How Long Do You Have to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Ohio?

The Ohio State Highway Patrol reported over 252,600 car crashes in our state in 2024, most of which involved property damage or minor injuries only. In those cases, obtaining a fair settlement is often straightforward. Sadly, this is likely not the case for the thousands of people injured or the families of people killed in car accidents in Ohio each year. In these cases, the steps to obtain a full and fair Ohio car accident settlement may require the assistance of an experienced lawyer.

Serious Injury Can Complicate the Ohio Car Accident Settlement Process

Serious, life-altering injuries can complicate the process of seeking a settlement after a car wreck in Ohio, but even seemingly minor injuries can have long-term consequences. It is a good idea to talk to an attorney if you have sustained:

• Whiplash or another soft tissue injury
• Fractured or crushed bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Internal organ damage

Medical bills, lost income, and ongoing rehabilitation costs can pile up quickly, making swift action necessary. This makes understanding the timeline for an Ohio car accident settlement all the more important. The lawyers at Burg Simpson are here to help.

Need Help With an Ohio Car Accident Settlement?

If you have been injured or a loved one has died in a car accident, call Burg Simpson at 513-852-5600 to schedule a FREE and confidential case review with one of our Ohio car accident lawyers. Based in Cincinnati, our attorneys serve individuals and families living throughout Ohio.

The Ohio Car Accident Settlement Statute of Limitations

Ohio law typically gives you two years to file a claim for injuries and property damage resulting from a car crash. The same two-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims arising from fatal car accidents. However, some key exceptions might allow claims to be filed after this time has passed. These include:

• Minor Plaintiffs. If the victim was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, the two-year clock does not start until their 18th birthday.
• Mental Incapacity. If the victim suffers mental incapacity, the statute of limitations may be paused until capacity is restored.
• At-Fault Driver Hides. Time the liable party spends out of state or in hiding does not count toward the two-year limit.

Under most circumstances, your claim for an Ohio car accident settlement needs to be started within two years of the accident, but there is no set limit on how long it will take to settle. The sooner you get in touch with a qualified car accident lawyer, the faster they can get to work on settling your claim.

At Burg Simpson, our Ohio car accident lawyers are ready to get to work on your case right away. Even if you suspect the time limit has passed, we can evaluate your case free of cost and obligation to help you determine the best course of action.

The Ohio Car Accident Settlement Process

When a car accident is minor, with minimal injury or just damage to the vehicle, the settlement process might involve little more than contacting your insurer and filing a claim. However, it is still a good idea to talk to a lawyer before you accept an offer from insurance. Unless your damages are minimal, there is a chance your settlement may be insufficient to cover all of your damages. Talking to an attorney first helps to ensure you are not cheated out of compensation you are owed.

When you hire a lawyer for your Ohio car accident settlement claim, the process starts with a free consultation. This visit gives you an opportunity to tell your story, learn about your options, and decide if a law firm is a good fit. It gives your potential lawyer the opportunity to discuss timelines, the filing process, contingency fee structures, and other issues that will need to be understood before you decide to move forward.

While each case is unique, once you hire a lawyer, the process of filing a car accident claim in Ohio is fairly standard. Under most circumstances, your lawyer will:

• Investigate the accident and gather evidence to support your claim.
• Evaluate your damages, including current and future financial losses and non-economic concerns such as pain and suffering.
• Send a demand letter outlining the evidence for your claim.
• Negotiate with insurance companies to attempt a settlement.
• Take your case to court when negotiations fail to produce results.

How Long Does the Average Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?

An Ohio car accident settlement can often be reached in a few months to a year. When cases require litigation in front of a judge or jury, they can take significantly longer. All the same, taking a settlement is not always the right course of action.

During your complimentary case review with one of our experienced lawyers, we can discuss the settlement process to help you understand what may be required to secure the compensation you deserve.

Burg Simpson Can Help With Your Ohio Car Accident Settlement

Founded in 1976, Burg Simpson is an award-winning law firm with multiple award-winning attorneys. Known for our thorough investigative process, comprehensive case preparation, and unyielding approach to negotiation and litigation, we are here to take your case, protect your interests, and help you pursue maximum compensation.

We work to resolve car accident claims as quickly as possible, but not at the expense of justice. If a reasonable car accident settlement can be reached during negotiations, there will be no need to take your case further. But if you are being treated unfairly, shortchanged, or denied, our proven litigators can take your case as far as needed to help you secure the compensation you are owed.

As a firm, we are trusted by our clients and respected by our peers, but we do not let past success or praise detract from our goal of helping each of our clients get justice. When you work with us, you will always be treated with respect, kept informed of all proceedings, and protected from insurance companies and defense attorneys who may try to force you to accept less than is fair. We have built our reputation by providing injured Ohioans personalized and aggressive legal representation. If you have been hurt and need help, we are here to take your call, walk you through the Ohio car accident settlement process, and help you determine how best to proceed.

Schedule Your FREE Ohio Car Accident Settlement Consultation Today

You have as long as you need to settle a car accident claim in Ohio, but you do not have forever to file one. The clock starts ticking the moment vehicles collide. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed in a car crash, contact Burg Simpson right away for a FREE case evaluation to learn how we can help. We serve Columbus, Cleveland, Akron, and all areas of Ohio from our offices in Cincinnati.