Being injured in a car accident can be a traumatic experience.
If someone else’s negligence caused the accident, you likely want to pursue a claim for your damages.
You might also be wondering about average car accident settlements in Ohio. Average payouts differ in every personal injury case. That is because no two car accidents are exactly alike. To understand what your individual case is worth, you need to speak with a skilled Northwest Ohio car accident lawyer.
Please call (419) 455-1410 or send us an online message today to learn how we can help you.
What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Ohio?
What is the average car accident settlement in Ohio? As initially stated, there is no absolute number that defines a car accident settlement’s average. Even two very similar accidents will have some disparities that lead to different claim values. No matter how severe your injuries are and how much you think your claim is worth, you can expect the insurance company to offer significantly less.
You need to provide strong evidence of liability against the other party and documents to support your treatment to successfully recover compensation for your damages. Your best chance at maximizing your claim value requires hiring a Lima car accident attorney like Aaron Bensinger at Bensinger Legal Services.
Factors That Affect Car Accident Compensation
Many factors influence the average automobile accident settlement.
The severity of your injuries is a significant factor.
Someone who suffered only mild whiplash and a sore back is not going to receive the same compensation as someone who sustained spinal damage that required surgery and months of rehabilitation.
Insurance companies look at what kind of treatment you sought, how long you were treated, whether the treatment was necessary, and the cost of your treatment.
In addition to the cost of your current medical treatment, other economic damages include your time off work, vehicle repairs, etc.
Ohio Personal Injury Settlements
In addition to economic damages, you may be eligible to receive Ohio personal injury settlements compensation for non-economic damages, which include:
- Physical pain and suffering;
- Future loss of earnings;
- Future medical treatment;
- Disability or disfigurement; and
- Mental pain and anguish.
Be advised that Ohio law limits your recovery for pain and suffering in non-catastrophic injury accidents. In some personal injury matters, non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 or three times the number of your economic damages, whichever amount is higher. Overall, they cannot exceed $350,000 for one plaintiff or $500,000 if there are multiple plaintiffs.
Contact us for a free Ohio car accident consultation
What to Expect from Car Insurance Companies
If you attempt to handle a car accident claim on your own, you can expect the insurance companies to take advantage of your inexperience. Liability adjusters may be friendly and let you believe they are on your side, but they are not. The other party’s insurance company is looking out for their insured, not you.
Be careful of what you reveal in verbal or written communications. They will try to get you to give a recorded statement right away. You should never give a statement without counsel, as the insurance company is looking for evidence that would allow them to deny your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?
Ohio law states that for injuries sustained in a car accident, you must file a lawsuit within two years. There may be a few circumstances that alter this timeline, but don’t assume they apply to you. If you fail to file within the allotted time, your claim will likely be barred. Even if you were in negotiations with the insurance company for a settlement, they are under no obligation to offer you anything once the deadline has passed.
How an Attorney Can Help You Through This Process
Hiring an attorney can help protect your rights and recover the financial compensation you deserve. We will conduct an independent investigation and handle all communication with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Instead of you trying to negotiate a settlement amount, we will negotiate your car accident settlements in Ohio on your behalf.
Your attorney will also make sure a lawsuit is filed within the statute of limitations. If your case does not resolve and needs to go to trial, we will prepare your case, hire any necessary experts, and front the fees and costs.
At Bensinger Legal Services, our top priority is to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation possible. Don’t let the insurance company take advantage of you and try to resolve your case for far less than its actual value.
Contact Bensinger Legal Services today to schedule an initial consultation. With our years of experience handling Ohio car accident cases, we will help you recover the financial compensation you deserve.
Related articles that you might be interested in:
Ohio Car Accident Statute of Limitations Overview
Average Ohio Uber Accident Settlement
Average Settlement for a Rear-End Collision in Ohio
Average Hit by Drunk Driver Settlement in Ohio
Average Settlement for a Pedestrian Hit by a Car in Ohio
Aaron L. Bensinger is an Ohio attorney serving personal injury and civil litigation clients. He has extensive trial experience and makes client service is his primary focus. As a partner at Balyeat, Leahy, Daley, Miller & Bensinger, LLC, Aaron happily works in Lima, OH, and serves the entire Northwest region of the state and beyond.
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