Damages and Compensation in Akron Car Accidents
Car accidents can take a tremendous financial toll on their victims. For this reason, Ohio law allows those who have suffered injuries in a crash to file a car accident injury claim to hold the at-fault party accountable for their wrongdoing. These claims can allow injured Ohioans to recover compensation for their financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost income. A successful claim may also enable the injured party to recover damages for less tangible losses, such as pain and suffering.
Working with an experienced Akron car accident lawyer can increase your chances of receiving the total and fair compensation you deserve. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, have a proven track record of successfully helping our clients achieve favorable results when they claim compensation for car accident victims. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Is Ohio a Fault or No-Fault State for Car Accidents?
Each state has its own laws governing the procedure people must follow after sustaining injuries in a car accident. Some states are no-fault states, meaning that injury victims must file a compensation claim with their own insurance company rather than filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver’s policy.
However, Ohio is an at-fault state. As such, an injured party will seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s auto insurer. This process is never as straightforward as many people anticipate.
One reason for this is that Ohio injury law operates under the principle of comparative negligence. This means a person can file a claim even if they are partially at fault for the accident. However, their financial award is reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if a person is deemed 25 percent at fault for a crash, they can only recover 75 percent of the total compensation amount they are entitled to. The insurance company will often argue that a person bears more fault than they do to reduce the amount they will have to pay. Crucially, if a person is 51 percent or more at fault for a crash, they are prohibited from recovering any money whatsoever.
For these reasons, having a skilled Ohio car accident lawyer on your side is critical. They can investigate the crash and build a case demonstrating that the other side was wholly or overwhelmingly at fault for the incident, maximizing your potential to receive the full recovery you deserve.
Types of Compensation for Car Accident Victims
The types of compensation you can receive after an Ohio car accident fall into the following three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages constitute compensation for the tangible financial losses you have incurred due to your car accident injuries. These include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages due to missed time at work
- Reduced earning capacity if your injuries have led to a disability
- Property damage
- Transportation expenses if you must travel to receive treatment
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for the less tangible losses you have sustained due to the accident, including:
- Physical pain
- Emotional suffering
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Although putting a dollar figure on such losses can be challenging, victims of severe accident-related injuries are often eligible for substantial compensation for non-economic losses.
Punitive Damages
If a person has suffered injuries because the at-fault party acted fraudulently or with malice, the victim may receive punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the defendant rather than compensate the victim.
Limits on the Damages You Can Recover in Ohio
State law imposes the following limits on the car accident injury compensation amounts an accident victim may recover:
- Non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 or three times the amount of economic damages, whichever is greater. The maximum amount is $350,000 per plaintiff unless the victim has suffered catastrophic injuries.
- Punitive damages cannot exceed twice the amount of compensatory damages (economic plus non-economic damages).
There are no caps on the amount of economic compensation you can recover. If you have questions about how Ohio’s limits on damages might affect your claim, a knowledgeable Akron car crash attorney can help you understand the implications for your case.
Insurance Requirements in Ohio
State law requires all vehicle owners to carry automobile insurance policies with the following minimum coverage amounts:
- $25,000 in liability coverage for the injury or death of a person
- $50,000 in liability coverage for injuries or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Statute of Limitations on Ohio Car Accident Lawsuits
Ohio’s statute of limitations for car accident lawsuits stipulates that injury victims have a maximum of two years to file a lawsuit. Failing to initiate legal action before this deadline may bar you from recovering the compensation you deserve.
In addition to this statute of limitations, you should file your car accident claim as early as possible so that your attorney can recover evidence before it disappears and interview witnesses before their memories fade. Contacting an Akron car accident lawyer as early as possible can help protect you and your personal injury lawsuit.
Contact Our Akron Car Accident Lawyers for Help
Understanding the various factors affecting your car accident compensation claim can feel impossible sometimes. Unless you are thoroughly familiar with personal injury law in Ohio, several pitfalls can lead to unnecessary delays, reductions, or even denials of the compensation you deserve. Working with a knowledgeable and skilled car accident attorney can give you the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time.
The experienced Ohio car accident attorneys at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, understand how anxious and vulnerable people can feel after suffering injuries in a car crash. Our skilled attorneys will stand up for your rights and fight for the maximum settlement or verdict available in your case. Call us today or contact us online for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options and our experience in resolving car accident cases.
