What Happens After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver in Ohio?
One of the reasons drivers in Ohio carry car auto insurance is to ensure that the policy can pay for the medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses they or others suffer if they’re at fault in an accident. But when one of the drivers involved in an accident doesn’t have insurance, there might be no way for the person who wasn’t at fault to recover what they are owed.
When this happens, the driver might be forced to turn to their insurance policy or pay out of pocket for an accident they didn’t cause. It’s a situation nobody wants to find themselves in, but it happens every day in Ohio.
If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured driver in Ohio, contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law. Our Ohio uninsured motorist attorneys have decades of experience helping crash victims navigate the insurance system and recover the money they need. We can explain your options for recovering compensation and help you maximize the value of your claim. For more information, reach out to us today for a free initial consultation.
Uninsured Motorist Laws in Ohio
According to the Ohio Department of Insurance, all drivers must carry auto insurance coverage that meets specific requirements or prove that they can meet the financial responsibility of being involved in a crash. There are two ways for drivers to make sure they are following these laws:
- Minimum car insurance — If a driver chooses to purchase auto insurance, the minimum requirements are $25,000 per individual or $50,000 per accident in bodily liability coverage. Ohio also requires $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. Drivers can opt for higher policy limits or additional coverage if they want.
- Proof of financial responsibility — If a driver chooses not to purchase auto insurance, they can put up a bond with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Before a driver without insurance can legally take their car on the road, they must have a certificate showing they have a $30,000 bond on file with the State Treasurer, a certificate of self-insurance from the BMV, or a $30,000 bond issued by an authorized insurance company.
Most drivers choose to purchase insurance rather than go through the complicated bond process. Not meeting these insurance requirements is illegal and could result in a suspended driver’s license. An uninsured driver could face additional penalties if involved in an accident that causes injuries or death.
Ohio does not require drivers to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, though the state does require insurers to offer these types of coverage. It’s generally a good idea to have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you can afford it. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver and do not have uninsured motorist coverage, you could be in serious financial trouble.
What Options Do I Have if I’ve Been in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
There are a few ways you can pursue compensation for your injuries if you have been involved in an uninsured driver accident. Those options include the following:
- Filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own auto insurance company — If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your own insurance company should cover your medical bills, lost income, damaged property, and other losses up to your policy limits.
- Filing a claim with your health insurance company — If you have health insurance through your employer or an individual policy, you can file a claim to cover your medical bills and some of your losses. Dealing with multiple insurance companies can be frustrating, but it’s better than paying for all of the losses out of your pocket.
- Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver — You cannot file an insurance claim against an uninsured driver. However, you may still have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. An uninsured motorist attorney can help you gather evidence and pursue the compensation you need from the at-fault driver.
What To Do in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver
Here’s what you need to do if you’re involved in an uninsured driver accident:
- Exchange information — Get the other driver’s name, driver’s license number, and license plate number. You’ll need this information if you file a personal injury lawsuit later.
- Watch out in case the driver tries to flee the scene — Many uninsured drivers try to escape the crash scene because they know they’ll be in trouble if they are caught without insurance.
- Call the police — They can file an accident report you can submit to your insurance company. They can also go after the uninsured driver if they try to flee the scene.
- Document evidence — Take pictures of the damage to all the vehicles involved and your injuries.
- See a doctor — Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Document losses — Hold on to your medical records, proof of lost income, bills, receipts, and other documentation associated with the crash, your injuries, and other expenses. If you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you’ll need this evidence.
- Speak to a car accident attorney as soon as possible — They can discuss your situation and review your options to help determine the best course of action.
Talk to an Experienced Uninsured Motorist Attorney in Ohio Today
Contact the Akron car accident lawyer at Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law if you’ve been injured in a collision involving an uninsured motorist. We have extensive experience handling these types of cases. Our Ohio car accident lawyers are ready to discuss the specifics of your case when you call us for a free consultation.
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At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we only represent consumers. We fight for regular people who have been seriously hurt in accidents. We fight for people who are being crushed by overwhelming debt and need a fresh start. We fight for individuals and families. Never businesses. Never insurance companies. We are loyal to the consumer.
