The #1 Cleveland Car Accident Lawyer | Call (216) 931-7000

Frank E. Piscitelli, Jr., founder of the Piscitelli Law Firm, has dedicated over 30 years to representing clients in wrongful death and personal injury cases.

As a first-generation Italian-American, Frank’s upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and perseverance.

With over 30 years of experience, Frank has built a reputation for achieving substantial results, including multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for clients who’ve suffered life-changing injuries.

A Cleveland native, he understands the challenges local residents face after a serious accident and works tirelessly to hold negligent drivers and insurance companies accountable.

Frank’s legal expertise is complemented by his personalized approach—he takes on a limited number of cases to provide focused attention and strategic representation to each client.

Frank’s dedication to justice has earned him recognition as an Ohio Super Lawyer and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer.

When you need an attorney who prioritizes your recovery and fights relentlessly for the compensation you deserve, Frank Piscitelli is the auto accident attorney you can trust.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer from Piscitelli Law Firm?

Like many auto accident lawyers, it costs nothing to hire Frank Piscitelli for your personal injury claim.

This is due to the fact that we work on a contingency fee basis.

Working on a contingency fee agreement means you do not pay any upfront costs or legal fees unless your car accident case is successfully resolved.

The Piscitelli Law Firm only collects payment if we secure compensation for you through a settlement or verdict.

This approach ensures that legal representation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation.

With a contingency fee agreement, our priority aligns with yours: achieving the best possible outcome for your claim.

You can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process, knowing there is no financial risk involved.

If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing.

Hire Frank, Get Personalized Attention and Meaningful Results

At the Piscitelli Law Firm, your case isn’t just another file—it’s a personal commitment.

When Frank Piscitelli accepts a case, he dedicates himself fully to the client’s best interests.

He approaches every claim with integrity, refusing unfair settlement offers and preparing to take cases to trial when necessary to achieve meaningful results.

This dedication stems from a belief that every client deserves justice, not just a quick resolution.

Frank intentionally limits the number of cases he takes on, allowing him to provide the focused attention each client deserves.

By personally overseeing every case, he ensures that no detail is overlooked and that clients receive the benefit of his decades of experience.

Frank invests significant time and resources into each claim, including thorough investigations, collaboration with expert witnesses, and the development of persuasive demonstrative exhibits.

This meticulous approach maximizes the value of every case.

What sets the Piscitelli Law Firm apart is its unwavering commitment to clients.

Whether negotiating fair compensation through a settlement or standing before a jury, Frank fights tirelessly to protect his clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcomes.

With no fees or expenses unless there is a financial recovery, you can trust that the firm’s focus is always on securing justice for you.

Pursuing a personal injury claim after a car accident in Ohio requires a deep understanding of Ohio law, specifically the laws that govern personal injury cases in the state.

Ohio follows a comparative negligence rule, outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2315.33, meaning you can recover compensation as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident.

Ohio imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, under Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10, which means you must file your personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident.

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, which makes it crucial to have an attorney who understands Ohio’s specific laws and legal procedures.

The legal process can seem overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can protect your rights and work toward fair compensation.

Below, we outline the essential steps in pursuing a car accident claim in Ohio:

1. Initial Consultation with a car accident attorney: Meet with an experienced car accident attorney to review the details of your case, assess liability, and explore your legal options.
2. Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Your attorney will collect evidence, including the police report related to the auto accident, medical records, witness statements, and photos or videos of the accident scene.
3. Filing the Claim: A claim is filed with the at-fault party’s insurance company, demanding compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
4. Negotiation with the Insurance Company: Your attorney will negotiate with the insurer to reach a fair settlement, keeping Ohio’s comparative negligence laws in mind.
5. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit (if Necessary): If the insurance company refuses a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit and prepare to present your case in court.
6. Discovery and Pre-Trial Preparation: If litigation is pursued, both sides exchange evidence during the discovery phase, and your attorney works with experts to build a compelling case.
7. Trial and Verdict: If a settlement cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial, where a judge or jury determines liability and awards damages.

Gathering Evidence for a Car Accident Claim

Evidence is the cornerstone of any successful car accident claim, as it helps establish fault and demonstrate the extent of your damages.

An experienced attorney can assist in collecting critical evidence, preserving it before it’s lost, and making sure it aligns with Ohio’s legal requirements for proving liability.

From obtaining police reports to consulting with expert witnesses, a lawyer will work to make sure that no detail is overlooked in building a strong case.

Types of evidence commonly used in car accident cases include:

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident, including fault determinations and witness statements.
• Photographs and Videos: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and any visible injuries.
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and long-term medical needs.
• Witness Statements: Testimonies from people who saw the accident occur.
• Surveillance Footage: Video evidence from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
• Accident Reconstruction Reports: Expert analysis detailing how the accident happened.
• Insurance and Vehicle Records: Information about the drivers involved, their insurance policies, and vehicle conditions.

Properly gathering and preserving evidence strengthens your claim and increases your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

Damages in Car Accident Cases Explained

Damages in a car accident lawsuit refer to the compensation a victim seeks for the harm caused by the accident.

These damages are meant to address both the financial and personal losses suffered as a result of the crash.

Economic damages include measurable financial losses, such as medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic damages account for intangible harms, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.

In Ohio, victims are entitled to pursue both types of damages to recover the full extent of their losses.

Personal injury attorneys can help calculate these damages with the aim of securing fair compensation for your injuries and hardships.

Types of damages you may be entitled to include:

• Medical Expenses: Costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
• Past, Present, and Future Lost Wages: Compensation for lost income due to injuries.
• Out-of-Pocket Costs: Expenses like transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, or assistive devices.
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and other damaged personal property.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Damages for the impact on relationships with a spouse or family members.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Compensation for long-term inability to earn at the same level due to permanent injuries.

Car crash victims often suffer a wide range of injuries, varying from minor discomfort to life-altering and catastrophic injuries.

The force of a collision can cause significant trauma to the body, impacting the head, neck, spine, and limbs.

Some injuries may be immediately apparent, while others, like internal damage or whiplash, may take days or weeks to fully manifest.

Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to diagnosing and treating these injuries while also creating documentation for your car accident claim.

Below are some of the most common injuries associated with car accidents:

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Damage to soft tissues in the neck caused by sudden, violent movement.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Concussions and other brain injuries caused by impact or jarring motions.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spine, which can result in partial or complete paralysis.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: Common in high-impact collisions, particularly in the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis.
• Lacerations and Bruises: Cuts, scrapes, and deep bruises caused by broken glass, debris, or seat belts.
• Internal Injuries: Damage to organs or internal bleeding that may not be immediately visible.
• Psychological Injuries: Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety related to the accident.

Car accidents in Cleveland often result from preventable behaviors and poor decision-making by drivers.

Car crashes can cause significant harm to victims and are frequently traced back to negligent or reckless actions.

Identifying the cause of a car accident is crucial for determining liability and pursuing compensation.

Ohio law requires all drivers to operate their vehicles responsibly, and when they fail to do so, they can be held accountable for the damages they cause.

Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Cleveland:

• Drunk Driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, impairing judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
• Distracted Driving: Texting, using a phone, eating, or other activities that take a driver’s focus off the road.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic laws, endangering everyone on the road.
• Driver Negligence: Failing to yield, running red lights, or not checking blind spots before merging or turning.
• Weather Conditions: Slippery roads, fog, and reduced visibility caused by Cleveland’s unpredictable weather.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Worn tires, faulty brakes, or other mechanical issues leading to accidents.
• Road Hazards: Potholes, debris, or poorly maintained roads that contribute to loss of control.

Understanding the root cause of a car accident helps build a strong claim for compensation. An experienced attorney can investigate the circumstances of your crash, gather evidence, and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Cleveland Car Accident Statistics

Car accidents are a significant concern in Cleveland, Ohio, impacting numerous lives each year.

In 2021, the city reported 69 fatal accidents, resulting in 73 deaths, with 19 of these fatalities involving pedestrians.

Data from the Ohio Department of Transportation indicates that from January 1, 2018, to May 30, 2023, Cuyahoga County experienced 5,316 alcohol-related crashes and 5,970 incidents involving distracted driving.

Despite a decline in total collisions, with 29,000 reported in 2022, there were still 86 motor vehicle fatalities in Cuyahoga County, including 45 in Cleveland.

When you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need a dedicated advocate who will fight for your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

At the Piscitelli Law Firm, attorney Frank Piscitelli brings over 30 years of experience and a proven track record of success to every case.

By focusing on a limited number of clients, Frank prioritizes personalized attention and a meticulous approach to maximizing your recovery.

If you were injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a car accident claim and seek financial compensation.

Reach out to the Piscitelli Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a car accident case instantly.