How Car Insurance Protects You and Others After an Accident
Most of the time, it may feel like just another bill, but after an accident, it can provide critical protection. Depending on the type of coverage you have, it can compensate you and others for accident-related losses. In Ohio, motorists are required to have insurance or other proof of financial responsibility. Failure to comply with state law can result in serious penalties.
At Slater & Zurz, we provide dedicated representation for individuals who have been injured in car accidents throughout Ohio. Our experienced legal team can help you understand your rights and responsibilities after a crash. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision, contact our office at 1-888-534-4850 to schedule a free consultation.
Consider these 7 reasons why having car insurance in Ohio is important:
1. It Is Required By Law
In Ohio, it is illegal to drive without proof of financial responsibility. The Ohio Revised Code defines proof of financial responsibility as “proof of ability to respond in damages for liability.” In other words, you must be able to show that you are able to cover another person’s damages in the event that you cause an accident.
In most cases, motorists opt to provide proof of financial responsibility through a licensed insurance carrier. All drivers who show evidence of financial responsibility through insurance must carry a mandatory minimum amount of liability coverage.
Ohio’s financial responsibility law requires that each motorist carry liability coverage in the minimum amount of:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 property damage per accident
It is important to note that liability coverage provides compensation for other people who are injured in an accident that you cause. You may need to purchase additional coverages to ensure that you and your family members are protected. If you are unsure about your coverage after an accident, contact our office to discuss your options with an experienced attorney.
2. It Protects You from Personal Liability
Auto insurance is designed to protect you from personal liability if you are found at fault for an accident. Instead of a person being able to pursue a lawsuit against you for their damages, they would seek compensation by filing a claim through your insurance provider. Without liability insurance, you may have to pay out of pocket if you are responsible for a collision that results in another person’s property damage, injury, or death.
By purchasing auto insurance, you are not only complying with Ohio law, but you are also protecting your assets. However, it may be worth considering getting more coverage than the minimum amount required by state law. You could be held legally responsible for damages that exceed the coverage amounts if you cause an accident.
3. You May Not Be Able to Get a Loan Without It
If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, the bank or lender will likely require you to have auto insurance coverage in compliance with Ohio law. The financial institution may also mandate that you carry collision and comprehensive (Other Than Collision) coverage. These two coverages differ from liability in that they provide compensation for your vehicle if damaged.
Comprehensive coverage (often called Other Than Collision) pays for damage that is done to your vehicle by something other than a collision. For instance, it will cover fire-related damage, flooding, hail, falling objects, and theft.
Collision coverage pays for damage caused by a collision with something, such as another vehicle, fixed object, or person.
It is essential to know your insurance policy. You should always discuss your coverage with your insurer so that you are prepared in case of an accident. If you are injured in a collision caused by another person’s negligence or recklessness, you should contact our office to discuss how to pursue compensation.
4. It Can Help You Repair Your Car
Physical damage coverage, such as comprehensive and collision, can help cover the costs to repair your vehicle regardless of fault.
While these coverages are not mandated by law, they may be required by a lender if you finance your vehicle.
Referred to as forced placement, a lender may purchase insurance to put on your car if you do not. The cost of the insurance will then be added to your loan.
5. There May Be Penalties for Driving Without It
There may be severe penalties for driving without insurance or allowing someone else to drive your car who is not insured. You could even lose your license or have your vehicle impounded if caught driving without the mandatory minimum liability coverage or an acceptable form of financial responsibility.
6. You Can Add Coverage to Protect Yourself
It may surprise you the number of people who drive without insurance. The Department of Insurance in Ohio estimates that as many as 15% of drivers are uninsured. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist, you may have limited options without adequate coverage. Insurers offer additional protection through uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) motorist coverage.
While not required by law, these types of coverage can compensate for injuries and property damage you sustain in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Additionally, the coverage may protect you if you suffer losses in a hit-and-run.
7. It Can Protect Your Passengers
You can also purchase coverage that protects you and your passengers, including medical payments (MedPay). MedPay compensates for medical expenses you or your family incurred, regardless of who was at fault for the accident.
What to Do If You Are Involved in an Accident
If you are injured in an Ohio car accident, you must seek medical attention immediately. Even if you are unsure about the extent or severity of your injuries, you need to see a doctor. Failing to seek treatment can directly impact your recovery.
Once you are able, contact our office. A car accident lawyer at Slater & Zurz can help you understand your rights and determine the best course of action. Without legal representation, you may settle your case for significantly less than it is worth. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to maximize your settlement, always ready to take your case to trial if full compensation is not offered.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Car Accident
Car accidents are rarely straightforward. There may be a question of liability or who was at fault for the accident. In some cases, multiple parties may be partially to blame for the collision.
A car accident lawyer can review your claim and conduct an independent investigation into the cause of the crash. They may have access to evidence that you are unable to obtain. They can then work to build a strong case on your behalf, negotiating for the most favorable outcome.
A personal injury attorney can set the matter for trial if a settlement cannot be reached with the at-fault party’s insurance company. However, it is vital to act quickly after an accident with injuries since you only have a limited amount of time to file a claim for damages based on personal injury or wrongful death.
How We Can Help
At Slater & Zurz, we have decades of experience helping car accident victims and their families obtain compensation for their losses. We have secured multiple multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients.
We have a proven track record of success and offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee. You pay no attorney fees unless we recover money on your behalf.
We are dedicated, compassionate car accident lawyers who will not rest until the best possible outcome is achieved in every case. We know how a car accident can impact your life, and we are here to help. We will walk you through the process, work with the insurance company, and fight for you to get the recovery you deserve.
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a car accident, contact our personal injury attorneys at our office at 1-888-534-4850 to request a free consultation. We have over a century of collective experience bringing justice to those injured by another person’s negligence or wrongdoing. Get the high-quality representation you need today. Do not wait until it is too late.
Call our office to speak directly with a member of our legal team. All consultations are provided at no cost and without obligation to retain our firm. Do not go through this alone. Depending on your case, you might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more. Find out how we can help today.
Slater & Zurz Locations
At Slater & Zurz, we have locations throughout Ohio, including in Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Canton, and Toledo. We are happy to meet you at one of our conveniently located offices or come to you at no cost. Call now to get started.
