If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and another party is responsible, you likely expect the other party to pay for the resulting damages. Obstacles in payment can arise, however, when a driver is not insured or does not have adequate insurance coverage to pay for the resulting costs. The Insurance Information Institute even reports that more than 13% of motor vehicle drivers in Ohio are uninsured. Fortunately, in the case of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, drivers still have options to pursue compensation. To utilize this coverage, it is a wise idea to understand some important details about these policies as well as to obtain the assistance of a skilled accident attorney.
Motor vehicle drivers are required by Ohio law to carry “liability” insurance, which covers bodily injury as well as property damage due to accidents caused by the drivers. When a motor vehicle driver causes an accident, this insurance covers damages experienced by parties that were not at fault. Drivers who do not have liability insurance are classified as uninsured, while a driver who has coverage that does not meet these limits are classified as underinsured. To avoid the category of uninsured or underinsured, drivers in Ohio are required to carry insurance that has:
If you are a motorist who was injured in an accident with a person who is either uninsured or underinsured and have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you are fortunately able to initiate a claim with your own insurance company. This type of insurance coverage is optional in Ohio but highly recommended because it can be particularly helpful.
After filing an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim on your policy, your insurance carrier will pay for the costs that the at-fault driver is not capable of covering. Your insurance rates will not be affected by filing this type of claim. Your insurance company will attempt to collect money from the responsible driver. If an accident victim decides to initiate a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party, compensation obtained in the trial might be used to pay back the insurance carrier.
If you decide to claim the accident on your policy, it is important to note that you will still need to provide proof of responsibility and losses to your insurance company. To navigate these issues with insurance carriers, many people find it helpful to retain the services of a knowledgeable accident attorney who can help navigate the various obstacles that arise.
Collecting compensation when uninsured or underinsured motorist accidents occur can be challenging. In these situations, it is often a wise idea to speak with a seasoned accident attorney who has experience dealing with insurance companies and pursuing matters in a court of law. At Kruger & Hodges, we can help you obtain the results that you deserve. We also understand how devastating car accidents can be and will remain committed to fighting for your rights. Contact our firm today to schedule an initial free case evaluation.
