Being in an accident is a scary and confusing event. It can be made all the worse when trying to navigate having been in an accident with an uninsured driver. Although car insurance is required by law in Ohio, there are still drivers on the road without it. Approximately one in every eight drivers are on the road without auto insurance. And in Ohio specifically, 13% of drivers are uninsured.
Dealing with an uninsured driver presents a different set of legal questions and concerns. We’ve put together this guide to help you understand how to navigate the law when you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver in Ohio. Our lawyers here at Spivak and Sakellariou are ready to help you navigate the legal process when you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver.
You’ve Been Hit By an Uninsured Driver! What Happens Now?
So you’ve been in an accident. There are always steps to follow in this circumstance. Assess your injuries, the damage, and exchange information with the other driver. But what if that driver doesn’t have insurance? Here are some important steps to follow if this happens.
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Collect Information
Make sure to note all of the damage and everything you remember about the accident. Take photos of all the damage and of your injuries. See a doctor if you have sustained injuries. It’s always important to have all this information after an accident, however it becomes even more important when you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured driver.
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Stay in Contact
Get the other driver’s contact information. Make sure you have their name, phone number, and address. If you are worried about them cooperating with providing you with this information consider calling the police to write out a full report. Calling the police is not a required step, but a police report can help you down the line if you need to pursue legal action.
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Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Contact one of our personal injury attorneys at Spivak and Sakellariou to best understand the legal route forward and your rights in this situation. We are here to help you navigate what may feel like a scary and confusing situation.
Who Pays For This?
When you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver there is the question of who pays. Chances on you’ll have to turn to your insurance company. This is a moment when underinsured motorist insurance comes in handy.
What is Underinsured Motorist Insurance?
Underinsured motorist insurance covers you when the other driver does not have insurance or has insufficient insurance to cover your damages. Underinsured motorist insurance is required in some states however it is Not required in Ohio.
But what if you don’t have underinsured driver insurance? Will the other driver pay for your physical and property damages? There is a chance the other driver will not have the means to cover your damages.
If an uninsured driver is driving a vehicle that is insured under a different name you can pursue damages with that individual’s insurance company.
Can I Pursue Legal Action Against an Uninsured Driver?
Pursuing legal action against an uninsured motorist can be a complicated process. Chances are you’ll be working primarily with your insurance company on this claim. You can sue an uninsured driver for your damages, but navigating these laws can be tricky. It’s always wise to contact a personal injury attorney.
So, what is the benefit of contacting a lawyer?
A lawyer will help you navigate the uninsured motorist laws and help you find pathways to pursue action. Contacting a personal injury attorney will take the stress of navigating this complicated process off your shoulders so that you can focus on recovering.
Can My Insurance Company Handle This?
If your insurance company pays out your claim they can pursue actions against the uninsured driver. Sometimes this can be a dead end. So, an insurance company may not even choose to pursue this avenue.
About Us At Spivak and Sakellariou
Here at Spivak and Sakellariou we are here to help you navigate the legal world after the trauma of an accident. Our firm has a long history of representing the injured. We are here to help you and work with the insurance companies so that you don’t have to. We can advise you on your rights and avenues of financial compensation that you may be entitled to.
We offer free consultations and will only ever take a fee if we win your case for you. It costs absolutely nothing up front to partner with us. There’s no risk in reaching out to us today about your case with an uninsured driver.
Contact Us
We are here for you on multiple avenues to help you pursue justice. We have a chat feature on our website as well as more contact information.
Being in an accident takes a toll on your life. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. We are not here to add to that toll, we are here to lift the burdens. Contact us today so we can begin to fight for you.
