{"id":375611,"date":"2016-10-27T12:38:46","date_gmt":"2016-10-27T17:38:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-car-accident-compensation-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-02-26T16:06:17","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T21:06:17","slug":"ohio-car-accident-compensation-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-car-accident-compensation-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Car Accident Compensation Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Car Accident Compensation Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Whether you’re in a minor accident or a severe head-on collision, determining who is at fault for the accident is difficult. It’s only fair that the injured persons get compensation for their injuries. For that to happen, you must know Ohio’s car accident compensation<\/a> laws.<\/p>\r\n

Ohio law dictates how much accident victims can recover in motor vehicle accidents. It also outlines how to pursue damages if you get hurt in a car crash. Here, we will discuss Ohio car accident laws<\/a> and how they affect your car accident case.<\/p>\r\n

Damages Caps in Ohio<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Every state has laws that dictate how much you can collect in car accident damages<\/a>. Ohio is no different.<\/p>\r\n

Here are the maximum amounts you can demand per the Ohio Revised Code<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Economic damages<\/th>\r\n

Under \u00a7 2315.18(B)(1)<\/a>, there is no limit on economic damages.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Noneconomic damages<\/th>\r\n

Under \u00a7 2315.18(B)(2)<\/a>, the cap for noneconomic damages is $250,000 or three times your economic damages, whichever is greater, subject to a maximum of $350,000 per plaintiff.<\/p>\r\n

Exception: Under \u00a7 2315.18(B)(3)<\/a>, there is no cap if the injured person suffers a catastrophic injury, such as permanent and substantial physical deformity, loss of the use of a limb, or injury that prevents them from caring for themselves and performing life-sustaining activities.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Punitive damages<\/th>\r\n

Under \u00a7 2315.21(D)(2)(a)<\/a>, punitive damages are not to exceed twice your compensatory damages.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Note: State laws are subject to change at any time, usually through new legislation but sometimes through higher court decisions and other means. Contact an Ohio personal injury attorney or conduct legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n

Ohio’s At-Fault Insurance System<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Ohio is an at-fault car insurance<\/a> state, which means the at-fault driver is liable for all losses and damages. So, if you suffer a bodily injury in an auto accident, you have three options:<\/p>\r\n

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  1. File an insurance claim under your own insurance policy.<\/li>\r\n
  2. File an insurance claim directly with the at-fault party’s insurance company.<\/li>\r\n
  3. Pursue a personal injury lawsuit<\/a> against the other driver.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    According to Ohio law<\/a>, the minimum coverage requirements in Ohio are as follows:<\/p>\r\n