Uninsured Motorist Car Accident Lawyer in Ohio

car accident - uninsured motorist car accident lawyer

Handling the aftermath of an auto accident can present a serious headache for involved victims, especially when the at-fault driver does not have enough auto insurance to cover the cost of their injuries and other losses. While an at-fault motorist’s lack of insurance can present challenges on your route to full and fair compensation, our uninsured motorist accident lawyer can explore a range of options to get you the money you deserve. Contact Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Ohio personal injury lawyer.

What Happens If the At-Fault Driver in an Accident Does Not Have Auto Liability Insurance?

In Ohio, drivers are legally required to carry minimum levels of auto liability insurance. Specifically, they must carry at least enough auto insurance to cover the following:

$25,000 per person for bodily injury
$50,000 per accident for bodily injury
$25,000 per accident for property damage

Drivers who fail to carry these minimum levels of mandatory insurance risk facing a number of legal consequences. These include the following:

First Offense – License suspension until requirements are met and a $100 reinstatement fee.
Second Offense – License suspension for one year and a $300 reinstatement fee.
Subsequent Offenses – License suspension for two years and a $600 reinstatement fee.

How Can I Secure Compensation When the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured?

Though auto liability insurance is mandatory in Ohio, many drivers remain undeterred. In fact, according to a 2021 study by the Insurance Research Council (IRC), an estimated 12.6 percent of drivers nationwide had no auto insurance in 2019. An accident with one of these drivers can be extremely frustrating for victims as they try to figure out how to recover compensation to pay for their medical bills and property damage. Alternative sources of compensation may include:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Insurance– UM/UIM insurance is not mandatory in Ohio. However, all drivers should seriously consider including it as part of their auto insurance plan. No one likes paying for something they hope never to use. Even so, in the event you are struck by an uninsured/underinsured driver, it will cover things like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Other Forms of Insurance – In the event of an accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, you may also turn to other forms of insurance you may have available. For example, you may turn to your Medical Payments (MedPay) insurance to cover medical bills up to its policy limit. You may also turn to your collision coverage policy to cover any property damage caused by the accident.
Filing a Lawsuit– You may also choose to file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault party. Chances are an uninsured/underinsured driver will not have sufficient funds to cover your injuries and losses out of pocket. Even so, if you successfully prove the uninsured/underinsured driver’s fault for the accident, you may be able to secure a judgment lien against their property.

Again, an accident with an uninsured/underinsured driver can present significant obstacles to victims seeking compensation for their injuries and losses. Speaking to an attorney early on after the accident is the best way to make sure no alternative sources of compensation are overlooked.

What Should I Do After an Accident Involving an Uninsured Driver?

Car accidents range from minor fender-benders on neighborhood roads to catastrophic pileups on major highways. Though you may feel shocked and disoriented, taking the following steps after an auto accident can help protect your right to compensation:

Report the Accident – You should always report your accident to the appropriate authorities. In most cases, this will be the local police department, which will dispatch an officer to evaluate the accident and prepare an official report. This document will become an important piece of evidence in your case. Among other things, it is likely to include the officer’s determination of fault for the accident, which may turn the tide of your case.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, you should be evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible after your accident. Many injuries sustained in car accidents (e.g., whiplash and internal injuries) do not become apparent until some time has passed after the crash. Consulting with a doctor early on will ensure these injuries are well-documented and not overlooked. Remember, failure to seek medical attention early on may give insurance adjusters room to question the validity of your claim.
Keep Track of Your Medical Records – Make sure you keep track of your medical treatment and billing records. These documents will become the primary evidence used to establish the extent of your injuries and the value of your claim.
Follow Your Treatment Plan – Remember to follow your doctor’s treatment plan closely and keep them updated as your symptoms evolve. Deviating from a physician-prescribed treatment plan is normally not a good idea. It is an even worse idea when you are being treated for injuries sustained in an auto accident. Insurance companies closely scrutinize your medical treatment records in search of any reason to minimize the value of your claim or deny it altogether. Any inconsistency in your treatment may give them the ammunition they seek.
Consult With an Attorney – Though you are not required to hire an Ohio car accident lawyer to help with your claim, doing so can significantly raise the probability that you will secure the full and fair compensation you deserve. At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, our skilled legal team is ready to evaluate your case and make sure you know your full rights and options.

Our Car Accident Attorneys Can Help

The aftermath of a car accident is hard enough to handle when all drivers have purchased auto insurance as required by law. When they do not, injured victims may be left with the short end of the stick. The best way to avoid this is by exploring your options with an experienced personal injury attorney.

At Amourgis & Associates, Attorneys at Law, we understand how frustrating an accident with an uninsured motorist can be. We are here to make sure you know your rights and explore all options on your journey toward full and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced uninsured motorist accident attorney near you.