Car accident settlements in Ohio vary significantly depending on the severity of the victim’s injuries, the quality and amount of evidence available, insurance policy limits, and the skill of the injury attorney handling the case.
While there’s no universal formula for average settlement amounts across the board, understanding the factors that affect compensation can help you make informed decisions after a crash.
To learn more about injury settlements in Cincinnati, call the car accident lawyers at Young, Reverman & Bolotin at 513-400-0000. We’ll break down the types of damages available, how compensation is calculated, and what you can expect when you hire us for your personal injury claim in Ohio.
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What Are Typical Damages in a Car Accident Settlement?
Victims often face a long road to recovery—not just physically, but also financially and emotionally. Medical bills, lost income, property damage, and ongoing therapy costs add up quickly. Fortunately, with the right legal support, you may be entitled to recover those losses and more through a fair settlement. In Ohio, car accident settlements typically include three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Each category covers a different aspect of your loss.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to tangible, quantifiable losses. These are the easiest to document and usually form the bulk of your settlement. Examples include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Hospital stays, surgeries, and medication
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Lost wages from time off work
- Loss of earning capacity due to long-term or permanent disability
- Vehicle repair or replacement costs
To calculate economic damages, your attorney will gather bills, pay stubs, tax returns, and expert opinions. In serious cases, vocational experts or forensic accountants may be brought in to estimate long-term financial impacts.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible effects of your injuries. Though harder to quantify, they’re often just as important. These damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with a spouse or family)
- Scarring or disfigurement
Let’s say you were an active parent before the crash, regularly playing sports or attending events with your kids. If your injuries prevent you from continuing these activities, your attorney can argue for compensation related to your reduced quality of life.
Juries don’t just take your word for it. Your lawyer must present compelling evidence—such as medical records, therapy notes, personal journals, or witness testimony—to prove your non-economic damages.
3. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases involving gross negligence or willful misconduct. For example, if the at-fault driver was intoxicated or driving at excessive speeds, punitive damages may be available. Unlike other damages, punitive awards are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
However, Ohio law limits punitive damages to twice the amount of economic damages, and they are almost never included in settlements unless the evidence is overwhelming. Even then, many insurance companies refuse to cover punitive awards, meaning the defendant would have to pay out of pocket.
What Factors Affect the Average Settlement Amount in a Car Accident Claim?
Several key elements influence how settlements are calculated and much compensation you may receive if your car accident claim is successful.
Severity of Injuries
The more serious your injuries, the more your claim is likely to be worth. Factors that drive up settlements include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Multiple fractures
- Long-term disability
- Need for future surgeries or lifelong care
Medical Treatment and Prognosis
Extensive or ongoing medical treatment boosts the value of your claim. Keep all medical documentation and follow your provider’s treatment plan. Gaps in care or failure to comply with recommendations can lower your credibility, and your settlement.
Lost Income and Earning Potential
If your injuries affect your ability to work—temporarily or permanently—this loss must be factored into your claim. Your attorney will calculate:
- Lost wages since the accident
- Projected future earnings lost due to disability or reduced work capacity
Comparative Fault
Ohio follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if your damages total $100,000, but you were 20% at fault, your settlement would be $80,000.
Insurance Coverage Limits
In some cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits what you can realistically recover. Even if your losses are significant, you may be limited to the policy’s maximum payout unless other sources of compensation are available (e.g., your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, other at-fault drivers in a multi-car crash, or a trucking company in a truck accident case).
Average Car Accident Settlement in Ohio
Ohio car accident settlements commonly range from $15,000 to $100,000, depending on the injuries and circumstances. Minor fender benders with soft tissue injuries may settle for a few thousand dollars. Cases involving serious injuries or permanent disability can result in six- or even seven-figure settlements.
The best way to understand the potential value of your case in Ohio is to speak with an experienced Cincinnati car accident lawyer.
Enlist the Services of the Best Cincinnati Auto Accident Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a crash, don’t let the insurance company dictate your outcome. You need a Cincinnati car accident attorney who understands how to value your claim and fight for every dollar you deserve.
At Young, Reverman & Bolotin, our experienced legal team has helped thousands of accident victims recover fair settlements for their injuries. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing.
Call 513-400-0000 now to request a free case evaluation. There’s no fee unless we win.
