The Ohio Guide to Recovering Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

 Posted on March 14, 2023 in Personal Injury

Car accidents can be life-changing events that leave victims with physical, emotional, and financial injuries. However, if the accident was caused by another party's negligence or wrongdoing, injured individuals may be entitled to compensation for their losses.

Establishing Fault and Comparative Negligence

The first step in seeking compensation for car accident injuries is to establish fault. Ohio follows a comparative negligence system, which means that the injured person's recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault in causing the accident. For instance, if the injured person was 20% at fault, their recovery would be reduced by 20%.

Seeking Damages from A Car Accident

Once fault is established, the injured person can seek compensation for their damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. To prove damages in a car accident injury case, it is vital to gather evidence such as medical records, police reports, and witness statements.

Non-Economic Damages

In Ohio, injured individuals can also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. However, there is a "verbal threshold" law that requires the injured person to meet certain criteria to recover non-economic damages. An experienced attorney can help evaluate whether the injured person meets these criteria.

Settlement or Lawsuit

In some cases, the other party's insurance company may offer a settlement to the injured person to resolve the claim. It is vital to consult with an attorney before accepting any settlement offer to ensure that it is fair and covers all damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, the injured person may need to file a lawsuit to recover compensation. Personal injury cases are typically heard in the county where the accident occurred. While a lawsuit can be a lengthy and complex process, an experienced attorney can help guide the injured person through each step.

Contact a Wayne County Accident Attorney

Car accidents can be devastating, but injured individuals in Ohio have legal options to recover compensation for their losses. Seeking legal counsel immediately after the accident is essential to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. By following the steps outlined above, injured individuals can seek the compensation they need to move forward after a car accident.

Contact The Law Office of Whitney K.S. Miller, LLC at 330-725-4114 to arrange a private appointment with one of our knowledgeable Wayne County automobile accident attorneys and learn more about your legal options. In most circumstances, we offer complimentary consultations.

Source: 

https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3937.18