You do everything right. You follow the speed limit, obey the traffic laws, and carry the insurance Ohio requires.
But what happens if you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance, or doesn’t have enough?
That’s where uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) comes in.
At Harris Law, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating a car crash can be when the at-fault driver can’t pay. If you’re injured by a driver with little or no insurance, UM/UIM coverage could be the difference between recovering financially and being left with unpaid bills.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if you’re injured by a driver with no insurance at all. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage helps when the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover the full extent of your injuries and damages.
In Ohio, this coverage is not required by law, but it is strongly recommended.
Nearly 1 in 8 drivers in Ohio are uninsured, and many more carry only the minimum limits required by state law, which currently sits at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. And if your injuries are serious, those minimums may not even come close to covering what you’re actually owed.
Why UM/UIM Coverage Matters After a Serious Injury
In a crash, your damages may include:
- Emergency and long-term medical bills
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
If the at-fault driver can’t pay, you could be left covering these costs yourself, unless you have UM/UIM coverage on your own policy.
Common Scenarios Where UM/UIM Coverage Helps
Even when the at-fault driver is identified, if they’re underinsured and your injuries are severe, their policy may max out quickly. UM/UIM coverage lets you turn to your own insurer for the difference, without affecting your rates for a crash that you didn’t cause.
- Hit-and-run accidents where the other driver flees the scene and is never identified
- Accidents with uninsured drivers, which are far more common than you’d think
- Crashes involving drivers carrying only state-minimum policies that don’t come close to covering your hospital bills or lost wages
Contact us today at info@harrislawohio.com to schedule a free consultation.
What to Do If You’re Hit by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
If you’ve been in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Ohio, the steps you take afterward matter.
- Report the accident
- Seek medical care right away
- Document the scene if you’re able
- Notify your own insurer of a potential UM/UIM claim
Keep in mind that insurance companies, including your own, will look for reasons to minimize what they pay. Having an attorney review your policy and handle communications can protect your claim from the start.
How Harris Law Approaches UM/UIM Claims
Harris Law handles car accident cases across the entire state of Ohio, including claims that involve uninsured and underinsured drivers.
We start by reviewing your policy, investigate the crash, and deal directly with the insurance companies, so you don’t have to.
Attorney Sean Harris has over 25 years of experience helping injured Ohioans recover the compensation their policies are supposed to provide.
Contact Harris Law for a Consultation
If you were injured by a driver with little or no insurance, don’t assume that you’re just out of options.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About UM/UIM Coverage in Ohio
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Ohio?
No. Ohio does not require UM/UIM coverage, but insurers must offer it, and current law requires you to reject it in writing if you don’t want it. Most drivers are better off carrying it.
What’s the difference between UM and UIM coverage?
UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no insurance at all. UIM coverage applies when they have insurance, but not enough to cover your damages.
Can I use UM/UIM coverage after a hit-and-run?
Often, yes. If the at-fault driver can’t be identified, your UM coverage may apply as if that driver were uninsured, depending on your policy terms.
Will filing a UM/UIM claim raise my insurance rates?
Typically not, since you didn’t cause the accident. Rate practices vary by insurer, so this is worth confirming before publishing.
How long do I have to file a UM/UIM claim in Ohio?
UM/UIM claims can be governed by your policy’s own contractual deadlines in addition to Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so the exact window depends on your policy.
What does it cost to hire Harris Law?
We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.