives you a claim ID card. 

4. Get medical treatment

It is imperative to visit a doctor who is certified by the BWC. This does not have to be the doctor that your employer sends you to, they just have to be BWC certified. If your primary care physician is not BWC certified, contact a workers' compensation attorney to help you decide who you should see. 

5. Cooperate with mandatory drug testing

Your employer may ask you to take a drug test after your work injury incident. If asked within a certain amount of time, it is imperative for you to go through with the test to rule out drugs. If you do test positive, your work injury may be considered as a result of drug use, but this assumption is rebuttable so it does not totally ruin your case.

6. File a C-84 form

Make sure that your doctor files as C-84 form with the BWC when you seek temporary disability benefits after your work injury. A doctor may forget to file this form so you may need to request that your attorney ensures that the doctor's office does in fact file the form. 

7. File for wage differential benefits

If you are making a lower rate of pay or working less hours due to your injury, you can file for wage differential benefits to make up for the difference in pay. This can also be filed if you end up working for a different employer at a lower rate of pay or for less hours. 

8. Have an attorney handle your contested hearing

If your employer opposes a portion of your workers' compensation claim or even the entire thing, there could a contested hearing on the issue. If this does happen, it is crucial to have an attorney working on your behalf that has experience with such cases. 

If you have been injured in an Ohio work injury case, call our workers' compensation lawyers at 800.637.8170. Our experience team can help you throughout the entire claims process and ensure that you receive the most compensation that you can for your injuries. 

If you would like to have information on hand at all times to refer to throughout the workers' compensation claims process, order a free copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book. This book can be your guide and help you take the right steps throughout the claims process in order to receive a favorable settlement. Call our office or order directly from our website. 

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Why should I hire a personal injury attorney?

If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injuries as a result, it is imperative that you seek the guidance of an Ohio personal injury attorney.

A personal injury attorney has experience with cases just like yours. Representing similar accident victims allows them to know the proper way to go through the claims process and gives them a good idea of what each type of case is worth. By contacting an experienced attorney to represent you in your case, you are further increasing your chances of receiving a favorable settlement.

Personal Injury Attorneys

A personal injury attorney can help you in many ways. They can deal with the persistent insurance adjustors so you don’t have to, ensure that all documentation that you sign is legitimate and does not hurt your case, and they can handle your statements so you do not unknowingly cause your case harm.

Insurance adjustors are employed by insurance companies to do everything in their power to lessen the compensation that you receive. These employees are professionals that deal with matters like this on a daily basis. If you have someone that experienced fighting to make sure that you do not receive compensation, don’t you think that you should have a professional on your side?

A personal injury attorney will fight for you, working hard to help you receive the full amount of compensation that is warranted.

Guidance from Attorneys

When hiring a personal injury attorney to represent you, you are essentially protecting yourself. An attorney will not let you sign any documents that they have not looked over and they certainly won’t allow you to make statements regarding your case without their knowledge.

Since you are not in the legal space on a daily basis, you may not know the repercussions of saying the wrong thing or signing the wrong document. An attorney can help to make sure that you don’t do the wrong thing and they will keep your case strong.

Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

If you have been injured in an Ohio car accident and are seeking a personal injury attorney to represent you, call 800.637.8170. Our legal team has years of experience with car accidents and can help you through the claims process. By calling our office, you have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have as well as receive a free case evaluation.

Our attorneys also offer The Ohio Accident Book, a free resource to anyone who would like to have a guide throughout the claims process. To order your copy, mention it when calling our office, or order directly from our website.

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10 Things You MUST Know if Involved in an Ohio Accident

Being involved in a car or truck accident is life-changing and involves countless documents, phone calls with the insurance adjuster, and other stressful things in order to settle a claim for your injuries.. Our Ohio personal injury attorneys have compiled this list of 10 things that every person should know in the event that they are involved in a car or truck accident in Ohio. If you fail to follow the below tips, you may ruin your chances at receiving the appropriate amount of compensation. 

1. Seek Treatment Immediately - seek treatment immediately after your accident and follow all orders that are given by the doctor. 

2. Do not rush to settle your claim - if you settle your claim before your medical treatment is over, you may find that the money agreed to doesn't even come close to compensating you for your injuries. 

3. Do not underestimate the insurance adjuster - insurance adjusters deal with claims every day so they are much more prepared to deal with this than you are. You should have a personal injury lawyer to help you deal with the insurance company and their professionals.

4. Do not provide a statement to the insurance adjuster - do not make any statements regarding your case until you have consulted your Ohio personal injury attorney. 

5. Do not sign medical authorization forms - do not sign any form that has not been completed by your lawyer. This makes it imperative to contact a lawyer immediately after your accident to ensure that you do not sign anything that you should not sign.

6. Document everything about your case - start a file folder with all police, medical and insurance documents. Make copies as well. You may need to reference documents later on in your case. 

7. Be honest - do not lie about any of your injuries. There is nothing that can kill your claim faster than being caught in a lie. 

8. Do not hide information from your lawyer - tell your lawyer everything regarding your case, no matter if you think it is good or bad. They must be prepared to represent you, so they need to know what they are dealing with.

9. Do not exaggerate your injuries - if you exaggerate your injuries and then the insurance company finds you participating in an activity that you shouldn't be later down the road, your case could be over.

10. Hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible - you will be dealing with professionals from the insurance company, so you should have a professional on your side as well. Hire a personal injury lawyer that can help you receive the best possible settlement. 

To contact an Ohio personal injury attorney for your car or truck accident, call 800.637.8170. The lawyers at the Charles E. Boyk Law Office have experience dealing with cases of this matter and can help you receive the best possible outcome. 

You can also order a free copy of The Ohio Accident Book which can be a valuable resource throughout your personal injury claim. Order your copy by calling our office, or by clicking here. 

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Construction Accidents in Ohio

Ohio construction accidents are among the worst kind of work injury accidents, as they cause long-term disabilities, a lack of income, and stacks of medical bills.

When working with large equipment on dangerous work sites, the possibility of injury is very high if the proper safety measures are not taken by the owner of the construction site. From the loss of a limb and broken bones, to the risk of spinal cord injury, construction accidents have the potential to turn someone's life upside down.

Construction Accidents

There are many different types of construction accidents. A worker could be injured on the site, driving a large vehicle, or  by a moving vehicle if the construction site is near a highway. The dangerous scenarios are endless. The professions that may be affected by a construction accident are as follows:

Laborers

Carpenters

Electricians

Crane Operators

Ironworkers

Painters

Plumbers

Welders

Heavy Equipment Operators

Other Construction Trades

It is the responsibility of the employer or construction site owner to provide a safe work environment for employees. Sadly, this is not always the case as many construction sites are not up to the safety standards that they should be, putting workers in danger.

The list of possible accidents goes on and on. Safety should be first and foremost on construction sites. If the proper measures are not taken, employees are the ones who suffer the consequences. 

Injured in an Ohio Construction Accident

If you have been injured in an Ohio construction accident, the most important thing to do after seeking medical care is to contact an Ohio construction accident lawyer. Doing so will ensure that you are taking the proper steps in the legal process, further increasing the likelihood that you will receive the compensation that is deserved for the pain and suffering that was caused by the accident. 

An experienced lawyer will order an investigation of the construction site, preserve evidence that supports your work injury claim, and help take the worry off of your shoulders. Working with someone who is experienced and knows how to go about the legal process will make the outcome of your case much more favorable. 

If you or a loved on has been involved in a construction accident, call our Ohio construction accident lawyers at 800.637.8170. Our legal team can answer any questions that you may have over the phone, as well as give you a free case evaluation. The sooner you call, the sooner you will be on your way to receiving the compensation that you deserve for your work injury. 

You can also order a free copy of The Ohio Work Injury Book from our website, or call 800.637.8170 to place your order with one of our office representatives.

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It’s Not Complicated: Choosing an Ohio Personal Injury Attorney

We’ve all seen the AT&T commercials with the well-dressed young man leading a discussion with a handful of young, open minded boys and girls. The conversation starts off with a basic question that leads to a discussion about not-so-normal subject matters such as “puppy brothers” and “infinity times infinity” situations.

So what is better, bigger or smaller, faster or slower? These two general questions apply to a phone plan, because we all want more coverage and faster connections. But these same questions apply to a personal injury lawsuit. Bigger settlements are better than smaller settlements. A faster legal process is better than a slow one. It’s common sense, right?

Our office likes to give clients what they want – bigger settlements and faster outcomes. We also like to get to know our clients, show them that we genuinely care about them. We do this from treating them like we would our own family. Oftentimes our attorneys and clients stay in touch after their case is closed through birthday cards and holiday wishes.

Seeing that we think we offer it all to our clients – bigger settlements with a caring attorney, we thought it would be fun to do our own version of the AT&T commercial.  Attorney Zach Murry sat down with a group of small children to ask them if they knew what a lawyer does, what happens when they go to court, and other thought-provoking legal questions. What came out of the exercise was very entertaining. Click here for video.

It’s not complicated. Hiring an Ohio personal injury attorney is as easy as calling our office at 800.637.8170. 

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Documentation You Need After an Accident

When you are involved in an accident, it is imperative to document as many things as possible. When it comes time to file a claim for injuries or property damages, you will be in a much better place in terms of the legal process if you have taken the necessary steps from the beginning. 

I've Been In a Car Accident...

When involved in an accident, the first thing to do is to exchange insurance information with the other party involved. This information is imperative for the legal process. You will also want to note the time of the accident and the weather conditions at the time. 

Use Your Smart Phone

If possible, take as many photos of the accident as you can from different angles, including the vehicles involved and street signs around the scene of the accident.. Many individuals have smart phones that will easily allow them to do this. You will then be able to share the photos of the accident with your car accident attorney via email, further streamlining the process. 

Get Contact Information

If there are witnesses present at the scene of the accident, get their contact information as well. If the other party attempts to shift the blame onto you, it will be wise to have a witness that can share the facts about the accident to support your case.

Take down the names of the police officers present at the scene of the accident. By doing so, you will know the appropriate person to contact with future questions without having to "chase" them down.

By taking all of the above steps following an accident, you will better prepare yourself in the event that you file a claim. Your car accident attorney will also be better prepared to handle your case, and you will speed up the process exponentially by taking these immediate steps. 

Call a Car Accident Attorney

If you have been involved in an accident and would like to speak to a car accident attorney regarding your case, call 800.637.8170. You can also order a copy of The Ohio Accident Book, which contains detailed information and the steps that you should take regarding your claim.

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Construction Accidents in Ohio

Construction workers spend their workdays on sites that have dangerous tools and equipment, in hazardous conditions, and are often alongside busy roadways. It's no wonder why there are construction accidents when the proper guidelines are not followed, or the site owner fails to ensure site safety for workers.

If a construction site owner does not have the proper equipement on the construction site, or they do not ensure that workers are trained properly, the outcome can be tragic. Some of the common causes for construction site injuries include the following:

falls from roofs

accidents with heavy equipment

scaffolding collapses

structural cave-ins

electrocution

fire and explosions

compressed and natural gas explosions

welding accidents

The above list on construction site accidents can cause serious injuries to construction site workers. These injuries do not only affect them in the short-term, but also have long-term effects. 

If a construction site worker is injured in an accident, they should contact an attorney as soon as possible. The guidance and advice of an experienced attorney is necessary to ensure that the injured individual receives the full amount of compensation that they deserve. 

Sometimes a worker who has been injured may file a workers' compensation claim, but they do not receive the compensation to fully cover the effects of their injury. For example, someone who has suffered a serious leg injury that results in a disability may receive a total of $75,000 through worker's compensation, which is of course better than nothing, but does not fully cover the pain and suffering they've experienced or the loss of quality of life. 

If someone accepts a workers' compensation claim, they are not able to sue the responsible parties for other circumstances that have resulted from the injury. 

If you have been injured in a construction accident, call our Ohio construction accident attorneys at 800.637.8170. The legal team at our office has experience with similar injuries and can help victims receive the full amount of compensation that they deserve for their injuries.

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Death During Surgery: Medical Malpractice

There are always risks when undergoing a surgery, even if it is a routine, non-emergency procedure. The risks could result in further medical problems or even fatality. 

There are times when these resulting consequences are caused by the negligence of a medical professional. If a patient dies while in surgery due to medical negligence, the cause could stem from improper training or failure to follow protocol. If your loved one suffered death due to negligence, you may file a medical malpractice claim against those responsible. 

Some of the common reasons for death in surgery include:

anesthesia error

surgeon error

cardiac arrest

improper monitoring of vitals

uncontrolled bleeding

lack of oxygen supply

pulmonary embolism

If a patient dies during surgery and the cause may be medical negligence, the family members should investigate the situation. If it is in fact a case of medical malpractice, a claim must be made within on year of the incident due to the statute of limitations (Ohio Revised Code 2305.113).

If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a medical professional and wish to file a medical malpractice claim on their behalf, contact our Ohio medical malpractice attorneys at 800.637.8170. Our team of experienced attorneys can answer any questions that you may have, as well as give you a free case evaluation. 

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ATV Guidelines For Safe Riding

One misconception about ATVs is that they are safe to drive on paved roadways. This is not the case as the all-terrain vehicles are meant for rough terrain and do not operate the same on pavement as they do on hills, dirt, grass, and other rough terrain. 

The only time it is okay to be on a paved road while riding an ATV is if you are crossing the road. Before an ATV rider finds themselves in this situation, they should be aware of the below guidelines that will ensure they cross the road safely. 

Crossing Paved Roads on an ATV

Be aware of the state laws regarding ATVs and paved roadways

ATV should come to a complete stop on the shoulder of the road before crossing

Oncoming traffic on the paved roadway always has the right of way

Always look both ways before crossing

Only cross where there are no obstructions and vehicles are easily visible

If in a group, the first rider should dismount from their ATV and wave the rest of the group across the road

Always assume that any oncoming vehicles on the road does not see you

All ATV riders should be aware of these guidelines as they can prevent serious accidents from occurring. If you or a loved one is an ATV rider, please share these guidelines with them, ensuring their safety when they are riding. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in an ATV accident that was caused by another individual's negligence, call our Ohio ATV accident attorneys at 800.637.8170. Our legal team can answer any questions that you may have regarding ATV accidents, as well as give free case evaluations over the phone.

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Ohio Turn Signal Law

Many motorists may question whether there is a law regarding turn signals, or if they are considered a common courtesy. We wanted to straighten up the confusion and answer this common legal questions. 

The Ohio Revised Code 4511.39 Turn and stop signals, states that no motorist can turn a vehicle right or left on the roadway until they have exercised care and ascertain that the turn of their vehicle can be made safely. This means that they must use their turn signal to notify other drivers on the roadway of the movement that their vehicle will be making.

The turn signal must be used during at least the last one-hundred feet traveled before making the turn. The speed of a vehicle cannot suddenly decrease or stop without the appropriate signal being used by the motorist first. 

The turn signal must also be given to both the traffic in front of the vehicle and behind it (front and rear lights). 

If a motorist fails to use a turn signal, violating this section of the Ohio Revised Code, they are guilty of a minor misdemeanor. 

If the motorist has plead guilty within one year to another predicate traffic offense, they would be guilty of a minor misdemeanor of the fourth degree. If they were guilty of two or more predicate traffic offenses within one year, they would face a minor misdemeanor of the third degree. 

Our law office recommends the use of turn signals at all times. It does not matter if you are on a road with little to no traffic and there are no cars near you, it is imperative to be in the habit of using turn signals at all times. They are essential to your safety and the safety of others on the roadway. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in which another driver failed to use their turn signal, causing the accident, call our Ohio car accident attorneys at 800.637.8170. We can answer any questions that you may have, as well as give you a free case evaluation over the phone.

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Labor Day weekend means increased traffic on the roadways as family and friends travel to their last summer hoorah. It's the last chance for many to enjoy the sun, beach, pool, or patio. But what the weekend also marks is an increase in traffic injuries and fatalities. 

The National Safety Council has released Labor Day weekend fatality statistics from motor vehicle accidents. To see the list of statistics, click here.

The National Safety Council estimates that 143 lives may be saved by simply buckling up, with an additional 99 saved if all wore seat belts. 

The NSC hopes that by releasing the statistics, they will bring attention to the need for safe driving practices in hopes that drivers across the state with exercise these practices this holiday, which begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 30 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2. 

Our Ohio car accident attorneys have seen firsthand what the result of car accidents can be, so we fully support the National Safety Council as they attempt to spread awareness. 

If you have any questions about car accident statistics or legal claims, please call our law office at 800.637.8170. Our car accident attorneys can answer your questions and even give a free case evaluation over the phone.