The types of compensation you can recover after an accident include economic (tangible damages) and non-economic (intangible damages). These include medical bills, lost wages, car damage, pain and suffering, and more. If a family member was fatally injured in an accident, your family can recover additional damages.
On your own, it can be hard to understand what compensation you can expect from a Dayton car accident claim. You do not have to assess and document your case without legal guidance and support. A Dayton car accident lawyer will explain the specific compensation you can recover based on the details of your case.
Economic Compensation You Can Expect From a Dayton Car Accident Claim
A car accident can leave you with various recoverable economic damages. These are the damages that have—or can have—an out-of-pocket cost. They typically include:
- Medical expenses, including rehab, therapy, assistive medical devices, and in-home support
- Loss of income, including full and part-time wages and missed bonuses and benefits
- Property damage, including car repairs or replacement if your car is deemed a total loss
Your legal team will work hard to maximize your personal injury settlement. They will carefully assess the details of your case to help you avoid inadvertently overlooking or omitting any damages you are entitled to recover.
Non-Economic Compensation You Can Expect From a Dayton Car Accident Claim
You can also recover intangible damages that are more difficult to assess and document on your own. These typically include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement and disability
- Diminished quality of life
Your lawyer will collect tangible documentation of these intangible costs, including testimonials from medical experts. They may also request a statement from you about the toll the accident has taken on your life and physical and emotional health.
Wrongful Death Damages from a Dayton Car Accident Claim
If your family lost a loved one in a car accident, you can request wrongful death compensation. These damages can include:
- Funeral, burial, or cremation expenses
- Loss of your loved one’s income
- Loss of your loved one’s household support
- Loss of consortium and affection
- Loss of companionship and guidance
Your lawyer will explain who can file a wrongful death action in Ohio and which family members can recover damages.
How to Prove the Monetary Value of Your Car Accident Claim in Dayton, Ohio
When they request damages on your behalf after a car accident, your lawyer will assist you will every aspect of dealing with the insurance company. In addition to a settlement demand letter, your attorney will provide the following proof of the value of your compensation request:
- Medical bills from all treatment facilities
- Tax records and other proof of income
- Vehicle repair or replacement estimates
Your lawyer will also collect documents that support the value of your non-economic damages. They will compile and organize evidence and submit it to the at-fault driver and their insurance company on your behalf.
Proving a Negligent Driver in Dayton Bears Financial Liability for Your Accident
To prove the at-fault driver is responsible for compensating you, your lawyer will prove their negligence, carelessness, or recklessness caused the accident. That means proving the elements of negligence—duty of care, breach of duty, causation, and damages.
The evidence they collect to prove negligence can include:
- Medical records
- First responder reports
- Salary history records
- Car accident report
- Photos and videos
- Accident reconstruction
- Witness statements
Your personal injury lawyer will not tax you or your family with this potentially daunting process. They will gather evidence for you and fight hard to resolve your car accident claim with a settlement rather than a trial.
A Car Accident Lawyer Serving Dayton Can Clarify the Ohio Statute of Limitations
In Ohio, you generally have two years to file your personal injury lawsuit, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.10. Similarly, the wrongful death statute of limitations is also two years, according to Ohio Revised Code Section 2125.02.
If the filing deadline expires, you could inadvertently forfeit the right to hold the at-fault driver financially accountable for their actions. Because the filing deadline can fluctuate, filing your lawsuit on time can also be complicated. Your legal team will help you understand the applicable date based on the at-fault party’s age, the at-fault driver’s actions, and other factors of your case.
Often, the cost of hiring a personal injury lawyer is nothing upfront or out of your own pocket. Instead, they will accept your case on a contingency fee basis, receiving compensation only after they recover it for you. This fee structure can help you get started right away and avoid a potentially costly delay.
Additional Benefits of Working With a Car Accident Attorney Serving Dayton
Working with a car accident lawyer versus on your own can mean you can focus on getting better without compromising the timing of your case. Your lawyer will take the following actions on your behalf:
- Handle insurance claim forms and court paperwork
- Locate and interview lay and expert witnesses
- Communicate with all relevant parties in your case
- Canvass the accident scene for photos and video
- Clarify legal and insurance language and jargon
- Answer any of your legal questions and concerns
They will also handle the negotiation process from start to finish. They will scrutinize each settlement offer and explain its benefits and limitations. Your legal team will also provide you with regular updates on your case. They will notify you as they build your case and throughout the negotiations.
Learn More About Your Dayton Car Accident Compensation Options
If you or someone you love was involved in a recent accident, our law firm can help you understand what compensation you can expect from a Dayton car accident claim. We will also explain the financial recovery process and the steps we take to fight for fair and appropriate compensation for you.
We want to hear about your claim from you, not from reading documents. Contact our consultation team at The Fitch Law Firm LLC to get started today.