Even if there was an average settlement for car accident cases, this would have no bearing on your situation. The value of your car accident case depends on multiple factors, such as:
- The value of the property damage you suffered in the accident
- The cost of your medical treatment if you were injured
- How much wages you lost if your injuries prevented you from working
- The value of your emotional damages, such as mental anguish and psychological trauma that stemmed from the accident
Our legal team can review your accident case for free, then help you calculate the value of your damages to estimate how much your case may be worth. A Columbus personal injury lawyer from our firm can then help you build your case to pursue compensation through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Medical Damages Can Greatly Affect the Value of a Car Accident Case
Generally speaking, the more the victim is forced to suffer, the more money they may be eligible to receive. For example, a victim who broke both their legs and lost their job as a result of a car accident may be entitled to more compensation than a victim who suffered minor injuries that required little to no treatment.
However, the type of medical treatment you receive can also affect how much compensation you should pursue. A 2012 study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the average cost of an emergency department visit related to nonfatal motor vehicle accident injuries was $3,362.
However, if the victim needed to be hospitalized to complete their treatment, this cost escalated to almost $57,000.
How We Assess Your Medical Damages
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, you may be looking to recover compensation to cover your medical expenses. However, there are multiple factors we must consider to determine how much compensation you should claim for this type of damage, such as:
- The cost of the specific medical procedures you received, e.g., surgeries, imaging exams, and physical therapy
- The cost of your prescription medications and/or medical devices, e.g., a wheelchair, crutches, or neck brace
- How long you received medical treatment or how long you should expect to receive treatment
- Whether you should expect complications and/or future procedures based on your injuries
- The pain and suffering you might experience throughout your recovery
- Whether medical treatment and/or recovery might force you to miss work
Our team may review your medical records and bills to calculate the cost of your medical-related damages, which can also include costs for doctor’s appointments and other care services. We may consult a medical expert to gauge the value of future medical expenses if your injuries are long-term or permanent.
Other Damages We May Claim in Your Personal Injury Case
Even “minor” car accidents can still cause severe damages besides medical expenses. Other compensable damages we may consider in your case include:
- Property damage costs, such as to repair or replace your vehicle
- Costs for domestic care services while you’re injured, such as homecare and childcare
- Costs for home modifications if you are living with a permanent disability
- Other factors that diminished your overall quality of life
- Any emotional distress you suffered because of the accident
Because each person is unique and can be affected by an automobile accident in a multitude of ways, an attorney from our team recover other expenses not included here.
Our Legal Team Can Investigate Your Car Accident Case to Retrieve Evidence
If another party caused your car accident, they may be held liable for your injuries. Pursuing compensation may require you to negotiate a settlement with their insurance company or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
In either situation, you should provide evidence that establishes how the other party is liable for the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the value of your damages. An injury attorney from our firm can lead an investigation into your case to retrieve this evidence for you if you do not have certain information.
Evidence may include:
- The official police report about the accident scene
- Photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved in the crash, and your injuries
- Video footage from traffic cameras, dashcams, cellphones, or surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or residences
- Witness statements
- Your medical records
- Testimony from accident reconstruction analysts and medical experts
If you choose to retain a car accident injury attorney from our firm, they may be able to negotiate a settlement deal using the evidence they retrieve for your case. If the responsible party’s insurance company is unwilling to offer you a fair settlement, our lawyers may take your case to trial to continue your pursuit of compensation.
Our Personal Injury Attorneys Offer Various Legal Services When Building Cases
Our lawyers are proud to represent car accident victims throughout the state of Ohio. Our team works together to build our clients’ cases, which can include:
- Examining your accident and documenting your damages to demonstrate the value of your losses
- Handling all communications and paperwork on your behalf
- Identifying the liable party or parties involved in your case
- Attending meetings to negotiate a potential settlement deal
- Representing you at trial if necessary
- Advising you throughout your legal journey
It is important to note that Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10 explains that a general two-year statute of limitations applies to personal injury lawsuits in Ohio. Failing to take legal action within this timeframe could mean that your case is dismissed. Some circumstances could alter this deadline as well.
Also, our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This arrangement means that you do not need to pay us attorney’s fees unless and until you are awarded compensation.
A Lawyer at the Fitch Law Firm LLC Can Handle Your Accident Case for You
You are never alone in your legal battle when you work with an attorney from the Fitch Law Firm LLC. We want to fight for a settlement that is fair to you. However, if a “minor” accident results in minor, soft tissue injuries, we will generally recommend another law firm, as we generally do not accept these cases.
Call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (614) 545-3930 for a free consultation. A member of our team is standing by to discuss your case and answer your questions.