Two crashes that look alike on paper can settle for wildly different amounts — the details are what move the number.
Severity and Permanence of Injury
The single biggest driver of value is the nature of the injury. A soft-tissue strain that heals in weeks is worth far less than a permanent injury requiring lifelong care. Catastrophic injuries are also exempt from Ohio's non-economic damage cap.
Clarity of Liability
A rear-end crash with a clear at-fault driver settles more favorably than a disputed intersection collision. Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (R.C. § 2315.33), so contested fault lowers offers.
Quality of Documentation
Consistent medical treatment, thorough records, and proof of lost income strengthen a claim. Gaps in treatment and missing documentation give insurers room to discount.
Available Insurance
Ohio requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, plus $25,000 in property damage — minimums that rarely cover a serious injury.
Injured in Ohio? Get a free, confidential case review. No obligation, and no fee unless you win. Call 973-566-5599.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed Ohio attorney.