Ohio Uninsured Motorist Coverage Law
In the state of Ohio, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle without a minimum amount of liability insurance which is at least $25,000. Even so, at least 13 percent of all Ohio drivers drive without having auto insurance. These drivers may be unable to afford auto insurance or may have DUIs or other types of driving infractions on their record that either prohibit them from obtaining auto insurance or makes their insurance so expensive that it is entirely unaffordable.
If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, it is important that you speak to an Ohio uninsured motorist coverage lawyer from Kruger & Hodges as quickly as possible, so your rights are properly protected. Uninsured motorist claims can be complex and time-consuming. You do not want to be left injured, with a damaged vehicle, through no fault of your own and unable to collect an insurance settlement.
It is not required in the state of Ohio that you purchase uninsured motorist coverage; you generally are given the option to decline or opt-in to uninsured motorist coverage when you purchase your insurance. If you did purchase UIM coverage, and the at-fault driver is uninsured, then you may be able to file with your insurance company under your UIM coverage. Your insurer is not allowed to raise your rates when you file under UIM, so their goal is to offer you a very low settlement.
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Who is Liable for a Middletown Uninsured Motorist Accident?
When the police come to investigate your accident—and later, if the insurance company does its own investigation—the at-fault party will be identified. The police officer will ask for proof of insurance, and if the other driver does not have this proof, the police officer will likely tell you the driver is uninsured. In truth, the sooner you know the driver is uninsured, the quicker you can plan accordingly. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it works like a “backup” insurance policy.
Once you tell your insurance company that the other driver is uninsured, it may begin its own investigation to determine the other driver’s insurance status. Under your UIM coverage, your medical bills and property damage is covered up to the limits of your insurance company. Once you have a Middletown, Ohio uninsured motorist coverage attorney from Kruger & Hodges in your corner, the decision may be made to sue the uninsured driver. Unfortunately, in many cases, a driver that has no insurance may have no assets that can be seized or wages that can be garnished.
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What is the Process Following an Accident with a Middletown Uninsured Motorist?
If you have been hit by an uninsured motorist, you will essentially follow the same process as if the other driver were insured, up to a point. You will call 911 to get the police and an ambulance to the scene of the accident. The police will ask questions of both drivers and possibly question any witnesses to the accident as well. If you were injured in the accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention.
When you are involved in an auto accident, adrenaline floods your body and can mask symptoms of injury. If you are medically able, take photos of the scene of the accident and obtain contact information from potential witnesses.
Once you are home, write down every detail you can remember regarding the accident. Even the smallest detail could be important for your attorney as he or she builds your case. Keep a file with every medical receipt related to your accident injuries and be sure you follow all advice from your doctor. Normally at this point, you would call your insurance company simply to let them know about the accident.
If you have UIM coverage, you will be calling them to file a claim under that coverage. Remember, even though this is your insurance company, their goal is not to ensure you receive a fair settlement, rather it is their financial bottom line. This means that your next task should be to contact an experienced Middletown, Ohio uninsured motorist coverage attorney from Kruger & Hodges. Your Kruger & Hodges attorney will be your advocate, helping you obtain a fair settlement that fully covers your damages.
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What Issues Might You Encounter Following an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist?
As noted, being hit by an uninsured motorist can result in many different issues that can drag out the amount of time your case may take. Your insurance company is unlikely to treat you any differently than they would treat anyone else, even though you are their client. Having a strong legal advisor by your side can make the process much simpler for you.
At Kruger & Hodges, we understand that you need a settlement as quickly as possible to pay for your injuries and other damages. Our attorneys will be there for you, no matter the twists and turns your claim might take. Having an Ohio uninsured motorist coverage attorney from Kruger & Hodges to anticipate and deal with these issues can make the process exponentially easier.
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When Should You File Your Uninsured Motorist Claim?
You should file your uninsured motorist claim with your insurer as quickly as possible following your accident. Once you have spoken to a Middletown, Ohio uninsured motorist coverage attorney from Kruger & Hodges, he or she will answer your questions and decide when to file your claim. In some instances, your attorney may want to wait until your doctor is certain about how long the treatments for your injuries can be expected to last before a claim is filed.
In any case, your attorney will ensure your claim is filed within Ohio’s statutes of limitations—the window of time you have in which to file a claim for damages following your accident. In Ohio, the statute of limitations for an automobile accident is two years from the date of the accident, however, the sooner you file your claim, the sooner you can receive the money you need and deserve following your auto accident.
How Kruger & Hodges Can Help with Ohio Uninsured Motorist Coverage
When you choose an Ohio uninsured motorist coverage lawyer from Kruger & Hodges, you have taken an important first step toward ensuring you receive a fair settlement for your injuries and other damages. While some law firms will try to quickly negotiate a so-so settlement on your behalf so they can move on to the next case, we see our clients as real people—people that need help and need the maximum settlement in order to move forward with their lives. We will begin helping you by carefully analyzing each detail of your case. We will then determine your actual damages to this point, your future damages, and your pain and suffering—for your physical pain as well as your emotional pain and trauma.
The Kruger & Hodges attorneys understand that life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes, the worst-case scenario becomes a reality, and you are left injured by an uninsured motorist, feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. We also understand that it can be difficult to find an attorney you feel comfortable with and can truly trust.
We believe once you talk to us about your uninsured motorist accident, you will know that we are a firm you can trust. We are accessible, providing clients access to our personal cell phones, and we are committed to fully answering all your questions regarding your claim. Do not try to do this alone—contact Kruger & Hodges to help get your life back on track.
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