Our law firm’s uninsured motorist accident lawyers explain what to do if you are involved in an accident requiring uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.
Dealing with an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist in Ohio can be overwhelming. For drivers in Cincinnati and across the state, understanding the steps to take, how Ohio law works, and how to maximize your financial recovery is crucial. This in-depth guide by RKPT, Cincinnati car accident lawyers, will outline exactly what to do, and how to protect your rights and your future.
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Driving Without Insurance: A Serious Statewide Problem
Auto accidents are stressful in any scenario, but when the at-fault driver is underinsured, or carries no insurance at all, recovering compensation can be uniquely challenging. Even though Ohio law requires liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury insurance (and $50,000 per accident for two or more people), thousands of motorists ignore or skirt the insurance requirement.
Ohio is among the states with the highest rates of uninsured drivers, with more than 17% of all motorists driving without proper insurance. This means that 1 in 6 drivers on the road may leave victims without a clear source of compensation in the event of a crash.
Ohio’s Auto Insurance Requirements
All Ohio drivers are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. As of 2025, the required minimums are:
- $25,000 for injury or death per person
- $50,000 for injury or death per accident (if more than one person is injured)
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
Drivers must show proof of insurance at traffic stops, accident scenes, and vehicle inspections. Failure to maintain insurance can result in heavy fines, license suspension, and even vehicle registration revocation. Alternatives to insurance, like surety bonds or certificates of financial responsibility, are rarely used.
What Is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage?
UM/UIM coverage is a specific type of insurance designed to protect you when the at-fault driver is uninsured (UM) or does not have enough insurance to cover all your damages (UIM). Though not mandatory in Ohio, insurance companies must offer it to all policyholders, and you can only refuse in writing.
Why You Need UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured coverage (UM) pays for injuries and losses caused by drivers with no insurance. Underinsured coverage (UIM) adds extra protection if the at-fault driver’s limits won’t cover all your costs. These cover hit-and-run accidents, which are considered the same as being hit by an uninsured driver. Also, if you’re hit as a walker or cyclist and the at-fault driver has no or insufficient coverage, UM/UIM coverage may apply. This coverage also applies to passengers in your vehicle.
Without UM/UIM insurance, a car accident case could be financially ruinous. You could be stuck paying for your own medical bills, lost wages, repair costs, and pain and suffering if the other driver cannot pay, no matter how severe your injuries. We strongly advise purchasing a UM/UIM policy through a reputable auto insurance company.
Questions about a car accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver? Call RKPT for a free consultation: (513) 721-3330.
What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver
1. Move to Safety and Check for Injuries
After any car accident, first ensure safety by moving vehicles out of traffic if it is safe and possible. If your vehicle is disabled or your injuries prevent you from moving safely, stay where you are until emergency vehicles arrive. Check everyone for injuries. Try to stay calm; do not admit liability or assign blame.
2. Call the Police and File an Official Report
Always call 911 after a crash, especially if the other driver has no insurance or tries to talk you out of reporting. Even though it may seem simpler to keep the accident off the books, it is gambling with your physical and financial health. It’s also illegal: Ohio law requires the reporting of accidents. Filing a police report is a crucial step in securing full compensation.
3. Exchange Information and Collect Evidence
It’s generally good practice to gather as much information as possible at the scene; it can be easy to forget crucial elements of the event that could make or break your case. Collect the contact information and driver’s license details for all drivers involved, as well as insurance information if applicable. Take photos of all affected vehicles, the accident scene, and any injuries sustained.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
The next step is critical: you will need to inform your own insurer about the accident and clarify that the other party has inadequate or no coverage. Then begin the process of filing a UM/UIM claim right away. Many insurers have strict deadlines for reporting potential uninsured or underinsured accidents; some are as short as 30 days. Report the accident promptly to protect the integrity of your claim. You may also want to check your auto insurance policy to confirm whether you have UM or UIM coverage, and the policy limits stipulated.
5. Seek and Follow Medical Advice
Any personal injury claim can be compromised by failing to seek medical attention or failing to follow your doctor’s orders. Insurance companies may claim that your injuries are not serious or that your claim is invalid if medical documentation does not demonstrate consistency or compliance. For this reason, to say nothing of your own health, always seek medical attention for yourself, even for seemingly minor injuries. Prompt care protects both your health and your injury claim.
Understanding Ohio’s Statute of Limitations for UM/UIM Claims
Ohio’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two (2) years from the date of the accident. However, insurance policies may set additional notice or filing requirements for UM/UIM claims, sometimes much shorter. Failing to file your claim or lawsuit in time can forfeit your right to recover, so it’s critical to act quickly and consult a qualified attorney if you have doubts about this deadline.
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The UM/UIM Claims Process in Ohio: A Checklist
If you have been hit by an uninsured driver, follow this simple checklist to ensure your case is on the right track. To speak with an uninsured motorist accident lawyer, call RKPT at (513) 721-3330.
Documentation
Gather and submit all necessary records, including:
✔ The police report
✔ Medical records and bills
✔ Pay stubs if you’ve missed work (for lost wages)
✔ Repair estimates and evidence of vehicle damage
✔ Witness statements and scene photos
Filing Your UM/UIM Claim
This step will occur directly with your own insurance company. This usually involves:
✔ a written notice
✔ submission of documentation, and
✔ cooperation with the insurer’s investigation.
Call an Uninsured Motorist Accident Lawyer
The easiest way to file a lawsuit and preserve the integrity of your case is by hiring a car accident lawyer to represent you.
✔ Save (513) 721-3330, in your phone as UNINSURED MOTORIST ACCIDENT LAWYER.
✔ Visit our Contact Us page to share your story; someone at RKPT will be in touch with you shortly.
