Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Explained For Personal Injury Victims
You followed the law. You paid for insurance. But after the crash, you’re stuck with bills because the other driver didn’t. It’s unfair, and it happens more often than you think. Additionally, many drivers in Ohio carry only the minimum car insurance requirements, which rarely cover serious injuries or losses.
At Lazzaro Luka Law Offices, LLC, our car accident attorneys can help injured drivers across Ohio understand their rights under uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If the other driver has no insurance – or not enough – your own policy may be the only way to recover damages. We’re here to guide you through every step of the personal injury claim process.
Rocky River Car Accident Lawyers Explain Ohio UM/UIM Law
UM/UIM coverage is optional in Ohio. If you carry this coverage, you may have protection, even if the other driver fled or had low limits.
UM/UIM coverage can help pay for the following:
- Medical bills related to the car accident
- Lost wages during recovery
A driver is considered underinsured when their liability limits are lower than your total damages. If the other driver has $25,000 in bodily injury coverage and your medical bills and lost wages total $75,000, their insurance only covers a fraction of your losses. Your UIM coverage may pay the remaining $50,000, up to the limits of your own policy. If your damages exceed both policies, you may still face out-of-pocket costs unless you have additional coverage or obtain compensation through a personal injury claim.
Legal Challenges And How Cleveland Car Accident Attorneys Can Help
Filing a UM/UIM claim isn’t always easy. Insurance companies often delay, deny or act in bad faith. They may argue your injuries aren’t serious or claim the other driver wasn’t at fault. Some try to avoid paying by misclassifying your claim.
If your insurer denies a valid UM/UIM claim without reason, delays payment or misrepresents your coverage, you may have grounds for a bad-faith lawsuit. This can lead to additional compensation beyond your original claim.
Our lawyers know how to fight back. We understand the statute of limitations for car accidents in Ohio, which is generally two years from the date of the crash. This deadline applies to both personal injury claims. Missing it may bar your right to recover in court.
We’ll review your policy, gather evidence and negotiate with your insurer. If needed, our car accident attorneys will take your case to court. We’ve helped clients in Cleveland and throughout the state recover compensation when other drivers failed to carry enough insurance – or any at all.
Questions Ohio Drivers Need To Get Answered After A Crash
When you have never been in a serious car accident before, particularly with someone who doesn’t have insurance coverage, you likely have several questions about what to do next. If you’re unsure how UM/UIM coverage works after a crash, these answers can help clarify your options.
When is it necessary to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim after an accident?
You file a UM/UIM claim when the at-fault driver has no insurance, not enough coverage or flees the scene. Your own UM/UIM coverage may be the only way to recover damages.
Will my own insurance company raise my rates if I file an uninsured motorist claim?
Not usually. If you weren’t at fault, your rates should stay the same. Every policy is different, so review your terms or speak with our personal injury claim lawyers.
How is ‘underinsured’ status determined, and how does UIM coverage work when the other driver has some insurance?
Underinsured means the other driver’s policy doesn’t cover your full damages. Your UIM coverage pays the difference, but only up to your policy’s limits. If your damages exceed both policies, you may still face out-of-pocket costs unless additional coverage applies or you secure compensation through a personal injury claim.
Talk To A Car Accident Attorney Serving Cleveland, Youngstown, Rocky River And Communities Throughout Ohio
You’ve been through enough. Let our attorneys take it from here. Our car accident personal injury lawyers know how to challenge fault, fight claim denials and recover what you’re owed. From our office in Rocky River, we serve clients in the Cleveland area and across the state. Call 440-583-6790 or fill out our contact form to schedule your first consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options and fight for fair compensation.