Is Ohio a No-Fault State?

Were you recently involved in an accident in Ohio? If so, you might be wondering how to access the money you need for your care, whether Ohio is a no-fault state, and what this could mean for your insurance claim. Here’s what you need to know.

What Does “No-Fault State” Mean?

If you live in a “no-fault state,” it means your own insurance provider covers an accident you’re involved in, regardless of who caused it. No-fault systems aim to reduce the number of lawsuits the courts have to hear, as drivers involved in relatively minor accidents do not need to pursue litigation to get the money they need to pay for their care.

In a no-fault state, each driver’s insurance policy includes personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which covers medical costs and income losses that result from accidents. However, no-fault insurance does not cover vehicle damage. The driver who causes a collision is still responsible for paying these costs. Drivers can also purchase optional collision insurance, which provides coverage even when they are to blame for a crash.

Once their PIP coverage is exhausted, or if they have suffered serious injuries, an injured motorist can file a claim against an at-fault driver’s liability policy for additional coverage, just as they could in other states. Doing so can recover money for excess medical bills and lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Is Ohio a No-Fault State for Accident Insurance Claims?

No. Ohio is not a no-fault state for accident insurance claims. In Ohio, the person who is at fault in a car accident is responsible for paying the costs associated with the accident. If another driver hits and injures you, their liability insurance policy should cover your medical bills, lost wages, and any damage to your vehicle. Under certain circumstances, you may need to file a lawsuit against the driver to pursue the money you need.

How Does a No-Fault Insurance Claim Work?

If you live in a state with a no-fault system and get in a car accident, you would alert your own insurance provider to the incident and file a claim against your policy, regardless of who was responsible. If your insurance company approves your claim, it pays for your medical expenses and lost wages up to the limit of your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This process allows you to receive payment quickly without waiting for a fault determination.

It’s helpful to understand how no-fault accident claims work even though Ohio is not a no-fault state. This is because Ohio borders states like Michigan and Kentucky, which are no-fault states, and Pennsylvania, which follows a choice no-fault system.

Contact Our Akron Car Accident Lawyers for Help

Have you been injured in a car accident in Akron, Ohio? If so, you should know that you will have will likely have to go through the other driver’s insurance company to get the fair compensation you deserve. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the company wants to help you. It cares more about its profits than it does about your well-being. Protect yourself with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer with Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law. We offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and explore your options. Don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today for your free consultation.