What Is the Car Accident Lawsuit Process in Columbus?

July 9, 2025 | By Colombo Law

The process of filing a Columbus car accident lawsuit may be intimidating. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Colombo Law provides strong advocacy and compassionate support for people who have been injured in car crashes.

You may be facing substantial financial losses in the aftermath of a collision. It may be necessary to file a lawsuit to obtain the compensation you deserve. The car accident lawyers at Colombo Law can explain the process of filing a lawsuit and take steps to improve the likelihood of success.

We have extensive experience navigating the Franklin County court system, as well as the common locations in Columbus where car accidents occur. From Broad Street to I-270, we have represented numerous clients injured on local roads and highways. Call Colombo Law at 614-362-7000 today to discuss your Columbus car accident lawsuit for FREE.

When Is a Car Accident Lawsuit Necessary?

Most car accident claims are settled out of court. Sometimes, it may be possible to reach a settlement without having to sue. However, there are situations where you may need to file a lawsuit. These include:

• Liability for the accident is in dispute
• You suffered severe or catastrophic injuries
• The driver’s insurance doesn’t cover the totality of your losses

Clear, compelling evidence is needed to win a car accident lawsuit. Acting quickly is vital for protecting your legal rights and mounting a successful legal action.

The insurance company will conduct its own investigation to make a determination of fault. Disputes may occur if the insurer believes you contributed to the accident. Likewise, insurance companies may contest the claim if they believe your injuries aren’t as severe as you report, or if your damages exceed the at-fault driver’s coverage limits.

All of these factors may make the insurance company less likely to offer a fair settlement. If negotiations do not progress, it may be worthwhile to consider filing a lawsuit.

Where to File a Columbus Car Accident Lawsuit

The venue for car accident lawsuits depends on where the crash occurred and the extent of your losses. In Columbus, you would need to file a lawsuit with the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas if the damages in your case amount to more than $15,000. The Franklin County Municipal Court has jurisdiction in matters where damages are between $6,000 and $15,000. Claims totaling less than $3,000 must be filed with the Franklin County Small Claims Court.

The Franklin County Court of Common Pleas is located at 345 S High Street. That’s just a few minutes south of Colombo Law’s Broad Street office in Columbus.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident?

The statute of limitations is the length of time you have to file a lawsuit. Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 states that all claims involving bodily injury and damage to personal property must be brought no more than 2 years after the fact. If you fail to take legal action within the time limit, your claim will likely be rejected by the court.

What Are the Steps Involved in a Columbus Car Accident Lawsuit?

There are a number of steps you can take in the aftermath of a car accident to safeguard your rights and increase the odds of your case succeeding. Steps you should take before filing a lawsuit include:

Collecting Evidence

Strong evidence is essential for establishing the fault of the other driver and defending yourself from accusations of negligence. Examples of evidence that can be helpful for your case include:

• Photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and any injuries
• Witness testimony
• Medical records
• Copies of the crash report
• The names, insurance coverage, and contact information for all drivers

Ideally, you will be able to collect some or all of this evidence immediately following the crash. But if you are too hurt to stay on the scene, it is in your best interest to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible.

Gathering All Medical Records & Other Documentation

One of the most important steps you can take after an accident is to seek medical treatment for your injuries. Medical providers will document your injuries and provide any necessary care, helping you get your recovery underway.

You may need to be hospitalized and/or undergo surgery following a car accident. Once you’re released, you may need physical therapy and other forms of rehabilitation. It is imperative to follow the recommendations of your doctors and other professionals. This will create a complete paper trail showing how serious your injuries are and the intervention needed to try to make you whole again.

Whether you see your local doctor or a specialist at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, you also need to keep all bills and invoices related to your medical treatment. This will help to establish the extent of your medical expenses, which may be significant following a car accident.

Obtaining Witness Testimony

From motorists who stop and try to help after an accident on I-70 to pedestrians in the vicinity of a crash on Cleveland Avenue, anyone who saw the crash can provide valuable information for your claim. If possible, you should try to speak with multiple witnesses at the scene and get their contact details. You can then share these with your legal team to follow up and obtain additional information to support your case.

Contacting a Columbus Car Accident Lawyer

If the other driver caused the accident and you were hurt, you have a right to compensation. The insurance company is probably going to offer you less than you deserve. Having an experienced car accident attorney in your corner is crucial for ensuring that the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you.

Your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf with the goal of reaching a favorable settlement. If this doesn’t work, it is imperative to consult an attorney who can help you explore your legal options—up to and including a Columbus car accident lawsuit.

Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Columbus

A lawsuit begins with a complaint filed with the appropriate court. The complaint must include:

• The names of all parties
• A summary of the facts of the case and the defendant’s negligence or wrongdoing (e.g., “I was injured in a crash on Broad Street at X time on Y date when the defendant rear-ended me…”)
• Demand for damages

You have the right to file a lawsuit on your own. However, it is generally best to have an experienced car accident lawyer handle the process on your behalf. This will ensure that the claim is accepted by the court.

Once the lawsuit is filed, the defendant will be served a copy of the complaint as well as a summons. The summons is an official notice by the court that the defendant is being sued. It also specifies the time frame for the defendant to respond.

The next steps in the Columbus car accident lawsuit process generally include:

Discovery

Both sides will request and exchange evidence. This is an essential component of trial preparation, allowing the parties to discern the strengths and weaknesses of their respective cases.

Pretrial Motions

Motions are formal requests to the court. Attorneys for both sides may ask the court to compel a party to produce evidence, or ask that certain evidence be admitted or excluded at trial. The plaintiff may move for summary judgment (if the essential facts aren’t in dispute, the court may issue a ruling that resolves the case without proceeding to trial), while the defense might move to dismiss the case. Experienced car accident lawyers in Columbus know how to navigate pretrial motions in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and other courts.

Read More: Why Do I Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

Settlement Negotiations

The fact that a lawsuit has been filed does not end the possibility that the case will be settled. In fact, insurance companies may be more likely to settle if they know you are serious about taking legal action. A settlement may be reached any time before trial, or even after the trial begins.

Car Accident Trial

At trial, your lawyer will present evidence and call witnesses. Their goal is to show how the actions of the defendant led to the accident and, subsequently, your injuries and damages.

Next, lawyers for the defense will introduce evidence and call their own witnesses in an effort to rebut your claims. Their goal is to avoid liability for the accident and having to pay damages. Your attorney will have the opportunity to cross-examine defense witnesses and challenge the evidence introduced by the defense.

After the case is presented, the judge or jury will consider the evidence and return a verdict. If they find in your favor, they will determine the amount of compensation to award you. A judgment for the defendant, conversely, means you will not receive any damages.

The court may also find that both parties share fault for the accident. In this case, Ohio’s comparative negligence standard will apply. The damages you are due would be reduced according to the percentage of fault. If the judge or jury believes your actions contributed more to the crash than the defendant’s, you would be barred from recovering compensation.

Why Trial Experience Is a Must

Car accident lawsuits in Columbus involve numerous technical and procedural details. Insurance companies have legal teams to handle the ins and outs; shouldn’t you?

Because most car accident claims settle, many attorneys have spent little to no time in the courtroom. The lawyers who have know the local court system and the judges, clerks, and other administrative staff who work within it. Such knowledge and experience is invaluable for filing a lawsuit and obtaining a favorable result at trial.

Experienced trial lawyers also know what evidence is needed to present a successful case in court. This, combined with a seasoned aptitude for legal strategy and trial preparation, is highly advantageous for achieving a trial award that fully compensates you for your losses.

Read More: Who Are the Best Car Accident Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio?

How Colombo Law Can Help

Our Columbus car accident lawyers will:

• Travel to the accident scene and investigate. We represent victims in Columbus and nearby communities such as Grandview Heights, Harrison West, German Village, and more.
• Collaborate with medical experts to document all injuries.
• Evaluate all of the damages you have sustained.
• Handle all communications with the insurance companies.
• File a lawsuit in Franklin County court, if necessary.
• Keep you informed of any developments in your case. If a settlement offer is on the table or new evidence emerges, our team will consult with you so we can act in your best interest.
• Represent you at trial as needed.
• Take on the upfront costs of your case. With our No Fee Promise, you don’t pay any fees or expenses until we obtain a settlement on your behalf or win at trial.

Colombo Law is a respected trial law firm in Columbus and other parts of Ohio. We have earned millions of dollars in recoveries for clients in car accident cases. This success is attributable to our unique approach of preparing every case as though it will ultimately go to trial.

Columbus Car Accident Lawsuit FAQs

What Are the Chances of Winning a Car Accident Lawsuit?

The chances of winning a car accident lawsuit depend on a host of different factors. Our lawyers assess key elements such as the availability of evidence, the seriousness of your injuries, and whether fault for the accident is disputed. The stronger your case, the more likely you are to win. Having capable legal representation is also important for securing a positive outcome.

How Long Does a Car Accident Lawsuit Take?

Franklin County’s courts are the busiest in Ohio. A crowded docket means it might be a year or more before your case actually goes to trial. Settlement agreements, by comparison, are typically reached within a few months.

Will I Have to Testify?

You are not required to testify at trial. However, your testimony can illustrate to the court the physical and emotional impact of the accident. Your lawyer can discuss the pros and cons of having you testify and help you prepare if taking the stand is in the best interest for your case.

Can I File a Lawsuit on Behalf of a Family Member?

There are several unfortunate situations where it may be necessary to file a lawsuit on a loved one’s behalf. For example, if the accident has left your loved one incapacitated, it may fall to you to initiate legal action. Parents can file a lawsuit on behalf of minor children if the child is injured in a car accident. Finally, if a member of your family was killed in a car accident, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Get Help from Colombo Law Today

Attorneys at Colombo Law have extensive experience with Columbus car accident lawsuits. Our team is committed to achieving maximum compensation for your losses, whether by settlement or going to trial.

Call us at 614-362-7000 for a FREE case review. We have an in-depth familiarity with accident claims in Columbus and Franklin County.