Getting hit by a car as a pedestrian can lead to serious injuries. And if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you could be left paying massive medical bills out of your own pocket. This scary situation leads many Ohio pedestrian accident victims to ask: What if the driver who hit me doesn’t have insurance?
Ohio’s Financial Responsibility Laws
Under Ohio law, all drivers are required to carry liability insurance or otherwise prove they have the means to cover accident damages up to certain minimum amounts. These laws are designed to protect innocent victims by ensuring compensation when at-fault drivers cause crashes.
Unfortunately, not everyone follows the law. Around 15% of Ohio drivers are estimated to be uninsured. When an uninsured driver causes an accident, the consequences for the not-at-fault victim can be devastating.
What Legal Recourse is Available Against Uninsured Drivers?
Just because a driver doesn’t have insurance coverage does not mean you have no options for obtaining compensation after they hit you. Here are some steps to take:
- File a claim with your own auto insurer, if you have Med Pay or UM/UIM coverage. Your policy may cover some of your medical bills and lost wages, up to the limits you purchased.
- Make a claim with the at-fault driver directly. They are still legally responsible for your damages. You can negotiate a settlement or obtain a judgment through a personal injury lawsuit if needed.
- Determine if the driver has other assets you can go after. Bank accounts, real estate, or other non-exempt assets could potentially be seized to pay an accident judgment.
- File for compensation through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Ohio has an Uninsured Motorists Fund that compensates qualified victims of uninsured drivers.
Dealing with Insurers After a Hit and Run
Another challenging situation is when you get hit by a driver who flees the scene. Around 20% of pedestrian accidents in Ohio are hit-and-runs.
If the at-fault driver is never identified, you can still make a UM/UIM claim with your own insurer. You will need to show evidence that an unidentified motorist caused the accident. Witness statements and police reports can help prove your case.
Don’t Wait to Get Legal Help After a Pedestrian Accident
No matter what insurance complications you face after getting hit by a driver in Ohio, it is important not to delay in getting legal help. An experienced personal injury attorney can advise you on all available options for obtaining compensation and handle negotiations or litigation if needed. This allows you to focus on recovery.
Let Us Help You Pursue Maximum Compensation
The pedestrian accident attorneys at Monge & Associates have years of experience assisting injury victims in Ohio. We have 32 offices in 19 states, including Ohio, Maryland, and Tennessee, and are committed to helping clients navigate insurance claims so they can obtain full and fair compensation. If you were hit by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, contact us for a free consultation by calling (888) 477-0597. Our team is standing by to answer your questions and discuss legal strategy. Don’t wait to get the personalized help you deserve.