56+ Years
Advocating for Ohio accident victims since 1968
$10M+
In verdicts and settlements secured for our clients
A+ Rated
By the Better Business Bureau & Martindale-Hubbell
Why Choose The Donahey Law Firm as Your Car Accident Lawyer in Columbus
Our Credentials & Accolades
A sample of the results our Columbus car accident attorneys have secured for injured clients.
- A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- A+ rating with Martindale Hubbell, the highest in legal ability and ethics
- Senior counselor with the Columbus Bar Foundation
- Named among America’s Top 100 Attorneys
- Recognized as Top Lawyers in Central Ohio by CEO Magazine
- Listed in U.S. News & World Report Best Law Firms in Ohio
- Served as special counsel to a former Attorney General for the state of Ohio
Auto Accident Verdicts & Settlements
A sample of the results our Columbus car accident attorneys have secured for injured clients.
OUR 5-STEP PROCESS FOR SECURING MAXIMUM COMPENSATION
HIRE LEADING EXPERTS TOvREVIEW YOUR CASE
Your loved one deserves justice. Our experienced team partners with trusted specialists to ensure that no detail is overlooked and that every instance of negligence is brought to light.
Get to Know Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers
Richard S. Donahey
Richard Donahey, licensed to practice in front of the Supreme Court of the United States, has been a fierce advocate for auto accident victims since founding Donahey Law in 1968. With over five decades of experience, Richard has witnessed the evolution and increasing complexity of auto accident cases, particularly in dealing with auto insurance companies.
As one of the longest-practicing law firms specializing in auto accident cases in Central Ohio, Donahey Law has built a reputation for unwavering commitment to representing injured individuals. Richard has successfully obtained significant verdicts and settlements for his clients, ranging from $10 million on down.
Today, Mr. Donahey continues to play a vital role at Donahey Law, assisting in pretrial strategy and case evaluation for auto accident clients.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, trust Richard Donahey and the team at Donahey Law to provide the experienced, compassionate legal representation you need. With their long-standing history of success and dedication to client advocacy, Donahey Law is the firm you want on your side.
Mark Defossez
Attorney Mark Defossez brings extensive trial experience to auto accident cases, having practiced law for over 40 years since graduating in 1984. Many attorneys lack substantial courtroom experience, while he has learned from victories and defeats over his long career. Defossez does not shy away from taking cases to trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached.
When a prospective client first contacts the firm after an auto accident, Mark Defossez advises them not to provide any statements to insurance companies, which often try to pressure victims into accepting lowball settlements. The firm handles all communications with insurers.
Mark Defossez focuses on two key aspects: the nature and permanence of the client’s injuries, and establishing fault if liability is disputed. The firm gathers evidence like medical records, bills, eyewitness accounts, and depositions from parties involved as well as police officers on the scene if applicable.
Mark Defossez provides clients with candid advice, extensive courtroom experience stemming from over 40 years of practice, and a pragmatic approach to building strong cases – whether that means negotiating a settlement or taking the matter to trial. His vintage in the profession allows him to deftly navigate auto accident litigation.
Danny Newman
Attorney Danny Newman brings a unique perspective to auto accident cases at The Donahey Law Firm. For the first 20 years of his career, Danny Newman worked on the defense side, representing corporations and insurance companies. This insider experience gives him valuable insights into how the other side evaluates and defends against injury claims.
When taking on a new auto accident case, Danny Newman methodically assesses liability and the extent of the client’s injuries from the outset. His defense background lets him anticipate how insurance companies try to poke holes and mitigate damages. Danny is selective about its cases, focusing on representing victims with significant injuries caused by another’s negligence.
Danny Newman stresses the importance of consulting an attorney promptly after an accident. Crucial evidence like surveillance footage can be lost; prompt investigation is vital to preserving it. The firm utilizes resources like accident reconstructionists and private investigators to document the scene and circumstances thoroughly.
With his defense background, Danny Newman knows insurance companies prioritize protecting their own interests over full and fair compensation for victims. The firm fights to counter this by building meticulous cases that maximize clients’ recovery from their injuries. Newman takes pride in advocating for clients and preventing injustices by insurance companies.
Whether a passenger vehicle collision or a complex trucking accident requiring federal regulations expertise, The Donahey Law Firm has the resources and attorney experience to represent auto accident victims tenaciously. Danny Newman’s unique defense perspectives aid this comprehensive approach.
Gordon Evans
Attorney Gordon Evans’ top priority when taking on an auto accident case is ensuring the client receives proper medical care and treatment. With his background in medical malpractice law, Evans has an in-depth understanding of injuries and medical conditions. He guides clients on getting the right care from the appropriate specialists, whether that’s an orthopedist, neurologist, concussion clinic or other providers.
Gordon Evans stresses the importance of clients avoiding giving statements to insurance companies, as adjusters sometimes try to get victims to say things that can be used against them later. The firm handles all communications with insurers to protect the client’s interests. Simultaneously, their team deploys private investigators to the scene to preserve evidence like photos, video footage and witness accounts.
The firm is highly selective about the cases they take on, focusing on representing those with significant injuries caused by another’s negligence. Gordon Evans has the resources to thoroughly build cases down to minute details, utilizing expert accident reconstructionists, visibility specialists and others to scrutinize and recreate scenarios as needed.
With his defense background from previously representing insurance companies, Evans understands how the other side evaluates cases to poke holes in liability and damages. This insider experience allows him to effectively counter their tactics and maximize his clients’ recoveries – whether through settlement or taking cases to trial if needed.
Gordon Evans’ comprehensive approach ensures clients receive the treatment they require while persistently pursuing the compensation they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accidents in Columbus
Yes, if you have been seriously injured, it’s critical to have an attorney on your side. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, deal with the insurers, and fight to maximize your compensation.
The steps you take immediately after an accident can significantly affect the outcome of your case:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine. Some serious injuries–including traumatic brain injuries–are not immediately apparent.
- Call the police and make sure an official report is filed.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and any relevant signage.
- Get contact and insurance information from all drivers involved.
- Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney.
- Contact a car accident lawyer in Columbus as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence.
Every case is unique. Compensation depends on your medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and long-term effects. Our Ohio car accident lawyers will calculate your total damages and pursue every dollar you’re owed.
In Ohio, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, it is critical to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve evidence that can quickly disappear.
Ohio law requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. If the at-fault driver can’t cover your damages, your own policy may provide additional compensation. Our experienced attorneys will review all available coverage to maximize your recovery.
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are less than 51% at fault, you can still recover compensation, though it will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Our attorneys will help ensure fault is allocated fairly.
It depends on the severity of your injuries and whether the insurance company offers a fair settlement. Straightforward cases may resolve in months, while cases that go to trial can take one to two years or more. We move efficiently while making sure we never settle for less than you deserve.
Talk to a Columbus Car Accident Attorney Today
Free, confidential consultations—no fee unless we win your case.