Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage in Ohio August 29, 2012.

Having the right insurance coverage can make a significant difference in the recovery of damages if you are involved in a car accident in Ohio. There is no guarantee that the other driver has enough coverage or any at all.

However, you should seek legal help from a Cleveland personal injury attorney if someone else’s negligence was the cause of your accident. You could receive compensation for serious injuries you sustained as a result of the accident.

Overview of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

To save money, motorists may opt to take the minimum amount of insurance required by their state. However, you may better protect yourself and your assets by getting more than what is required.

How will you pay for your medical expenses and other damages if you are seriously injured in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance? Or what if you sustain severe injuries in a hit and run?

Uninsured motorist coverage can help address your financial losses and more. This could include medical costs, lost earnings, or other out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident and injuries.

In addition, it may cover non-financial damages such as pain and suffering, reduced quality of life, disability, and more. An accident doesn’t just affect a victim’s pocketbook; it may have dire consequences that go far beyond.

This not only covers you, but members of your family and passengers in your vehicle. It even applies to situations in which you are a pedestrian, motorcyclist, or bicyclist and are injured by an uninsured driver.

Overview of Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured motorist coverage provides coverage in the event the other driver has insurance, but it isn’t enough to cover damages. It will generally cover the difference between the other driver’s coverage limit and yours.

So, if the other driver’s limit was $30,000 and your limit was $50,000, you could receive the difference. However, this would only apply if your damages were at least $50,000. If they were only $40,000, then you would be entitled to a difference of $10,000.

Even if the other driver has insurance, it may not be enough to protect you. Your medical expenses can add up quickly, especially if you are dealing with expenses related to hospitalization, surgery, follow-up visits, and other medical care.

Although the state ofOhiodoesn’t require you to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, you should still purchase the highest amounts that you can afford. It is usually not very expensive and well worth it, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you have been seriously injured.

Like uninsured coverage, underinsured coverage also helps cover not only your medical expenses, but also other costs as well. For instance, if your injuries prevent you from working for several months, lost earnings may be recoverable.

What’s more, if you have suffered other damages, physical or psychological, additional compensation may be available. You may also be able to pursue a claim against the other driver if they were at fault for the accident.

Seeking Legal Help from a Cleveland Personal Injury Attorney

Insurance coverage is important, but it’s not the only way to recover damages. If the other driver was negligent and caused you to sustain serious injuries, you may also be able to pursue legal action through a claim.

To learn if you have a legitimate claim, contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. It is important to make sure that your case is handled promptly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Theattorney team at Mellino Law Firm offers specialized medical knowledge, exceptional trial skills, and superior negotiating talent in pursuit of fair compensation for clients. Do you want to learn more about how they can help you? Contact them today for a free consultation at (440) 333-3800.