When a person dies in a car accident in Ohio, an insurance company may have to pay for accident-related expenses and losses. The at-fault party’s insurance limits may serve as a factor in determining how much compensation you could collect after the loss of a loved one.
For example, if the negligent driver only purchased the minimum amount of auto insurance required by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, surviving family members (such as the decedent’s spouse or child) may only be entitled to collect up to $25,000 for the death of one person and $25,000 for property damage. Oftentimes those who carry such low limits have no significant assets.
How Much Will the Insurance Company Pay When a Person Suffers Fatal Injuries in a Motor Vehicle Accident in Ohio?
As previously mentioned, one factor may be the amount of liability coverage the at-fault party purchased. Another factor to consider is the amount of uninsured motorist coverage you have.
What if the At-Fault Driver Is Underinsured or Uninsured?
Despite Ohio’s strict auto insurance laws, not all drivers are insured or carry an adequate amount of coverage. In fact, the Ohio Department of Insurance estimates that 15% of Ohio drivers are not insured, and that percentage is even higher in various parts of the state.
If your loved one was killed in a car accident in Ohio that was caused by an underinsured or uninsured motorist, there may be civil remedies available to help you recover compensation for your loss. One of those remedies is to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Filing a Wrongful Death Lawsuit for a Car Accident in Ohio
If the negligent driver’s insurance limits aren’t enough to cover the losses that the surviving family members are seeking, the at-fault party is at risk of paying personally.
When you work with our firm, we will also determine how much time you have to file your lawsuit. The state’s statute of limitations, outlined in Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02, notes that you have two years to file your car accident lawsuit. The sooner you reach out to our firm, the sooner we can help you.
What Types of Damages Are Awarded in Ohio Wrongful Death Cases?
When you file a wrongful death lawsuit in the state of Ohio, you may be awarded certain damages, including:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of support
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of services
- Mental anguish
- Your loved one’s medical expenses
One of our wrongful death attorneys can review your case and identify the types of damages you might be entitled to.
The Insurer May Try to Make an Unreasonably Low Offer
In many cases, the insurance company will attempt to pay you less than you deserve. It may also attempt to blame your loved one for the accident or claim that they contributed to their injuries, or otherwise make a low offer.
Our wrongful death attorneys are well aware of the tactics that insurance companies may use to devalue a case. We know how to fight and protect your interests. Our legal team will determine a value for your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
You Deserve Fair Compensation for Your Loss
Our wrongful death accident lawyers know that no amount of money can bring back your loved one. Still, you deserve to honor their memory correctly, and your family doesn’t deserve to struggle in their absence. While you grieve in peace with your family members, we can fight for the amount you deserve.
We Will Be
There To Help
You All The Way
Do I Have to Pay For Help From a Wrongful Death Lawyer?
You may be wondering how you will handle any more unexpected expenses and bills, especially if you lost the breadwinner for your family. You do not pay us unless we recover compensation for your wrongful death case.
If you do not receive a settlement or court award, then you do not have to pay us a fee.
Connect With Us Now to Learn More About Your Legal Rights After Losing a Loved One in a Car Accident
After losing someone close to you, such as a child or spouse, you may not know who to turn to for help or what your legal rights are. Can you sue the driver who fatally injured your loved one? Can you press charges? What forms of legal recourse can you take so that justice is served?
If you’ve been asking yourself these questions or aren’t sure what the insurance company should pay after a person is killed in a car accident in Ohio, the Fitch Law Firm LLC is here to help. We have offices in Columbus, Dayton, Cincinnati, Marion, and Springfield to serve you. Call us today for your free consultation.