Columbus Uninsured and Underinsured Accident Attorney
It is against the law to operate a vehicle in Ohio without proper auto insurance. Unfortunately, hundreds of drivers break the law and drive while uninsured or underinsured. If you get into a collision with one of these negligent drivers, you may not know how to obtain compensation for your medical bills and property damages. The uninsured/under-insured accident lawyers at Elk & Elk can help you sort through the insurance process and recover from a car accident in Columbus, even if the other driver does not have insurance. Call (800) ELK-OHIO today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Our Uninsured Accident Attorneys?
- We are proud to have provided high-quality representation for injured victims in Ohio for over 50 years.
- We have a reputation for success. We have recovered more than $1 billion in successful settlements and verdicts for clients.
- We work closely with clients, undergoing extensive consultation periods with clients before creating legal strategies.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis. We only charge attorney’s fees if we win the case.
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
An uninsured or underinsured driver claim can be difficult to handle on your own. Insurance companies may try to take advantage of you or deny your claim altogether because of a lack of adequate insurance. A lawyer can help you with the insurance claim process. Your Columbus car accident attorney can negotiate with your insurance company for maximum coverage. A lawyer may also be able to file a civil claim against the at-fault driver or another entity in pursuit of a better recovery.
How Do I File an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver Claim in Ohio?
After an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, remain calm and do not admit fault. Collect evidence from the scene of the accident, such as photographs of the crash and the names and information of all involved parties and eyewitnesses. Call the police if your crash caused any injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000. Get the name of the police officer and your report number. If the other driver has auto insurance, take down the name of the insurer and the policy number.
Seek immediate medical care for your injuries. Keep copies of your medical documents and bills. Once you are on the mend, contact the at-fault driver’s insurance company to report the accident. If the insurance company accepts your claim, it will give you an amount it can cover based on the at-fault driver’s policy. If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, your own policy will pick up the remaining balance. You will start your claim with your own company if the at-fault driver does not have insurance at all.
Your own insurance policy will cover damages from an uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) accident if you have this type of coverage. UM/UIM coverage is optional in Ohio. Most auto insurance companies make policyholders specifically reject this type of coverage. If you are not sure if you have UM/UIM insurance, speak to your insurance agent to find out. If you do not have this coverage, a personal injury claim may be your only other option for accident compensation.
Civil Claims for Uninsured/Underinsured Accidents
If you cannot receive a fair settlement from an insurance company, a civil lawsuit may be a better legal option. A civil suit against a negligent party for causing your accident or contributing to your injuries could result in higher compensation. A lawyer can help you file your claim against the negligent driver, an auto part manufacturer, the City of Columbus, and/or another party, if applicable. You may have grounds for a claim against a party that does have adequate insurance.
Contact Our Legal Team Today
Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured motorist can make your auto accident case more difficult than it would be otherwise. With help from a Columbus injury attorney, however, you can still fight for fair recovery through all available outlets. Contact Elk & Elk to discuss your case. Initial consultations are free.