After suffering a car wreck caused by someone else, you may have legal options for pursuing compensation to cover your losses. These are known as recoverable damages and can include everything from medical expenses to loss of income to pain and suffering.
If you were recently injured in a traffic collision, reach out to a knowledgeable Columbus car accident attorney at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy to discuss your case and learn your rights in pursuing a civil suit. Our lawyers can explain the recoverable damages after a Columbus car accident and guide you through the process of getting the restitution you deserve.
What are Economic and Non-Economic Damages for a Car Crash?
Economic damages are the types of losses that have a set dollar amount. This typically includes medical expenses as well as lost wages, if the injured victim is unable to work while they are recovering. Essentially, it is any out-of-pocket expense related to their injuries.
Non-economic damages are all the losses associated with an injury that do not have a set value. These damages are typically related to a victim’s health or well-being, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Aggravation
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Calculating Non-Economic Damages for a Traffic Accident
Non-economic damages are the hardest to calculate, as the value of someone’s pain and suffering is subjective. These damages are defined by a jury in a civil claim, or an insurance company in the case of a settlement.
If an insurance company does not offer a sufficient amount of non-economic damages, a car accident victim will need to work with an attorney to determine the full value of their case and fight for a fair amount of compensation. The dedicated lawyers at our Columbus office could help a victim calculate their recoverable damages and protect their rights throughout the traffic collision case.
Damages Covered by Auto Insurance
Auto insurance will cover the economic and non-economic damages up to the amount of the policy for the at-fault party. Punitive damages are not covered by auto insurance policies, but the insurance company will try to protect their insured from being exposed to those types of damages. Accordingly, they may defend their insured or offer an additional amount to settle the case without going to court. A skilled car wreck lawyer at our firm could advise a victim on whether an insurance settlement offer accurately reflects their recoverable damages.
Damage Caps for Columbus Car Accident Cases
Damage caps in Ohio are currently set at its cap floor. Non-economic losses cannot be more than $250,000 or three times the amount of economic losses, up to $350,000. However, there are certain exceptions to the damage cap for permanent and substantial injuries. Our experienced local attorneys could advise recovering the maximum available amount for a traffic collision.
How to Recover Compensation for a Vehicular Collision
A lawyer plays a huge role in recovering compensation on behalf of a car crash victim. At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our legal team could collect all available evidence and assist with getting the victim the medical treatment they need. This may involve speaking with the doctor for their medical narrative or locating witnesses to the crash.
Additionally, a knowledgeable lawyer at our Columbus office could review a victim’s insurance policies to determine the coverage for car accident damages. Gathering this information is crucial in building a strong civil claim for compensation or fighting for a fair settlement.
Work with a Columbus Attorney to Recover Car Accident Damages
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our role is to collect and preserve the available evidence after a car crash to give you the best chances of comprehensive recovery. We will fight to ensure that you receive appropriate care and work to recover the compensation you are entitled to. Call us today to learn more about recoverable damages after a Columbus car accident and discuss what may be possible in your circumstances.
