If you’ve been hit by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or who has too little insurance to cover the costs of your injuries, you may be wondering what to do next. Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people in Dayton, OH, find themselves in this situation every year. Fortunately, there are experienced uninsured & underinsured motorist lawyers who can help you get the compensation you deserve. These attorneys know how to deal with the insurance companies, and they’ll make sure that you’re treated fairly.
Insurance is important for all motorists. It’s what we rely on when we need to cover enormous hospital bills after an accident. Even though motorists in Ohio are required to carry insurance, some drivers ignore the law, can’t afford insurance, or purchase minimal amounts. When motorists don’t carry enough insurance, they’re rarely ever hurting themselves—they’re hurting the people they strike in an accident. Victims often have to turn to their own insurance company to provide financial coverage for their damages, which can be a difficult and confusing process without the right kind of help.
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is vital that you understand what coverage you and the other party have and how that coverage works. Our attorneys at The Attkisson Law Firm in Dayton have handled hundreds of motor vehicle accident cases, including those involving uninsured and underinsured motorists (UM/UIM). We will handle the claims process for you so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call us at (937) 400-0000 to see how we can help your case.
When a negligent driver injures you in a car accident, they are typically responsible for the damages. This includes your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if the negligent driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may be able to make a claim against your own insurance policy. Your own insurance company is required by law to provide uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage in the event that you are injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This coverage will pay for your damages up to the limits of your policy.
When the driver does not carry enough insurance or has no insurance, the victim may be left dealing with the aftermath. If the victim has underinsured motorist coverage in their insurance plan, this policy can be used to supplement what the at-fault driver’s insurance does not cover.
For example, you are hit by a driver and incur $50,000 in medical bills. The liable driver has the minimal $25,000 coverage amount, which means you are left with $25,000 of bills unpaid. The driver in this scenario is “underinsured” because their policy cannot cover all of your damages. If you have a UM/UIM policy, then your own insurance company can pay the remaining $25,000 for you, assuming your policy cap is at least that much.
If you do not have this coverage and are in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, the effects can be financially devastating. You will be responsible for any medical care and property damage that has not been covered via an insurance policy.
All Ohio motorists are required to carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.
The minimum policy limits to meet legal guidelines are:
Because state law does not require drivers to carry additional coverage, however, many don’t get extra coverage simply because it’s an added expense they might not be able to afford. Even though there are good intentions behind Ohio’s bodily injury coverage, it’s often not enough to cover the injuries victims suffer in a crash. In serious rear-end and head-on collisions, or crashes involving semi-trucks and other vehicles, victims may suffer incredibly serious injuries that can total hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses. The $25,000 minimum may cover only a fraction of the total costs of all necessary treatments.
If an at-fault driver doesn’t have an additional policy or, worse, has fled the scene of an accident, it’s the victim — or the victim’s insurance provider—who is left footing the bill. Hit-and-run drivers are treated the same as uninsured drivers since an unidentifiable driver is essentially an uninsured one.
As a canny driver, you already follow the rules you need to on the roadways. But when you are injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you should be prepared and know what steps to take. Here are some tips for handling an accident with an uninsured driver:
Being in an accident with an uninsured driver can be a costly and difficult experience. By knowing what to do and by having the right insurance policy, you can help ensure that you are protected in these situations. If you do not have this coverage and are in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver, the effects can affect your finances and cause larger problems down the road.
If you have been injured in an accident, you may be wondering how a personal injury attorney can help you. A personal injury attorney can help you file a claim against the person or company responsible for your injuries. They can also help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company. If you decide to go to court, your personal injury attorney will represent you in court.
Our knowledgeable counsel can negotiate for you. Our lawyers have more than 40 years of collective experience in negotiating with insurance companies. We will help you understand what your policy covers and help you determine what compensation you deserve. If you were the victim of a hit-and-run accident or are struggling to pay back hospital bills because the at-fault driver carried only minimal insurance, The Attkisson Law Firm in Dayton, Ohio, can help. Call us at (937) 400-0000 to schedule your free initial consultation.
