Accidents are an inevitable part of driving, and even the most careful drivers can find themselves involved in one. The situation can become particularly complex if the driver responsible for an accident lacks adequate insurance or has no insurance at all. Recent reports have shown a rise in incidents involving uninsured drivers in the Buckeye State, making it even more important than ever for drivers to understand how these accidents could affect them, their legal rights and their financial security.
While Ohio law does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, the fact remains that a significant number of motorists in the state are driving without insurance. Drivers should think about whether they should take steps to protect themselves financially if they get involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver as a result.
The reality of uninsured and underinsured drivers
The Buckeye state stipulates that every driver should carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. As of 2024, the minimum requirement is:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 per accident
- $25,000 for property damage
This definitely provides some level of protection if a driver is at fault. Unfortunately, this entry-level package does not come through when the other driver is at fault but doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.
Many motorists might not be aware that research estimates that 13.0% of drivers in Ohio operate a vehicle without insurance. This statistic is unsurprising, considering that accidents involving uninsured drivers have become a frequent topic in local news.
Additionally, even if a driver does have insurance, they may be underinsured. Most motorists only carry the minimum required coverage because the state mandates it. Unfortunately, this package may not be enough to fully cover damages or medical expenses in the case of a serious accident. In such cases, the at-fault driver’s insurance might run out long before the affected driver’s bills are covered, leaving the victim to make up the difference.
What happens in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver?
Drivers who get involved in an accident with an uninsured driver may find themselves facing substantial financial burdens, including:
- Medical expenses
- Vehicle repairs
- Lost wages
Without adequate insurance to compensate them for these losses, they could be left paying out of pocket or, worse, unable to afford the necessary care and repairs altogether.
In cases where the driver is underinsured, they may have some insurance but not enough to cover all the affected driver’s damages. This can happen even if they meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. For instance, medical bills from a serious accident can easily exceed $25,000; if the other driver’s insurance caps at that amount, the affected driver may still have significant costs to cover.
This is why drivers should highly consider carrying Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. UM/UIM coverage is an optional insurance option that can protect drivers if they are involved in an accident with another driver who has no insurance or who has insufficient insurance to cover their damages.
The increasing prevalence of uninsured and underinsured drivers in Ohio poses a serious risk to all motorists. Given the potential financial and legal challenges related to this reality, it’s wise for drivers who get involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver to enlist legal guidance when seeking compensation. Whether they only carry the state’s minimum required insurance or they also have uninsured and underinsured driver protection, the right legal support can potentially help to alleviate their financial burden.
