Imagine being involved in a car accident in Ohio. The shock, the stress, and the uncertainty about what comes next can be overwhelming. However, one thing is sure: understanding Ohio’s at-fault insurance system is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve. No, Ohio is not a no-fault state. Instead, the driver responsible for the accident is held accountable for covering damages through their insurance policy. This means that if you’re involved in an accident, you’ll need to manage the intricacies of liability insurance to get the compensation you need to recover. With minimum coverage requirements of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage, it’s essential to comprehend the system clearly. That’s where experienced attorneys like Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz in Dayton come in – to guide you through the process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
A no-fault state is one in which drivers rely on their own insurance to cover personal injury expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. In these states, drivers typically carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical bills and lost wages without needing to determine who is at fault.
In contrast, under the at-fault system (like Ohio’s), the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying the costs of the accident, including property damage, medical expenses, and other related damages. The victim in the accident can file a claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Visit the Insurance Information Institute to learn more about how no-fault insurance works and which states use this system.
Ohio follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for causing an accident is held financially accountable for the resulting damages. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and compensation for pain and suffering. Unlike no-fault states, where each party typically relies on their own insurance, Ohio’s system requires determining fault to seek compensation from the at-fault party.
If you’re involved in an accident in Ohio, you’ll typically file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. If that insurance doesn’t cover all your costs, or if the driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to pursue legal action. Hiring an experienced car attorney can protect your rights and ensure you receive total compensation for your losses.
In Ohio, the liability is determined through a legal concept known as comparative negligence. This means that the degree of responsibility for the accident is divided between the parties involved, and the compensation is adjusted based on each party’s percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault for the accident, and the other driver is 80% responsible, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. Ohio follows the 51% rule, which means that if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident, you are barred from recovering any damages.
Insurance companies and attorneys will evaluate evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and accident reconstruction to determine blame. If you are pursuing compensation and believe you were not primarily responsible for the accident, consulting with a legal expert can help ensure your case is handled fairly.
Drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance to cover damages they may cause in an accident. The state’s minimum insurance requirements are:
These minimum coverage amounts are set by law to ensure that drivers can cover basic costs if they are found responsible for an incident. Nonetheless, more than these limits may be needed in case of a severe tragedy, where medical expenses and property damage can quickly exceed these minimums. If costs go beyond the insurance limits, the at-fault driver may be held personally liable for the remaining expenses.
Ohio law doesn’t require additional coverage such as:
Although Ohio mandates only liability coverage, experts recommend considering additional insurance for better financial protection. According to CarInsurance.info, opting for higher coverage limits or adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can offer broader protection, especially in cases where medical costs or vehicle repairs exceed the basic limits. With uninsured drivers on the road, having this extra coverage could save you from significant out-of-pocket expenses.
If you’re injured in a car accident in Ohio, the reparations you can recover depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the accident. Common types of damages you may be entitled to include:
Ohio’s comparative negligence laws can make determining damages complex, but with legal guidance, you can navigate this process effectively.
Understanding Ohio’s at-fault insurance system is crucial after a car accident since it allows victims to seek compensation from the driver at fault. Collaborating with an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure that your case is appropriately assessed and you recover the total compensation you’re entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and more. If you’re uncertain about the next steps, the seasoned attorneys at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz are here to safeguard your rights. Contact us today at 937.222.2222 for a free consultation and the compensation you deserve.
Before establishing Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz L.P.A., Doug Mann, a top Ohio Injury Attorney served as a bodily injury claims adjuster at a major insurance firm. With over 40+ years of experience, Doug’s background has proven invaluable in securing maximum cash settlements for his clients swiftly. Since leaving the insurance industry, Doug has devoted his entire legal career to assisting injured clients during their times of greatest need.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Doug Mann who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a practicing personal injury attorney.
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