Getting into a car accident is already stressful enough, but what happens when you don’t have insurance? If you’re not at fault for the accident, you may still have options in the state of Ohio. Here’s what you need to know.
Ohio’s At-Fault Insurance System
Ohio is an at-fault insurance state, meaning that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for damages and injuries. However, this also means that if you don’t have insurance and you’re at fault for the accident, you could be personally liable for those costs.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you don’t have insurance and you’re not at fault for the accident, you may be able to pursue a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. However, if that driver doesn’t have insurance or is underinsured, you may still be out of luck.
That’s where uninsured motorist coverage comes in. This is an optional coverage that you can add to your own policy that will protect you if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you have this coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company and they will cover your damages and injuries.
Suing the At-Fault Driver
If you don’t have insurance and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to consider suing them personally for damages. However, this can be a difficult and time-consuming process, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to collect the full amount that you’re owed.
Recovering Damages
If you’re able to recover damages after a car accident without insurance in Ohio, there are several types of compensation that you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
It’s important to keep thorough records of all of your expenses and damages related to the accident so that you can present a strong case if you need to pursue legal action.
Preventing Future Accidents
One of the best ways to avoid getting into a car accident without insurance in Ohio is to make sure that you always have insurance coverage. Even if you’re a safe driver, accidents can happen at any time and it’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.
Additionally, make sure that you’re driving safely and obeying all traffic laws. This can help you avoid accidents in the first place and keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Conclusion
Getting into a car accident without insurance in Ohio can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, but there are options available to you if you’re not at fault for the accident. Consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy and be prepared to take legal action if necessary to recover damages.
