It can happen in an instant, and if you’re in a car accident and the other driver doesn’t have insurance, you need a car accident lawyer on your side.
The car accident law firm of Slater & Zurz has represented numerous Ohioans across the state, helping them secure settlements to cover medical costs and other expenses. We take every case seriously, going the extra mile to get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
We care about victims and their families, which is why we urge everyone to carry auto insurance.
Although auto insurance is designed to protect a driver who gets into an accident from being sued, it can also help drivers cover their own losses and medical bills if the other motorist is uninsured.
While insurance laws vary from state to state, most require drivers to carry a minimum amount of coverage.
In the state of Ohio, for example, drivers are required to carry at least $25,000 worth of insurance and must present their insurance information if they are pulled over for a traffic violation, involved in a car accident, or having their vehicle inspected.
Many experts recommend purchasing policies well in excess of the minimum required amounts to ensure adequate coverage.
Auto insurance costs do vary from state to state based on factors such as location, age, gender, marital status, a driver’s history, vehicle use and the type, and the size of the deductible.
Given that rates can be high for some, you might be thinking, what’s the worst that can happen?
Potential Jail Time
While driving without insurance is a misdemeanor in every state, that doesn’t mean you won’t face jail time, especially if you’re a repeat offender who is involved in a serious car accident where there are bodily injuries or worse.
In cases where the driver is found to have a suspended license, the consequences can be even greater.
With so much at stake, the best advice for anyone involved in a car accident is to contact a car accident lawyer right away!
Slater & Zurz has been representing victims and their families in the state of Ohio for over 30 years. We’ll help you navigate the complex legal and insurance system, explaining your rights and responsibilities.
The initial consultation is free. So don’t wait to reach out today!
Heavy Fines & Penalties From Tickets & Fees.
Even if the worst-case scenario doesn’t happen, motorists involved in car accidents who don’t have insurance face stiff penalties from tickets and fees that can lead to ongoing financial problems.
Generally speaking, first-time offenders who are pulled over and not involved in a car accident can face penalties ranging from fines to license suspensions.
In Ohio, drivers who are pulled over and fail to show proof of insurance may have their driver’s licenses suspended until the requirement is met. Second-time offenders can lose their licenses for a year, and those with multiple offenses can lose their license plates and vehicle registration.
Reinstatement fees in Ohio range from $100 to $600.
Ohio drivers who fail to surrender their licenses, license plates or registration must pay an additional $50 and may be required to carry special high-risk insurance for three to five years.
These costs do add up, especially if you don’t pay them right away.
In some states like California, the consequences can be even worse since officers who pull over a driver without insurance can impound the vehicle immediately, leading to towing fees and other costs. In addition to those fees, you could be charged for storage and not allowed to get the car back until you show proof of insurance.
If you’re involved in a car accident, the fallout can be even greater.
A car accident lawyer can help you reduce the fees and other long-term consequences, so the sooner you seek legal representation, the better.
Slater & Zurz is here to help, so reach out and set up a free consultation right away!
Driver’s License Suspension & Reinstatement Fees
The penalties for driving with a suspended registration vary from state to state but range from a fine/and or imprisonment to a suspension of your driver’s license.
If you’re driving with a suspended registration and are uninsured, the consequences of a car accident can be even worse.
If you have questions about the penalties of driving without auto insurance, Slater & Zurz can help. We’ve been in the business of helping Ohioans navigate the complex auto insurance system for over 30 years. Reach out today for your free consultation!
Can My Car Be Impounded?
If you’re an uninsured motorist involved in a car accident, having your vehicle impounded is a possibility, adding to an already serious situation.
Having your car vehicle impounded can result in towing and storage fees that can add up quickly, depending on how long it takes you to get the vehicle back.
Since the penalties will vary based on the circumstances and state where the accident takes place, the best advice is to never drive without insurance.
If you’re unsure of the rules in Ohio–or have been injured by an uninsured driver, the personal injury law firm of Slater & Zurz is ready to assist you!
We’ve secured over $500 million in settlements for Ohioans. Why suffer the physical, emotional, and financial stress caused by another person’s negligence behind the wheel?
We’ll answer your questions and let you know if you have a case right away, so don’t wait set up your free consultation today!
Will My Insurance Premiums Increase?
Once you’ve been pulled over for driving without insurance, your rates will automatically go up and you won’t be eligible for the same discounts provided to drivers who have a clean record.
If you’re involved in a car accident and are uninsured, the sky may be the limit in terms of cost, and in some cases, a company may turn you away altogether, making your situation even more impossible to resolve.
You may also have trouble obtaining legal representation, leaving you in an even more vulnerable place.
A car accident lawyer can help you avoid the situation altogether, providing advice on minimum insurance requirements and perhaps even steering you toward companies that offer the best rates.
The personal injury lawyers at Slater & Zurz are here to help. So if you need legal representation, don’t wait. Contact us to set up your free consultation today!
We advocate strongly on behalf of injured victims across Ohio, with convenient locations in Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo.
