Being in a car accident is stressful enough. Just imagine if you discovered that the driver who hit you is uninsured. It happens, unfortunately, and while you may feel that you’re in a hopeless situation, you aren’t. Even if the other driver was uninsured (or underinsured), you may still have recourse. This article will discuss five reasons to contact an uninsured motorist accident lawyer who can explain your rights, discuss how to sue someone without car insurance, and fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Reason #1: Navigating Complex Insurance Claims
Ohio mandates that motorists carry minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for injury or death per person
- $50,000 for injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
These minimums are low, especially if you are hit by someone who carries “state minimum coverage”. There are a few options to pursue have an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident.
Review your policy for Uninsured motorist coverage, which protects you in the scenario where you are injured by a driver without sufficient auto insurance coverage. While Ohio does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, insurers must offer it. If a policyholder doesn’t decline uninsured motorist coverage in writing, it is usually included in a policy.
There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage. The first one is uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM). The two terms can be easily confused, and that’s where an uninsured motorist lawyer can help. If the other driver has no insurance at all, then you will file a claim with your insurance company. Your coverage should compensate you for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses, but having a trusted car accident attorney on your side will help you navigate insurance claims on both sides of the table.
Reason #2: Maximizing Compensation
You may wonder if you can sue an uninsured motorist. Again, this is where a personal injury attorney can help. Since Ohio is an at-fault state, you can sue the other driver. Just keep in mind that most uninsured drivers don’t have the resources to pay a settlement; however, your attorney can go after any assets, such as income from a job, a home, or other property. According to the Insurance Research Counsel, working with a qualified auto accident attorney can result in a 3.5X higher payout.
Other avenues will be investigated, including:
- A vehicle defect or road conditions caused the accident
- If the other driver was drunk, were they overserved at a restaurant or bar
- If the other vehicle was a company vehicle, does the company have coverage?
In other words, don’t give up. An experienced personal injury lawyer will explore every option so you can receive the maximum compensation for your case.
Reason #3: Protecting You Against Insurance Company Tactics
The insurance company’s endgame is to pay out as little as possible for claims. That’s why they may make an initial low-ball offer or even try to minimize your injuries and damage to your vehicle. They may even try to shift the blame back to you. Build a strong defense. For example, that’s why it’s important to seek medical care after the accident. Even if you think your injuries are negligible, they should be recorded in your medical record. Complications from seemingly minor injuries can crop up in the future, and medical documentation will help make the case that you need compensation for ongoing medical care, future lost wages, etc. The more airtight your attorney can make your case, the odds increase of maximizing your compensation. Lastly, if the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, refuse to engage and refer them to your attorney.
Reason #4: Handling Legal and Procedural Deadlines
The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Ohio, which includes under and uninsured motorists, is two years. However, some insurance companies allow up to three years. That’s why it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will be familiar with Ohio law and procedures, will review your policy, gather evidence, contact witnesses, and file your claim on time. The claims process can be lengthy, so the sooner you begin, the better.
Reason #5: Peace of Mind and Advocacy
A personal injury attorney who specializes in auto accident injuries will provide peace of mind and serve as your advocate when you decide to file a claim or sue an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Once you sign a contract for them to represent you, they will handle everything while you focus on recovering.
Columbus Auto Accident Attorneys
If you have suffered an injury from an auto accident, the trusted attorneys at Oliver Law Office can help. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid for our work if we win your injury claim. We have over 30 years of experience representing Columbus area residents in vehicle accident injury cases and are here to put our aggressive representation to work for you. Call us at 614-220-9100 for a free case evaluation at our Columbus or Dublin office.
