Settlements for car accident cases can range from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands. Specific amounts depend on each plaintiff’s injuries and losses.
Because each case is unique, it’s difficult to pinpoint the average car accident settlement in Ohio. If you were injured in an Ohio car accident and want more information about what your case might be worth, contact Gervelis Law Firm for personalized advice.
- Car accident settlements depend on the losses you suffered in the accident, including your medical bills and intangible damages such as pain and suffering.
- Settlements also depend on who was at fault for the accident, including whether you share responsibility.
- Documenting your losses and working with an experienced attorney who understands injury law can help you maximize your potential settlement.
What Factors Influence Car Accident Settlement Amounts?
Whether you were a passenger or driver, the circumstances of your accident affect how much you can receive in a settlement. Key factors include:
- Injury severity: More serious injuries typically require more intensive treatment, prompting higher costs. Catastrophic damage, such as a traumatic brain injury or limb loss, may necessitate years of care.
- Medical expenses: Accident-related medical costs may include hospital stays, outpatient treatments, medications, follow-up visits, physical or occupational therapy, and more. Anticipated future medical costs also count toward your losses.
- Lost wages: You can receive compensation for income you could not earn because of your injuries and for loss of future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: These damages include the physical and emotional distress associated with your accident and injuries.
- Insurance coverage: Insurance companies can resist offering more than the policyholder’s maximum even if your damages are higher.
- Documentation: Having strong evidence to support your claim can improve your chances of maximizing your compensation, particularly with a skilled lawyer on your side.
- Liability and fault: Ohio has a modified comparative negligence You can pursue damages if you were less than 51 percent responsible for your accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of the fault. For example, if you were 30 percent at fault, you could receive 70 percent of your damages.
If the accident was not your fault, you must first turn to the other party’s insurance company for coverage. If the insurer fails to offer a fair settlement, you may be eligible to sue the at-fault party for damages and litigate your case in court.
Types of Damages Available in a Car Accident Case
Most personal injury cases involve economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages correspond with measurable monetary losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, or the costs of managing an accident-related disability.
Non-economic damages cover intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Economic and non-economic damages are considered compensatory damages, meaning they directly cover your losses. In rare cases where the defendant acted with malice or aggravated or egregious fraud, your award may include punitive or exemplary damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages exist solely to penalize the defendant and not to rectify the plaintiff’s losses.
How Long Does It Take To Settle a Car Accident Claim in Ohio?
Every case differs, so your case’s timeline is not easy to pinpoint. However, staying in touch with your lawyer is the best way to keep things moving forward. Seek representation as soon as possible to ensure you file your claim before the deadline. Further, the sooner you contact an attorney, the more time they have to gather all necessary documentation for your case.
Meanwhile, it’s also important to focus on your treatment and follow your doctor’s instructions. Staying on course with your care is essential for your recovery and helps you maximize your claim’s value.
Our Firm's Successful Case Results
Clients frequently want to hear about the value of an average car accident settlement, but your attorney’s knowledge and experience are more important. At Gervelis Law, we have secured millions of dollars for car accident victims across Ohio. Our list of successes includes:
for a car accident in Youngstown: The client was driving on SR 14 when a truck backing up struck the vehicle, causing the client to lose a limb
for four claimants injured in an accident on South Avenue in Toledo when a tow truck veered off course and struck their vehicle head-on
for a client who suffered multiple fractures and a brain bleed in a Columbus car accident when the defendant failed to stop at a stop sign
for a car accident caused by a defendant who failed to slow for traffic and struck multiple vehicles on Interstate 680 in Canfield
How To Maximize Your Car Accident Settlement
The best way to increase your accident settlement is to collect as much evidence as possible and stand up for what you deserve. Here are the most important steps you can take as an injury victim:
- Seek immediate medical attention: See a doctor, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical records are essential for claiming damages later, and some injuries show delayed symptoms.
- Document everything: Retain proof of expenses, including medical bills and car repair invoices. If you miss work, document the hours you would have worked and what you would have earned.
- Don’t accept early offers: Insurance companies often submit low offers to decrease costs. Avoid agreeing to anything until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Hire an experienced car accident lawyer: You need someone who understands personal injury law and can stand up for your rights.
- Understand the full scope of your damages: Account for all accident-related losses, including pain and suffering and anticipated future medical needs.
- Be open to negotiation: Working toward a fair settlement is part of most car accident lawsuits. You can speed things along by knowing what you think is fair.
How Will My Car Accident Settlement Be Paid Out?
In Ohio, most car accident settlements are paid as one-time lump sums. You receive the entire amount as a single deposit, minus any deductions such as attorney fees or reimbursements to health insurance companies. We deduct our legal costs from car accident settlement payouts so you don’t have to worry about writing a check.
Why You Need an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer
The legal system is complex and challenging for a non-expert to navigate. A skilled Ohio personal injury attorney can guide you through the process while pursuing maximum allowable damages.
An experienced attorney can handle all communication with insurance companies and negotiate settlements on your behalf. Insurers have expert attorneys on their side, and you deserve the same. Your skilled lawyer will leverage an in-depth knowledge of Ohio car accident laws to protect your rights and argue your case.
Your attorney will work with all negligent parties on your behalf, leaving no stone unturned to pursue the compensation you need to move forward. By thoroughly investigating the case and applying their knowledge of negligence laws, they will help you hold responsible parties accountable.
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer at Gervelis Law Firm Help?
As experts in Ohio injury law, we are uniquely positioned to provide aggressive, experienced, and effective legal representation for your car accident case. Our attorneys draw on decades of experience and have received numerous national honors and recognitions, including Super Lawyers and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
As a part of the Ohio community for decades, we leverage in-depth knowledge of state and local laws and a statewide reputation for excellence. We are adept at handling negotiations with powerful insurance companies and are committed to fighting for maximum representation.
When you’re in an accident, we take action—fast. We know evidence can disappear quickly, so our rapid investigation team will be on-site within 24 hours to gather documentation. We’ll meet with you wherever it’s convenient, including at your home or the hospital, to start fighting for justice without delay.
Contact Gervelis Law Firm Today
At Gervelis Law Firm, we’re here for you when you need us most. We’ll investigate your car accident and pursue the compensation you need to heal and move forward. Call 866-792-2728 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.