Lake County Car Crash Accident Statistics

Hey, what's happening? Scott Kuboff, a car crash lawyer from the law firm of Ibold & O'Brien.  Sitting here in my home office and taking a look at the Ohio State Highway Patrol's crash dashboard.  Really interesting, it is a whole bunch of statistics from 2017 to current - which is updated on Monday December 19th, 2022.  So about five years of crash data and you can search by county. 

For this video, I am looking at Lake County which is just north of Geauga County where our main office is in Chardon.  But with Lake County, we're talking about folks from Willowick, Willoughby, Mentor, Painesville, and Concord.

Taking a look at that five-year period of time, 25,723 crashes – an awful lot of crashes, but we are talking about a very populated area with some major highways running through it.  So where are most of the crashes occurring? Not necessarily the most serious crashes, just the highest number of crashes is US Route 20.  So we're talking about again Willoughby, Mentor, and Painesville.  Route 20 continues out into Ashtabula County.  So that is where the highest number of crashes occurred with over 4,000 during that time.

Taking a look at what is the issue in terms of violations; speed is not surprising with over 2,900 crashes in Lake County during that time period being speed-related.  So that is going too fast for the conditions, that is going too fast that you cannot stop in time, that's assured clear distance, or as most people know it “rear-enders.”  But it looks like the #1 issue with over 3,800 crashes is failure to yield.  Rolling through stop signs, pulling out into traffic when it is unsafe to do so, or making a left-hand turn in front of other vehicles when it's unsafe to do so.  That is failure to yield.

Taking a look at when these crashes occur, same thing I've been saying all along it's between 6:00 AM and about 7:00 or 8:00 PM.  But with Lake County the biggest time period in which crashes occur roughly about 19% of the time is between 4:00 and 6:00 PM, so it's that evening rush hour and far and away the largest number of crashes occur on Friday. 

Taking a step back as I have done in all my other videos, let's talk about age-related crashes.  So teen and youth-related crashes are right at about 13,000 of the 25,000 crashes in that five-year period.  So very, very high number of crashes in younger drivers.  Not too far behind with 11,000 crashes are elderly or mature-related drivers.

If you're interested in taking a look at the Ohio State Highway Patrol crash database just check the link below in the description you could search your county and get some pretty interesting information.

Crash Dashboard: https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/crash-dashboard

Ashtabula County Car Crash Accident Statistics

Hey, what's happening? Scott Kuboff, a car crash lawyer with the law firm of Ibold & O'Brien. I’m just sitting here in my home office and taking a look at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash database for Ashtabula County. We do an awful lot of work in Ashtabula County as it is very close to our main office in Chardon. We do have a satellite office in Orwell, so if you are in the Ashtabula County area, we are near you.

Anyhow, if you've been watching some of my other videos about the crash database you know that it is from 2017 to December 19, 2022. This information is up-to-date. Taking a look during that time, 11,279 crashes in Ashtabula County. The road with the most number of crashes, not necessarily the most serious crashes, but the most number of crashes is US Route 20. So we're talking about folks going through Madison, Geneva, Ashtabula, and all the way through Conneaut. That is the road that far and away has the most crashes. Coming in at #2 is Interstate Route 90.

Taking a look in terms of what are the issues in Ashtabula County, the #1 reason, and this has been #2 in several other counties we talked about, but in Ashtabula County, it looks like the #1 issue is speed. So we're talking about going too fast on the highway, we're talking about being unable to stop in time on US 20, assured clear distance, and “rear-enders” as most people call them. The #2 issue in Ashtabula County in terms of traffic violations is failure to yield. So rolling through stop signs, pulling out into traffic when it's unsafe to do so.

Going through the difference between ages; mature-related accounts for roughly 39%. The teen and the youth-related are not too far behind. Taking a look at when these crashes occur, anybody that's been watching these videos comes as no surprise, it is during the times that folks are awake 6:00 AM to about 8:00 PM and it looks like in Ashtabula County the most significant time period where these crashes occur is between 2:00 and 7:00 PM. It's also not a surprise now that I've done several of these videos but, Friday is the day that most crashes occur.

If you're interested in taking a look at the Ashtabula County crash statistics go into the description below I will link to it you can click through and take a look for yourself.

Crash Dashboard: https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/crash-dashboard

Trumbull County Car Crash Accident Statistics

Hey, what's happening? Scott Kuboff, a car crash lawyer with the law firm of Ibold & O'Brien. I just got back from my Trumbull County office in Hubbard, sitting in the home office right now.  I am taking a look at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash dashboard and it is really interesting.  It compiles statistics for car crashes from 2017 until current; right now it is most up to date as of December 19, 2022.  By the time you guys see this video it's going to be past that but it is a current as of that date.

So Trumbull County we are taking a look over that five year period of time - 24,000 crashes have occurred. I am taking a look at the road that has the most crashes, not necessarily the most serious crashes, but the highest number of crashes.  It’s really not surprising: US 422.  So folks driving through McDonald, Girard, Niles, Warren, and into Leavittsburg – it has the highest number of crashes.  That's not to be unexpected certainly when US 422 rolls right past a very, very busy mall [Eastwood Mall].

So taking a look at what seems to be the issue in terms of these crashes, and if you've been following my prior videos, speed is #2 with 2,900 crashes are speed related. So we are talking assured clear distance, we are talking about rear end collisions.  But the #1 is failure to yield - this is folks that are rolling through stop signs, pulling out into traffic when it was unsafe to do so.

In terms of age-related, when you factor in the teen and youth, you're talking over 10,000 crashes. That is a very, very significant portion of the crashes that occurred have younger drivers. Right behind youth crashes, at 9,400 crashes, are mature-related; so the elderly are in a significant number of crashes.

Taking a look when do these crashes occur, as I've been saying in these past videos, it's when folks are awake 6:00 AM to about 7:00 PM are when we see the highest volume.  Taking a look, afternoon in Trumbull County; afternoon is where crashes occur pretty frequently. The lunchtime hour between 12 and 1:00 PM is a big number at 6% of the time. But the biggest time when crashes occur is right when school letting out: 3:00 to 4:00 PM account for roughly 8.2% of the crashes.

When did these happen, now that I've been doing a couple of these videos, it is not surprising to me that Friday is coming in as the most significant day where crashes occur followed by Thursday. So when we're out there on the road, let's be careful, maintain appropriate speed, and keep our eyes on the road.  If you're interested to see more about the crash data just check the description below I will link the dashboard.

https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/crash-dashboard

Ibold & O'Brien Lawyers Recognized as "Super Laywers"

The law firm of Ibold & O'Brien is extremely pleased to announce that attorneys Dennis Ibold and Scott Kuboff have been selected as 2023 Super Lawyers.

Each year, no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in Ohio are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the honor of "Super Lawyer."

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates, and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

This is Dennis's 18th selection to the Super Lawyers list (2008 -2023) and Scott’s 1st selection to the Super Lawyers list (2023) after 7 selections to the “Rising Stars” list (2016-2022).

Portage County Car Crash Accident Statistics

Hey, what's happening? Scott Kuboff, a car crash lawyer with the law firm of Ibold & O'Brien. I am sitting here in my home office, in Portage County, and I am taking a look at the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s crash dashboard.  It sets forth statistics for car crashes in the State of Ohio from 2017 through December 19, 2022.  Although this video is going to be posted after that, it is still up to date and current.

Just going through and taking a look during that time period, Portage County had about 20,000 crashes; actually 20,759 to be exact. So a lot of crashes in Portage County.  Taking a look at the street where the most crashes occur, not necessarily the most serious crashes, just the highest number of crashes is State Route 43.  So we're talking about folks in Aurora, Streetsboro and down into Kent.  

Taking a look at what is the most likely cause of the crash, in terms of human-related issues, seeing speed #2 with 2,900 speed-related crashes. So typically speed related crashes are usually assured clear distance, people rear ending folks, going too fast to be able to stop.  Ahead of that is failure to yield. So that is people that are pulling out from shopping centers in front of other cars that are already on the roadway or not stopping at stop signs and rolling through those. Failing to yield the right of way.

It looks like about 7,000 crashes are mature-related; so elderly individuals but youth related tops it out with over 8,200 youth related crashes.

Taking a look in terms of when these crashes occur, it's during the time where everybody's up, right: 6:00 AM to about 7:00 PM is where the highest number of crashes occur. The most significant times in Portage County looks to be from 3:00 PM - so right when school gets out - to about 6:00 PM that is where the highest volume of crashes occur.  Friday is the runaway winner in terms of the day that has the most crashes. So let's be safe out there.

 I will link the database in the description below so you could take a look at Portage County crash statistics.

https://statepatrol.ohio.gov/dashboards-statistics/ostats-dashboards/crash-dashboard

Back-To-School Safety Tips

School is back and children are riding on buses, their bikes, or walking to school.  When you add in the kids that are driven to school by mom, dad, or their grandparents, the roads get pretty congested in the morning and early afternoon. 

Here are a few key tips that can help improve safety for everyone:

Back-To-School Driving Tips For Parents

  • Phone down and slow down – be vigilant in school zones and be sure to keep the speed low

  • Stop when you see flashers – kids may be crossing the street and you must yield the right of way

  • Be prepared to stop – kids may dart in and out of cars, into the parking lot, or street

  • Unload the kids at designated spots – Usually, schools will have designated drop-off zones which are created for student/staff safety.  Avoid drop-offs across the street from the school and forcing your kids to cross a likely busy road.

Driving Safely Near a School Bus

  • Keep your distance – stay several car lengths behind the school bus are you are driving behind it.  It stops frequently.

  • Slow down when the lights flash yellow – this is a warning of an impending stop and you should treat it like a yellow light … but not the speed-through-the-intersection yellow light; the one you slow-down-and-be-prepared-to-stop yellow light.  Do not attempt to pass.

  • Stop on red flashing lights – it is illegal and wildly dangerous to pass a stopped bus displaying flashing red lights and its stop sign.   Kids are either getting on or off the bus and may very well cross the roadway

Back-To-School Safety Tips For Children

  • Wait for the bus to stop – Before you start walking to board the bus – or stand up to exit – wait for the bus to come to a complete stop.

  • Buckle Up - If the bus has seatbelts, buckle up

  • Do not cross directly in front of the bus – however, if you have no choice, give yourself at least 10 feet in front of the bus so the driver can see you

  • Make eye contact – if you are crossing the street, make sure you make eye contact with all drivers and wait for them to acknowledge you with a waive before you cross

  • Put the phone down – if you’re walking home, do not be distracted by your phone.  This is particularly dangerous at crosswalks and intersections

  • Use crosswalks and sidewalks – always cross the road at a designated crosswalk.  If there is not one, cross at the intersection when it is safe to do so.   When walking, use sidewalks.  If ones are not available, walk to the edge of the roadway and face traffic

  • Buddy system – there is safety in numbers as well as greater visibility.

If your child has been bullied, hazed, or injured at school, please contact Scott for a no cost, no obligation consultation and case evaluation.

 

8th District Upholds USA Cycling Waiver in Crit Crash

Scott participating in the NEOCycle cyclocross race ~ 2016

In Goss v. USA Cycling, Inc., 2022-Ohio-2500, the Eighth District upheld the dismissal of case where the injured cyclist executed a USA Cycling (USAC) waiver prior to participating in the NEOCycle Criterium. 

On September 10, 2016, the plaintiff participated in two separate criterium races at NEOCycle event.  On the final lap of the second crit, a cyclist in front of the plaintiff unexpectedly fell on the final turn of the race.  The crash caused many cyclists, including the plaintiff, to lose control of their bicycles.  Ultimately, the plaintiff crashed into a barrier, causing injuries to her neck, thyroid, larynx, and trachea.

A lawsuit was filed alleging negligence.  More specifically, that “the race course design did not conform to USAC’s own safety standards, insomuch as there was insufficient distance from the race course’s final corner to the finish area. This insufficient distance caused racers to begin their ‘final sprint’ to the finish line before the final turn, thereby greatly increasing the chance for slide-outs and collisions.”

The Eighth District then provided an analysis of express assumption of the risk.   For express assumption of risk to apply – and thus operate as a bar to recovery – the party waiving their right to recover must make a conscious choice to accept the consequences of the other party’s negligence.  While generally disfavored, courts will uphold such waivers provided the “kind of liability and what persons and/or entities are being released, is stated in clear and unambiguous terms.”

In the Goss matter, the Eighth District reviewed the USAC waiver and determined the plaintiff released the event sponsors and organizers from all claims arising from their own negligence to the maximum extent permitted by law. The waiver expressly stated that the release applied to “all races and activities entered at the event,” and further required the plaintiff to acknowledge that “cycling is an inherently dangerous sport.”

As a result, the Eighth District held that under the doctrine of express assumption of risk, the terms of the USAC waiver prohibited the plaintiff from advancing claims of negligence against the NEOCycle organizers.

If you have questions about bicycle laws or bicycle injury claims please contact Scott for a no cost, no obligation consultation and case evaluation.

Make Sure You’re Covered

School is out and before you take your family on the big summer vacation, it is a good idea to check your insurance to make sure you are protected.

Many people think car insurance only provides coverage in the event they are at fault. For a liability only policy (read: “the cheapest policy you can buy”) that’s true. However, there are many options available that you absolutely need to fully protect yourself in the event of a car crash; not only in the event you caused the crash but also in the event you are the victim in a car crash.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage provides protection in the event you are at fault for a crash. In Ohio, the state-minimum required insurance is $25,000/$50,000. If you have state-minimum insurance, you are protected up to $25,000 in damages caused per person or, in the event of multiple injuries to different individuals, $50,000 total per crash. State-minimum insurance is simply not enough coverage to protect you and your assets in the event you are at fault.

Instead, I recommend a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 insurance coverage. Outside of catastrophic injuries or death, this is adequate protection for most car collisions.

If you own your home or otherwise have assets of value which you want to protect, you should consider more insurance as well as an umbrella policy (more on that shortly). After all, you are personally responsible for any damages that exceed your policy limits.

Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) Coverage

In some states, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required for every policy. Ohio is not one of those states. It should be.

UM/UIM coverage protects you and your family in the event you are a victim of someone else’s negligence. Uninsured coverage provides protection in the event the negligent driver does not have any insurance. While state law requires all drivers to carry insurance, the sad truth is not everyone does. Underinsured coverage provides protection when the negligent driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.

Too many times I have represented individuals seriously injured – traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, prolonged hospitalizations, etc. – left medically bankrupt because (1) there was no insurance or (2) not enough insurance to cover the damages.

Securing an uninsured/underinsured motorist policy protects you, your family, and your savings in the event you injured in a car crash. As with liability coverage, I recommend everyone have a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 UM/UIM policy. If you could afford more, buy it.

Medical Payment Coverage

Medical payment coverage (“med pay”) is provides benefits for out-of-pocket, uncovered medical expenses. Med pay is there to help in the short term to pay your portion of the medical bills while you recover and pursue a bodily injury claim.

Med pay limits start at $1,000 and I’ve seen them as high as $100,000. Most people have between $5,000 to $10,000 in coverage – which seems to be sufficient if used appropriately. Two caveats. First, for individuals with a high-deductible health insurance, I recommend a med pay policy that is at least $5,000 in excess of your deductible. Secondly, for people who do not have any medical insurance, $25,000 in med pay is recommended. Why? One trip to the emergency room after a car crash could easily cost that much.

Umbrella Policy

If you own a home, it is a good idea to purchase a personal liability umbrella policy (“PLUP” or “umbrella policy.”) An umbrella policy provide protection for claims in excess of your liability policy as well as your UM/UIM policy. This means you are getting additional coverage in the event you cause a crash that results in catastrophic injuries or death and it protects you and your family in the event you are a victim of a catastrophic injury or death.

Take a few minutes to review your auto policy’s declaration page to insure you have adequate coverage for your needs.

Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorneys' President's Award

On June 2, 2022, Scott received the "President's Award" during the Cleveland Academy of Trial Attorney's Annual Installation Dinner. The award is given to a CATA member for outstanding service to the organization during the prior year. During the 2021-2022 term, Scott served as CATA’s treasurer.

After receiving the award, Scott was sworn in as CATA’s incoming Secretary by Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner: