If there were multiple injured people in your car accident, your options depend on your situation. For example, according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, all motorists must carry at least $50,000 for all people’s injuries in one collision. So, if your and your passengers’ damages cost less than $50,000, you could resolve your case via that avenue.
However, if your damages exceed the at-fault party’s insurance limits, you could file a lawsuit to seek what you need. This can get admittedly complicated. So, you may consider the benefits of partnering with a car accident lawyer near you.
Recovering Damages for Multiple Victims in a Car Accident Case
No two victims of a car accident will have the same set of recoverable damages. For example, the vehicle’s owner can recover damages for repairing or replacing their vehicle, but passengers would not.
In general, all victims can recover the following economic damages:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Past, present, and future income loss
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Treatment-related travel expenses
- Property repair or replacement
- Diminished property value
Each injured party’s recoverable non-economic damages can include the following:
- Physical impairment
- Physical disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Diminished quality of life
If one of the occupants of the collision did not survive the accident, a personal representative can file a wrongful death action. This will help qualifying family members recover their loved one’s funeral and burial expenses, the loss of their loved one’s household contributions, and a wide range of additional losses.
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The Statute of Limitations May Differ for Each Person Injured in the Accident
When you are represented by a personal injury attorney, they will take time to explain what you should and should not do after the accident. We start by reviewing your case, determining its potential value, and explaining the probable filing deadline.
The filing deadline can vary from client to client, even for people injured in the same car and in the same accident. Consider the following:
- Victims who suffered personal injuries will have a distinct filing deadline––generally two years from the date of the collision.
- The personal representative of fatally injured parties will have a different statute of limitations––typically two years from the date of the decedent’s passing.
- Anyone in your car who was under the age of 18 will have yet another statute of limitations. Their filing deadline would begin when they reach the age of majority.
Various additional factors can cause the statute of limitations to fluctuate. Your attorney will ensure the statute of limitations is accurately interpreted in your case. They will also make sure your lawsuit is filed on time if a lawsuit is necessary.
Each Injured Party Should Document Their Specific Injuries
As noted, everyone in your accident will have a different set of recoverable damages. For instance, a passenger with a traumatic brain injury could recover more than someone who suffered a broken arm.
By documenting the details of your accident, you can pursue the specific damages you need. If possible, you should record:
- Your position in the vehicle
- Where the vehicle was struck
- Each person’s general health
- Whether your accident caused you to miss work
- The physical and emotional injuries you sustained
Your lawyer will help each party assess their individual injuries and document their specific treatment plan.
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Consider Partnering With a Lawyer Following a Collision
To seek compensation for anyone injured in the accident, you must prove negligence. Doing this on your own can get confusing. So, you should consider partnering with a car accident lawyer who can manage your case. They can establish:
- The at-fault driver owed each person in your car a duty of care.
- The at-fault driver breached their responsibility to provide it.
- Their actions were the cause of the accident and resulting injuries.
- The accident had financial consequences for each injured party.
Proof of these elements of negligence will allow you to file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Your Lawyer Will Collect Evidence That Proves the At-Fault Driver’s Negligence
Whether you file an injury claim or lawsuit, you need information to support your case. This information could comprise:
- Medical records
- Medical bills and other injury-related receipts
- A written prognosis
- Your employment records
- The car accident report
- Photos of your injuries and the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction data
Your lawyer will do more than collect this supporting evidence. They will also ensure it accounts for each person’s losses in the collision.
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Get a Free Review of Your Multiple Injury Car Accident Case Today
If you and multiple people in your car were injured in an accident, our personal injury law firm will help you seek financial compensation. We will review the circumstances of your case, prove the at-fault driver’s liability, and ensure each injured party’s case gets the attention to detail it deserves.
When you are ready to get help with your complex case, contact Bressman Law for a free consultation.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
