A car accident can change your life forever. From the shock and confusion to the physical pain and emotional trauma, it’s an experience nobody wants to go through. But what happens when the aftermath of a crash becomes even more daunting? What if your car accident claim exceeds the insurance coverage?
This article will explain what your options are when your damages exceed the insurance limits. You will learn why you need an experienced Toledo car accident attorney by your side during the entire claim process.
Minimum Insurance Limits for Ohio Drivers
Ohio law requires all drivers to have mandatory insurance coverage. This ensures that every driver is financially responsible for any damages or injuries that may occur in an accident. But what exactly are these insurance limits?
Our state recently increased the minimum liability coverage to:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident
- $25,000 in property damage liability coverage.
Also, you will need to know the coverage limits of your own insurance policy. Some policies include underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage which can provide extra protection if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance or any at all.
Navigating through the complexities of insurance policies and determining how much you are entitled to can be overwhelming. That’s why seeking legal advice from a Toledo car accident lawyer is essential.
When Car Accident Claims Exceed the Insurance Coverage
Although the minimum insurance requirements appear significant, the reality is that they are insufficient to cover all damages in some cases. These are cases involving catastrophic and life-changing injuries, requiring specialized and long-term medical care.
In such cases, victims are wondering what options they have for seeking compensation. This is where a lawyer steps in. They will explore all the potential options for supplementary recovery, such as:
Identifying Multiple Defendants
In many car accident claims, there may be more than one party at fault for the crash. For example, if the driver was working at the time of the accident, their employer could potentially be held liable as well. Additionally, if faulty road conditions or defective vehicle parts contributed to the crash, other parties such as government entities or manufacturers might also bear some responsibility.
Identifying these additional defendants can help increase your chances of obtaining full compensation for your injuries and damages. By involving multiple parties in your claim, you distribute liability and maximize your potential sources of recovery.
However, determining all responsible parties requires thorough investigation and legal expertise. This is where an experienced Toledo car crash attorney can assist you. They will carefully review the details of your case, gather evidence, and work diligently to identify all potential defendants.
Filing a Claim Against the Driver’s Umbrella Policy
An umbrella policy is an additional form of liability insurance that goes above and beyond the limits of a standard auto insurance policy. It provides extra coverage in case an accident results in severe injuries or property damage.
To pursue a claim against the driver’s umbrella policy, it is important to gather evidence of negligence on behalf of the driver. This could include photos from the scene of the accident, witness statements, police reports, and any other relevant documentation.
It’s important to note that filing a claim against an umbrella policy does not guarantee full compensation for your damages. The amount you receive will depend on various factors such as the specific terms of the policy and whether there are any exclusions or limitations.
Personally Suing the Driver
When a car accident claim exceeds the insurance coverage, it may be necessary to sue the driver personally for damages. This is often done when severe injuries have occurred and medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering far exceed what the insurance policy will cover.
It’s important to note that filing a lawsuit against someone personally can be complex and challenging. There are no guarantees that you will be able to enforce the jury award if the defendant does not have a lot of assets.
An experienced lawyer will evaluate the situation carefully before recommending this course of action.
Identifying Whether the Insurer Acted in Bad Faith
Finally, it may be possible to prove that the insurance company acted in bad faith. This term refers to situations where the insurance company fails to fulfill its obligations under the policy or engages in unfair practices.
Identifying bad faith requires a thorough examination of an insurer’s actions during the claims process. If you believe your insurance company has acted unfairly or failed to fulfill its duties, consult with an experienced Toledo car accident attorney who can help protect your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries and damages.
Call an Experienced Toledo Car Accident Lawyer!
When dealing with an accident claim that exceeds insurance limits in Ohio, seeking professional legal assistance promptly is crucial. An experienced Toledo car accident lawyer will strive tirelessly to win maximum damages. They understand how devastating these situations can be and will fight relentlessly for justice and fair compensation.
Do not wait any longer! Our law firm offers each new client a free case review, so you can present the facts of your case to an experienced attorney and understand your legal options. Call us today at 844-853-7373!
