In Ohio, it’s required by law to be insured with minimum liability insurance if you are driving on the road. However, there are many motorists who knowingly or unknowingly get on Toledo roads without the necessary coverage. Some drivers may allow their insurance policy to lapse if their license has been suspended, and in reality, they should not be on the road at all.
Whatever the situation, if a driver on the road causes a crash that injures other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bike riders or anyone else, they should ideally be held liable for the cost of damages. Unfortunately, without insurance that may not be a realistic option.
Some uninsured drivers may have assets, savings accounts, collectibles or property that can be liquidated to defray the costs of damages they cause. Negligence on the road is punishable by law, but that doesn’t necessarily help the victim who is dealing with high unexpected medical costs and property damage. Exploring multiple options for payment is the best way to recover damages from accidents with uninsured and underinsured Ohio drivers.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured Ohio driver, you should consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer. Our qualified accident attorneys can evaluate your case at no cost to you to determine if you can recover damages from the crash and the best path to get the compensation you deserve. Call
1-800-411-PAIN for a free consultation.
What Happens if You Are in an Accident Caused by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?
With a one in ten chance of getting into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Ohio, there are a couple of options available.
If you have uninsured or underinsured (UM/UIM) driver’s insurance, then you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company to recover damages (up to your policy limit). UM/UIM coverage insurance is specifically for situations where you get into an accident with a driver who either doesn’t have insurance or whose insurance policy will not cover the cost of damages caused.
The other option is to consult with an experienced Ohio car accident lawyer. If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage and the driver is uninsured, it may be difficult to receive compensation for damages. With an auto accident lawyer on your team, they may be able to find other ways to pay for the damages, such as from liquidated assets.
While most people don’t usually think of hiring a personal injury lawyer to deal with their own insurance company, it’s not always a bad idea in uninsured motorist cases. Your own insurance company may be looking for ways to devalue your claim, so getting legal assistance can be beneficial if you don’t feel your claim is being treated fairly.
Call
1-800-411-PAIN to learn if we’re a good fit for your case.