Car Accidents in Ohio and the Importance of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Jan 21, 2020

In Ohio, law does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage. However, most attorneys who work with those injured in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents would recommend maintaining uninsured motorist coverage (also known as “UM”) for several reasons. Among those reasons, the following three may be among the most important:

1. Uninsured Motorist Coverage Protects Against Hit-and-Run Accidents and When At-Fault Drivers Do Not Have Car Insurance

Becoming seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident is stressful enough. But when the person who caused the car crash does not have liability insurance, or even worse, has fled the scene, the accident can become even more stressful depending on what type of insurance coverage you may or may not have. In either described situation, if you, or the owner of the vehicle you were in, carry uninsured motorist coverage, such coverage may help alleviate the stresses presented after a car wreck, such as having past and future medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. In such claims, and specifically in situations involving hit-skips, it is important to note that the language of your policy will determine what claims are available and you likely will be required to present independent supporting evidence (aside from your own recall of the accident) for your claims. However, if uninsured motorist coverage is not available, the chances of making a recovery for your injuries and other losses may prove to be difficult.

2. Uninsured Motorist Coverage Can Compensate Individuals for Serious Bodily Injuries and Non-Financial Losses That Are Otherwise Not Covered by Health Insurance

While health insurance coverage can be beneficial if you have been injured in a car, truck, or motorcycle wreck, one should be aware that health insurance provides coverage for medical expenses only. This means that although health insurance may be useful in reducing financial loss by covering medical bills, it does not compensate individuals for their actual bodily injuries or loss of wages. Health insurance also does not compensate individuals for non-financial losses after a car wreck, such as pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of a limb, scarring, or the permanency of an injury. Even more distinguishable, it does not compensate those who have tragically lost his or her life due to a wrongful death. Under certain circumstances, uninsured motorist coverage may provide compensation and redress for financial and non-financial losses to those who have suffered wrongful deaths and serious personal injuries.

3. Uninsured Motorist Coverage May Help Pay For Medical Expenses That Health Insurance Coverage Does Not Cover

Unfortunately, health insurance does not always cover all medical expenses. Often, insureds are responsible for paying co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. And sometimes, insured may be required to pay for expensive treatment that is not approved by health insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage, however, can reimburse injured drivers and passengers for those expenses.