When you purchase car insurance, you do so for two primary reasons: firstly, the law requires that you do so. And, secondly, so you can receive compensation should something happen to you and your car. Unfortunately, some people do not insure their vehicles.
A car accident that involves an uninsured driver can be devastating in many ways. Besides the resulting injuries and damages, you will be left wondering how to recover damages from the other party since they have no insurance.
What does Ohio car insurance law say?
Every Ohio motorist is required by law to carry bodily and property liability insurance. Thus, when an insured motorist causes a crash, and they are found to be at fault, then their insurance coverage will take care of the other driver’s damages.
If a motorist does not have liability insurance, however, then they are deemed uninsured. And if their insurance coverage does not meet the threshold or if they cause damages greater than the stipulated limits, then they would be deemed underinsured.
So how do you get compensation if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver?
Ohio is an at-fault state. This means that the liable driver is responsible for paying for any damages occasioned by their negligent or unlawful actions. This holds whether they are insured or not. But since the liable party is uninsured, it goes without saying that recovering damages can be a little bit complicated.
Fortunately, you may still file for damages with your own policy if you have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) claim. It is important to understand that your insurance rates will not be impacted by your decision to file a UIM claim under your policy. Per Ohio statute, Ohio motorists are entitled to uninsured and underinsured coverage in an amount equivalent to the resulting damages.
How can you safeguard your interests?
A car accident under any circumstance is nerve-racking. Learning more about Ohio UIM claims can help you protect your rights and interests if you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
