Why Ohio Drivers Should Carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

December 20, 2023 | Personal Injury

At Oliver Law Office, our Columbus car accident attorneys know that no matter how carefully and defensively you drive, you cannot always account for the number of negligent drivers who share our Ohio roadways.

Ohio drivers cannot predict when a crash will occur, or the severity of resulting injuries.  Theone thing drivers can do to prepare is to carry enough vehicle insurance to ensure that no matter what happens, they are financially prepared to face their recovery.

Currently, Ohio’s mandatory insurance requirements are:

• $25,000 for injury/death of one person.
• $50,000 for injury/death of two or more people.
• $25,000 for property damage in an accident.

If you suffer significant injuries during a crash, and the liable party only carries the minimum insurance requirement, who will pay for the balance of your damages?

Without uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, the answer is simply “you.”

Why Should Ohio Drivers Carry Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

For several reasons, Ohio drivers should consider carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/ UIM) coverage as part of their auto insurance policy.

UM/UIM coverage:

• Protects Against Uninsured Drivers

If you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance (uninsured), UM/UIM coverage can help cover your medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.

• Covers Underinsured Drivers

In cases where the at-fault driver has insurance but insufficient coverage to compensate you fully for your damages (underinsured), UM/UIM coverage can bridge the gap between the at-fault driver’s coverage and your actual expenses.

• Hit-and-Run Accidents

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run accident and the at-fault driver cannot be identified, UM/UIM coverage may cover your losses.

• Pedestrian or Bicycle Accidents

UM/UIM coverage may apply if you are a pedestrian or cyclist involved in a collision with a motor vehicle, particularly if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.

• Passenger Coverage

UM/UIM coverage can also protect you as a passenger in someone’s vehicle.

UM/UIM coverage can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have an additional layer of financial protection if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. While Ohio law does not mandate UM/UIM coverage, insurance companies must offer it to policyholders. If you choose not to purchase UM/UIM coverage, you must decline it in writing.

Given the potential risks on the road,  having UM/ UIM coverage can be a wise financial decision. It can help ensure that you are not left with significant out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident, providing an extra layer of security for you and your passengers.

Contact Our Experienced Auto Accident Attorneys in Columbus, Ohio Today

If you have been injured in a traffic collision in Ohio, contact our dedicated Columbus car accident attorneys today. There is never a charge to speak with an attorney or any upfront costs to associate with our law firm in an injury or death matter.

We handle all injury cases on a contingency basis, which means we advance all the costs necessary to pursue your claim, and we only charge you a fee if and when there is a successful result.

Oliver Law Office is a client-focused law firm emphasizing the individualized needs of each client with personalized attention. We handle every case with confidence, courage, and determination. Please call us at (614)-220-9100 or fill out a Contact Us form so we can be in touch as soon as possible – let’s get started on your claim today.