Most people have a very basic idea of what they need to do after a car crash. They know they have to call the local authorities to report the collision. They realize they may need to see a doctor to check for injuries and arrange to tow their vehicle to a repair shop.
As long as they didn’t cause the crash, they probably expect insurance to cover most of their expenses. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same straightforward process after a major motor vehicle collision. Some drivers get out of their vehicles to communicate with the other driver, only to learn that the person who hit them doesn’t have insurance.
What happens when an uninsured driver is at fault for an Ohio car wreck?
Uninsured drivers may have direct liability
People who don’t keep their insurance coverage active often fail to understand the consequences of that choice. Specifically, they view it as a cost-saving measure when they might actually set themselves up for lifelong financial hardship if they cause a major collision. They may be at risk of a lawsuit brought by the parties affected by the crash.
Drivers without insurance often have to cover crash costs using their assets or income. Quite a few drivers in Ohio may find themselves in this difficult position. According to insurance claims made in 2022, roughly 17.1% of Ohio drivers lack insurance. That’s the 10th-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country, meaning drivers have a better than one in six chance of not having liability coverage available after a wreck.
Some drivers choose to address that risk ahead of time by carrying uninsured motorist insurance. That extra coverage comes into play when a driver without insurance causes a crash or when a motorist ends up involved in a hit-and-run collision where the party at fault flees the scene without exchanging information or identifying themselves.
When a driver at fault for harm lacks insurance, it may be necessary to consider a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to hold them accountable for collision costs. Filing an uninsured motorist insurance claim can be a difficult process. So can filing a civil lawsuit. Seeking legal guidance can help. People who know what options they have can limit their financial losses after a crash caused by a driver without insurance.