In Cleveland, a DUI (often called OVI here) is already a high-stakes situation, but when you add a car accident into the mix, the legal gravity shifts from a standard misdemeanor to a potential felony. I have seen many people lose their careers and freedom because they didn't have a lawyer who understood the intersection of criminal defense and personal injury liability. This article highlights the top practitioners in Cleveland who specialize in OVI cases where a collision occurred. I have hand-picked these firms based on their ability to handle accident reconstruction, insurance negotiations, and courtroom litigation. If you're currently dealing with a "double whammy" of an OVI charge and a civil claim, these are the experts who can protect your future from both sides.
Why You Need an Accident-Specific OVI Lawyer
Standard OVI defense focuses on the stop and the breathalyzer. However, in an accident claim, the prosecution will use the collision as evidence of "impairment." You need a lawyer who can prove that the accident might have been caused by road conditions, mechanical failure, or the other driver’s negligence, regardless of your BAC levels.
Top 10 OVI & Car Accident Lawyers in Cleveland, OH
1. Zukerman, Lear, Murray & Brown Co., L.P.A.
Larry Zukerman is widely recognized as the #1 OVI defense attorney in Cleveland. His firm is particularly adept at handling high-profile cases involving two-car collisions.
Website: https://zukerman-law.com
Phone: (216) 696-0900
Email: office@zukerman-law.com
2. Piscitelli Law Firm
Frank Piscitelli is a heavy hitter in the Cleveland personal injury space. If your DUI involves an injury to yourself or others, his expertise in accident litigation is unparalleled.
Website: https://getfrankgetjustice.com
Phone: (216) 931-7000
Email: frank@getfrankgetjustice.com
3. Patituce & Associates, LLC
Composed of former prosecutors, this team understands exactly how the state will use accident reports against you in a DUI trial.
Website: https://www.patituceulaw.com
Phone: (216) 678-9533
Email: info@patituceulaw.com
4. The Robenalt Law Firm, Inc.
Tom Robenalt excels at cases where fault is contested. He bridges the gap between OVI defense and car accident compensation.
Website: https://www.robenaltlaw.com
Phone: (216) 223-7535
Email: trobenalt@robenaltlaw.com
5. Friedman, Domiano & Smith Co.
While they are giants in personal injury, their deep understanding of traffic laws makes them an essential consult if you are facing a civil suit alongside an OVI.
Website: https://www.fdslaw.com
Phone: (216) 621-0070
Email: info@fdslaw.com
6. Daniel Frank Gigiano Co., L.P.A.
A highly-rated advocate who specializes in OVI defense with a reputation for being meticulous about the scientific evidence of "proximate cause" in accidents.
Website: https://gigianolaw.com
Phone: (330) 336-3330
Email: dan@gigianolaw.com
7. Ronald Lawrence Frey II
Frey is a 20-year veteran of the Cleveland courts, focusing on the defense of those accused of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Website: https://www.freylaw.com
Phone: (216) 696-8700
Email: ron@freylaw.com
8. Ian Nathan Friedman
As the former President of the Cleveland Bar Association, Friedman has the clout and experience to handle the most complex felony DUI cases involving accidents.
Website: https://www.inf-law.com
Phone: (216) 928-7700
Email: ian@inf-law.com
9. Tittle & Perlmuter
This firm focuses on catastrophic injuries and car accidents, making them a key resource if your DUI has resulted in serious legal exposure.
Website: https://www.tittlelawfirm.com
Phone: (216) 763-2667
Email: scott@tittlelawfirm.com
10. Nurenberg Paris Heller & McCarthy
One of the oldest firms in Cleveland, they have extensive resources for accident reconstruction which can be vital for a DUI defense strategy.
Website: https://www.nurenberg.com
Phone: (216) 586-5912
Email: info@nurenberg.com
More Information for Your Case
Legal challenges vary by state. See our related guides: Atlanta DUI Lawyers, Maryland OVI Laws, Dallas DWI Help, LA DUI Defense, California DUI Laws, OC Traffic Defense, Philadelphia DUI Guide, Austin Texas DUI, Columbus OH OVI, and Cincinnati OH DUI.
