Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH

Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH

Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH

Being injured in a car crash is never convenient, but laws requiring drivers to carry liability coverage help ensure the at-fault drivers can pay for the damages they cause – right? In an ideal world, yes – but we don’t live in a utopia. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 13 percent of drivers on Ohio roads are uninsured. That means when you’re involved in an accident, there’s a roughly one in 10 chance the driver who hit you isn’t insured.

Being injured by someone who is uninsured can be a nightmare scenario, forcing you to bear the full cost of someone else’s mistakes out of your own pocket. If you find yourself in this situation, you may benefit from the guidance of experienced Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH.

What Should You Do After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver?

1. Call 911: Report the accident to the police, even if it’s a minor accident that you would normally just work out directly with the other driver. An official report will be essential for any legal or insurance claims.
2. Exchange Information: Collect the other driver’s information, including name, contact details and vehicle description. This step is extremely important for seeking compensation from the at-fault party in the future.
3. Gather Evidence: Take photographs of the scene and damage and gather witness contact information if available.
4. Seek Medical Attention: If you are injured, seek medical care immediately, even if the injuries seem minor at the time.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company to report the accident, providing all the details. Be sure to tell them the other driver was uninsured. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, your insurance company will have an added incentive to aggressively seek monetary damages from the at-fault driver.
6. Consult an Attorney: You might not need an attorney for a minor, straightforward accident, but crashes with uninsured drivers can be more complicated, especially if you or your passengers were injured. This is where the Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH can help.

Potential Compensation Sources for People Injured by Uninsured Drivers

• Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If you have uninsured motorist coverage as part of your insurance policy, this can cover injuries and damages.
• Civil Lawsuit: You may have the option to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver for compensation. However, this can be a lengthy process and might not guarantee recovery, especially if the at-fault driver lacks resources.
• MedPay: If you have MedPay coverage, you may be able to get some of your medical expenses covered without out-of-pocket costs.
• Health Insurance: Your own health insurance coverage should still pay for your injury treatments. However, the health insurance company may perform their own investigation and go after the at-fault driver to recoup the funds they spent on your recovery. If you do win a civil suit and damages from the responsible uninsured driver, the health insurance company that paid for your treatments may expect to be compensated for the expenses they incurred on your behalf.

Dealing With Your Own Insurance Company After an Accident

Your interaction with your own insurance company after an accident with an uninsured driver will vary based on whether you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

If you have UM/UIM coverage, you can file a claim with your insurance company. This process should be more straightforward but can still involve negotiation and disputes over the claim value.

If you lack this specific coverage, the process can be more contentious. You might find limited options within your policy to recover any out-of-pocket expenses, and your insurance company may be less cooperative.

It may be beneficial to seek your own legal representation in either scenario. Your insurance company is on your side – up to a point. Ultimately, it’s in their interest to minimize claim payouts. With UM/UIM coverage, your typical relationship with your auto insurer becomes more adversarial.

Contact Us Today to consult with knowledgeable Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH who can assist you with your case. Our dedicated team of Uninsured & Underinsured Driving Accident Attorneys in Akron, OH is ready to help you navigate this complex situation and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.