If you were recently harmed in a vehicular collision, you may be struggling with various financial burdens during your recovery. It is crucial to understand the settlement process as a legal means of getting the compensation you need.
Columbus car accident settlements provide restitution to pay for all your injury-related losses and help you move forward with your life. At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our skilled Columbus car accident lawyers will assist you in the claims process and fight for a fair settlement for your ordeal.
Compensation for Car Crash Injuries
According to Ohio Code § 2305.10, a plaintiff has two years from the date of their accident to bring a legal claim. A skilled attorney at our Columbus firm can help car crash victims file within the deadlines and pursue compensation for various damages. These typically include:
- Emergency and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages
- Vehicle damage
- Other property damage
These types of damages are referred to as “economic” because they have specific monetary amounts attached to them. Non-economic damages in auto accident cases usually include pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional distress relating to the trauma of the crash.
Punitive damages may apply in specific circumstances, although they are unusual for car collision settlements. These damages are designed to penalize the defendant for particularly horrific actions. For example, if the defendant was purposefully trying to run over a person on foot for “vengeance” reasons. Due to the gross and outlandish causes for their actions, they could face punitive damages as well as attempted murder charges.
Restitution for Fatal Traffic Accidents in Columbus
If a person dies in a car crash, their surviving family members have two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death suit. With help from our compassionate local attorneys, their family members can request economic damages such as emergency medical care, funeral and burial expenses, and future lost wages. They can also seek non-economic damages, including emotional distress, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and loss of life enjoyment.
Should I Settle for an Auto Collision?
Ohio car insurance laws only require drivers to purchase the minimum coverage of $50,000 per accident, $25,000 for bodily injury coverage per person, and $25,000 for property damage liability coverage. If the plaintiff’s injuries, vehicle damage, and other related expenses exceed these minimums, an insurance settlement might not cover the losses. This is especially true if the at-fault driver does not carry any other insurance. Before deciding whether to settle, a car crash victim should learn how much insurance the at-fault driver has and speak with one of our attorneys about their options.
Can I Sue after Settling a Car Accident Case?
It is sometimes possible to sue the defendant after settling, but only in very specific circumstances. If the defendant made a fraudulent settlement in bad faith, the plaintiff and their lawyer could sue the person if they can prove fraud. After settling with one person, the plaintiff can also bring a lawsuit against a second defendant if they discover that more than one party is liable for their damages.
However, it is not possible to sue after agreeing to legally binding settlement terms, such as signing a document absolving the defendant from further liability. As such, it is crucial to first discuss any car crash settlement contracts with a skilled attorney at our Columbus office.
Discuss Car Accident Settlements with a Columbus Attorney
Discussing lawsuit and settlement options with a legal professional can help you determine the best strategy for pursuing the compensation you need. To increase your chances of obtaining the maximum available damages, speak with a seasoned attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy. Our legal team has extensive experience with Columbus car accident settlements and can advise you at every stage of your case. Call us today to discuss your situation.
