Even with taking as much precaution as possible, it only takes one careless driver to cause a car accident that leaves you severely injured, in pain, and out of work.
Along with the physical and emotional trauma associated with your crash is the financial impact it can have on you and your loved ones. You may have piles of medical bills, lost wages, and other losses you need to recover, and without the help of an experienced car accident lawyer, you could lose out on the compensation you need and deserve.
In Ohio, bad crashes happen far too often
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, in 2021 there were:
- 1,223 roadway fatalities
- 6,206 severely injured people in car accidents
- 34,429 people minorly injured
- 13,350 OVI-related crashes (driving under the influence is referred to at OVI in Ohio)
- 10,789 alcohol-related crashes
- 4,088 drug-related crashes
Data from a national daytime observational study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that 62 percent of car accident deaths were passenger vehicle occupants, 17 percent were pedestrians, 14 percent motorcyclists, and 2 percent were bicyclists.
The study of motorists found that 9.7 percent of people in the front seat used a seat belt. Those individuals who do not use a seat belt are more likely to be fatally injured than those individuals who do use a seat belt.
Evidence suggests that younger drivers account for 6 percent of fatal car accidents, and 6.5 percent of those who are 75 years of age and older make up
How much does car insurance cover in Ohio?
All drivers in Ohio are required to buy at least 25/50/25 auto insurance coverage, which is liability insurance with minimum limits of:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person
- $50,000 for all injury or death in a single accident
- $25,000 for property damage
Although it is the law in Ohio, some motorists choose to drive around without insurance. Uninsured and underinsured motorist protection (UM/UIM) is a type of coverage on your insurance policy that stands in for the other driver’s liability insurance. This type of coverage is optional in Ohio, but highly recommended.
Ohio is a “fault” car insurance state. So, the person at fault for the accident is usually considered liable for paying the damages.
Damages may include:
- Doctor bills and other medical expenses
- Lost wages from missed work
- Replacement services (e.g., childcare, housekeeping, yard work, etc.)
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
Ohio has a modified comparative negligence law. That means if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault for your accident, you cannot recover damages. If you are found to be less than 50 percent at fault, you can still recover, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Talk to an experienced car accident lawyer today
In Ohio, you typically only have two years to take legal action after an accident. This is known as the statute of limitations. The key is to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and options.
If you have been injured in a crash, get an experienced Columbus car accident attorney on your side who knows how to get results. Scott Elliot Smith and his team will deal with the insurance company so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery. And if the insurance company isn’t willing to pay you a fair settlement, we’re not afraid to take your case to court.
With a 95 percent success rate, Scott Elliot Smith is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case.
