Too many drivers on the road have either no insurance or minimal coverage, leaving you at risk of not having enough to cover your damages, especially with rising medical costs.
That’s why having uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is so important. By including uninsured motorist coverage on your auto policy, you provide insurance coverage where there may not be any. A Springfield uninsured/underinsured motorist lawyer can help you explore your insurance claim options.
If you’ve been injured in a crash, The Stuckey Firm, LLC is here to help. Contact a Springfield car accident lawyer for a free consultation today.
When Can You Use Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Springfield?
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can provide extra financial support after a car accident in certain situations.
You might be able to file a claim under your UM/UIM coverage if:
- The at-fault driver doesn’t have any insurance coverage.
- The at-fault driver is insured, but your damages surpass their coverage limits.
- The driver responsible for the crash left the scene, and law enforcement was unable to find them.
If you find yourself in one of these situations, a Springfield personal injury lawyer can help you explore your options and fight for the compensation you need.
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Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory in Springfield, Ohio?
In Ohio, coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) is optional. While it’s not a requirement, it can make a big difference if you’re in a collision with a driver who doesn’t have any or enough insurance.
We recommend adding this coverage to your policy. Ohio’s minimum coverage is often too low, and in serious accidents, damages can exceed the at-fault driver’s limits. UM/UIM coverage protects you just like liability insurance protects you when you’re at fault.
It’s a small investment that provides valuable protection. Accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers happen when you least expect it, and the cost of injuries can be substantial.
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Understanding UM/UIM Coverage Limits in Ohio
In Ohio, if you choose to add UM/UIM coverage, it will frequently be quoted as being the same as your liability coverage limits.
For example, if your liability coverage is the state minimum of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, your UNINSURED motorist coverage will also be set at those amounts.
With this minimum coverage, you would have:
- Up to $25,000 per person for injuries in an accident
- Up to $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- Up to $25,000 for property damage caused by an uninsured driver
You may, however, choose to purchase higher insurance limits. If your UNINSURED / UNDERINSURED motorist coverage has higher limits, for example, $50,000/$100,000/$50,000, you would have:
- Up to $50,000 per person for injuries in an accident
- Up to $100,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- Up to $50,000 for property damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
If you want to discuss your options or need help deciding on the right coverage for you, a Springfield uninsured/underinsured motorist attorney is here to help.
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Client | Auto AccidentWhat Compensation Can I Get in a Springfield Uninsured and Underinsured Accident?
In Ohio, your car insurance policy can include various types of coverage for accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers:
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Replaces the at-fault driver’s liability coverage if they have none.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM): Kicks in when your injuries exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits, up to the limits on your policy.
- Uninsured Property Damage Coverage (UMPD): This covers property repairs or replacements if the other driver is uninsured.
When filing a claim against your UM or UIM policy, you can recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Disability
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
UMPD covers only property damage. Your UM/UIM/UMPD policy limits determine how much compensation you can receive. The minimum coverage is $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for UM/UIM, and $25,000 per accident for UMPD.
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What Does It Mean to Be Underinsured in Springfield, OH?
In Ohio, a driver is considered “underinsured” if their insurance coverage is not enough to cover the cost of the crash. For example, if the at-fault driver has a $25,000 policy limit but you have $35,000 in medical bills, the at-fault driver is considered underinsured.
That is where underinsured motorist coverage comes in. If you have, for example, $50,000 in UIM coverage, you can recover the additional amounts from your own insurance company. If your insurance company pays, you assign them the right to pursue the at-fault driver, saving you the hassle.
If the at-fault driver has equal or more coverage than you, you won’t be able to access underinsured motorist coverage. In that case, the driver is not considered underinsured.
Underinsured claims are not limited to car accidents. You may be able to file a claim for UIM coverage in cases involving:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
If you’ve been injured in any of these types of accidents, contact an uninsured/underinsured motorist attorney in Springfield to discuss your options and the damages you can pursue.
Will These Types of Claims Affect Insurance Premiums?
Filing an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim won’t cause your premiums to increase. Ohio Revised Code 3937.23 prohibits insurance companies from raising your premiums. Your insurance company might try to get back the money they paid you by suing the at-fault driver.
Why Do Some Ohio Drivers Go Without Car Insurance?
In Ohio, car insurance is required by law, but some drivers still choose to drive without coverage. This can happen for several reasons:
- They may have had an active policy but didn’t pay the premium, leading to a canceled policy.
- Financial struggles may prevent them from making payments or arranging alternative solutions with their insurer.
- A suspended license can make it difficult to secure insurance.
- Some individuals may never have had a license, making it impossible to get insurance.
You can never predict when you might be involved in a crash with one of these drivers, but it happens more often than you would think. That’s why having UM/UIM coverage is important—it helps cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Protect Your Rights with a Springfield Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Lawyer
Dealing with an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver can be frustrating, especially when your own insurance company tries to minimize the value of your claim. A Springfield uninsured/underinsured motorist lawyer can help you fight for the financial support you purchased and that you need.
At The Stuckey Firm, LLC, we bring over three decades of combined experience to every case. Our goal is to hold the right parties accountable and help you recover the damages that are rightfully yours.
Don’t wait to take action. Reach out today to speak with The Stuckey Firm, LLC, and get the support you need to move forward.
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