Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers | February 21, 2025 | Car Accidents
If you have been hurt in a car accident in Columbus, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages. However, if the driver who hit you was uninsured, you may be left wondering how you will pay for your losses.
Thankfully, accident victims in Columbus may have ways to recover damages after an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. You could file a lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver or a claim using your own uninsured motorist insurance coverage. A Columbus car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. Dive into all the details below to learn how to get compensated after an accident with an uninsured motorist.
What Are My Options After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver in Ohio?
After a car accident, you likely have expenses that are starting to add up. You may be missing time from work, and the medical bills just keep coming. You need a way to get compensation to help take away some of the financial stress of your situation. Your options for doing that are as follows:
File a Lawsuit Against the At-Fault Driver
Ohio is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. This means that the at-fault driver is responsible for any injuries and damages resulting from the accident. Examples of common damages in car accidents include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
However, if the driver does not have insurance, you may have to file a lawsuit against them personally. Filing a lawsuit against the other driver and getting compensation from them can take some time. They will not owe you any damages until the lawsuit is complete, and they may not have the money or assets to pay it all at once.
The judge could order that some of their assets be seized or their wages be garnished to pay for the damages. In some cases, they might be forced to pay the entire judgment as a lump sum, but they may also work out a payment plan in other situations. If you need to sue the at-fault driver, you should consider hiring an attorney who can help you through the process.
File a Claim With Your Own Uninsured Motorist Coverage
The quickest way to get compensation for your injuries is usually by filing a claim with your own uninsured motorist coverage. This coverage is optional in Ohio, so you might not have an uninsured motorist clause as part of your insurance policy.
Once you start the claim, you will need to provide your insurance company with information about the accident. They will need details, such as:
- The date and time of the accident
- The nature of your injuries
- Names and contact information for all parties involved
- Facts about how the accident occurred
It is important to have this type of coverage in case you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. Even if the other driver has insurance, they may not have enough to cover severe or catastrophic injuries. Your own coverage could help make up the difference in those situations.
An adjuster will usually be assigned to your claim to investigate the accident and the resulting damages. If you agree with their valuation, most claims are paid within 4 to 6 weeks. However, you can choose to dispute their valuation and attempt to negotiate a settlement that gets you more compensation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Ohio?
Ohio law typically allows you two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. However, missing this deadline may cause you to lose all your rights to recover compensation. There are some special cases when the deadline could be shorter or longer than the general rule. This is why it is best to seek the help of an experienced car accident attorney who can help you ensure you do not lose your opportunity to get compensated for your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, go ahead and notify the police. Make sure that you seek medical treatment for any injuries – even if you think you feel “fine” at the moment. Obtain contact information from any witnesses as well as contact and insurance information from the other driver.
Never admit fault or say anything that could be used to put the blame on you. Seek the help of an experienced car accident lawyer who can give you legal advice about your best option for getting the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Car Accidents Law Firm of Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Columbus, OH, and Charleston, WV.
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Columbus, OH Office
20 E Broad St Suite 1000, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 587-8423
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 39.96270905583009, -82.99956356191063
Mani Ellis & Layne Accident & Injury Lawyers – Charleston, WV Office
10 Hale St Suite 501, Charleston, WV 25301
(304) 720-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 38.348382927211865, -81.635109451865