Accident with an Uninsured Or Underinsured Motorist?
Our Columbus Car Accident Lawyers Are Here For You
If you are hurt in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have the right to expect compensation for your medical bills, lost wages and other losses. Generally, your costs are paid by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance when you make a personal injury claim.
Unfortunately, many drivers carry only the minimum liability coverage required by Ohio law. If it was a drunk-driving accident, you may find that the driver has no insurance at all. In other cases, such as in “hit skips” or “hit-and-run” accidents, it is impossible to find the driver in order to make a claim against his or her insurance.
At Kitrick, Lewis & Harris, Co. L.P.A., we know how to handle underinsured and uninsured driver claims. Contract law governs uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. In other words, your claims come down to making sure that your insurance company follows the terms and conditions of your uninsured motorist policy and gives you compensation you have paid for. You need a Columbus car accident attorney on your side that can fairly estimate the value of your claim and ensure that your insurance company and the other driver’s company act in good faith. Our attorneys have many years of experience pursuing compensation for victims of motor vehicle accidents. We provide intelligent, uncompromising representation.
Our attorneys are prepared to take on the insurance companies on your behalf and advocate for you through tough negotiation or in litigation, if necessary. Contact us today for a free initial consultation in our Columbus, Ohio law offices with an accomplished Columbus injury lawyer.
Making an Underinsured or Uninsured Driver Claim on Your Insurance
Choosing the right insurance coverage BEFORE an accident can protect you and your family in unexpected ways. In Ohio, many drivers carry insufficient liability insurance. Drivers have no obligation to carry uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) insurance, although it is extremely wise to do so.
Ohio drivers only need to carry the minimum policy liability limits of $12,500 per person for bodily injury, $25,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $7,500 for property damage covering damages and injuries for the other driver.
If the uninsured or underinsured driver who hit you has only the minimum liability insurance, it may not cover all of your losses. In that case, or if an uninsured driver was responsible for your accident, you can seek any additional compensation from the driver directly, which can be difficult.
We can look at recoverable assets, if the uninsured driver owns property or a vehicle. If you were involved in a DUI DWI crash with an uninsured driver, however, it is not uncommon to find that the driver has no way to pay.
If you carry UM/UIM coverage, we will make a claim against your own insurance policy if the at-fault driver cannot cover all of your losses. Carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is critical should the unexpected or unthinkable happen.
Put Our Experienced Legal Team to Work for You
For skilled representation after an accident caused by an underinsured or uninsured driver, the law firm of Kitrick, Lewis & Harris, Co. L.P.A., is here to help. Contact us today for a free initial consultation with an attorney.