Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Accidents in Ohio
When a negligent driver causes a serious accident and lacks the insurance to cover the damage they’ve caused, victims are often left feeling helpless, bearing the physical and financial cost of someone else's mistake.
For over 50 years, the personal injury attorneys at Perantinides & Nolan, Co., L.P.A. have fought against injustice for injury victims in Akron and throughout Ohio. We know how to uncover hidden avenues of compensation when it seems like none exist, ensuring our clients secure the maximum settlement required for their recovery.
Understanding UM/UIM Coverage in Ohio
In Ohio, all drivers are legally required to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance. Unfortunately, thousands of motorists drive uninsured every day. Furthermore, the state minimum for liability coverage is often vastly insufficient to cover the costs of catastrophic injuries, surgeries, or wrongful death.
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Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Protects you if the at-fault driver has zero auto insurance or if you are the victim of a hit-and-run.
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Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage: Protects you if the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to fully compensate you for your damages. In this scenario, your UIM policy acts as a safety net to cover the difference.
What happens if I am hit by a driver with no insurance in Ohio?
If an at-fault driver lacks insurance (or sufficient insurance) to cover your medical bills and property damage, you are not out of options. You can pursue compensation through your own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) policy, file a direct lawsuit against the liable party, or pursue a third-party claim.
The Hidden Danger: Driving a Company Vehicle
Does my company vehicle cover me if I am hit by an underinsured driver?
Not necessarily. Many employers carry high liability coverage to protect the company, but explicitly reject UM/UIM coverage, leaving employees vulnerable if hit by a negligent driver.
Do not assume that because you are driving a heavily insured work vehicle, you are fully protected from uninsured drivers.
Our firm recently resolved a tragic wrongful death case that highlights this exact danger. Our client, who traveled nationwide for an international food products manufacturer, was driving his company-issued vehicle. Early one morning, a commercial tractor-trailer crossed the median and collided head-on with our client, killing him instantly.
Because the at-fault tractor-trailer caused a massive multi-vehicle crash, its $1,000,000 liability policy had to be split among numerous injured parties and estates. The coverage was grossly insufficient.
Naturally, we looked to our client’s employer’s commercial policy for UM/UIM coverage to make up the difference. Shockingly, we discovered that while the employer carried a $5,000,000 liability policy to protect itself from lawsuits, it historically chose not to carry UM/UIM coverage for its employees. This left the employee's grieving family in an incredibly difficult position.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
If you drive a company vehicle, verify your coverage today.
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Ask your employer if your company vehicle policy includes UM/UIM coverage.
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If they do not provide it, strongly advocate that they add it.
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If they refuse, purchase supplemental UM/UIM coverage on your personal household auto policy.Often, your personal policy can step in to protect you, even when driving a work vehicle.
Your Legal Options After an Uninsured Accident
When the at-fault driver’s insurance falls short, the attorneys at Perantinides & Nolan rigorously investigate all alternative options to secure your financial future:
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Pursuing Your UM/UIM Policy: We will negotiate aggressively with your own insurance company. Even though they are your insurer, their goal is still to minimize payouts. We ensure they honor the policy you have been paying for.
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Direct Claims Against the At-Fault Party: In some cases, the negligent driver may have personal assets, property, or independent wealth that can be pursued directly through a civil lawsuit.
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Third-Party Liability: We thoroughly investigate the crash to see if other parties share the blame. Was a construction company responsible for a dangerous road hazard? Did a manufacturer produce defective brakes that contributed to the crash? Was a bar liable under dram shop laws for over-serving a drunk driver? We hold all negligent parties accountable.
Trust in Our Guidance
Uninsured motorist claims are highly complex, often involving overlapping insurance policies, tight deadlines, and strict notification rules. If you settle with the at-fault driver's minimal insurance before notifying your own UM/UIM carrier, you could accidentally forfeit your right to additional compensation.
Do not navigate this alone. We have decades of experience representing thousands of Ohioans in the most challenging personal injury claims.
If you have been seriously injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact our Akron office today. Call 330-253-5454 or complete our secure online form to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate every facet of your case to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
