As an experienced vehicle accident attorney office in Ohio, we work with many clients after they are involved in car accidents. One of the most common concerns we hear is confusion about automobile insurance coverage. Many clients are surprised to learn that they do not have as much coverage as they thought. They may have been led to believe that they had “full coverage,” but what does that really mean in practice?
A full coverage car insurance plan in Ohio includes the minimum liability coverage required by law: $25,000 for bodily injury per person and $50,000 per accident. That liability coverage protects the car owner and family members who live with the owner when their negligence causes injuries and property damage to others. Depending on the specific policy language, other individuals may also be covered.
However, those numbers don’t go very far. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the average economic cost of a single motor vehicle crash injury in the United States is $24,000, and the cost of a crash that results in death can exceed $1.7 million. With those kinds of expenses, it’s easy to see why minimum coverage often falls short.
The Role of Insurance After a Car Accident
One of the first questions we hear is: What do I do after a car accident and how does my insurance factor in? After a car accident, the first thing you should always do is to take care of yourself and any friends/family involved in the accident. If this involves seeking medical attention, do so immediately. Once you’re safe and stable, you can focus on documenting the incident, gathering testimonies, speaking to an injury attorney, and notifying your insurance company.
If you’ve never used your car insurance policy before, you may not be fully aware of what’s in it.
Unfortunately, many accident victims quickly realize their basic policy does not protect them from the financial hardships that often follow a car accident. That’s why understanding your coverage options before you ever get behind the wheel is so important.
Why Your Basic Car Insurance Plan May Not Be Enough
Based on years of experience working with clients who sustained bodily injuries in accidents, we often recommend that drivers go beyond the minimum required coverage. Here are three types of additional insurance options that can make a significant difference:
1. Medical Payments Coverage
This is often one of the most overlooked but helpful forms of coverage. Unlike traditional health insurance, medical payments coverage works alongside it, covering out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, co-pays, or treatments outside your health network. Having this coverage can prevent large medical bills from piling up while you recover and your claim is still pending.
2. Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage
Not every driver on the road carries adequate insurance. UM/UIM coverage protects you and your loved ones when you are injured by a negligent driver who either has no insurance or has only minimal coverage. These policies are available in a variety of limits, but the peace of mind they provide is invaluable.
3. Umbrella Coverage
An umbrella policy extends your liability and/or UM/UIM limits, providing extra protection against catastrophic losses. For example, if you are seriously injured and medical bills and lost wages exceed the coverage limits of your basic policy, umbrella coverage helps fill the gap. A qualified insurance agent can help tailor the right policy to your needs.
Why Being Fully Covered Matters
We strongly encourage anyone to be “fully covered” by their insurance, not just carrying the state minimums. Even if your car is worth little, you and the passengers within it are highly valuable. With medical costs continuing to rise and the risk of uninsured drivers on the road, additional coverage can mean the difference between recovering comfortably and facing years of financial strain.
Our role is to guide clients through this process, ensure their rights are protected, and work tirelessly to secure the compensation they deserve. Having the right insurance in place is one of the best first steps toward protecting yourself and your family before an accident ever happens.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies and the adjusters who work for them aren’t evil. But they also aren’t on your side. They’re looking out for their interests, which often includes minimizing or denying your claim, even when you have coverage. You can’t let this scare you, however. In fact, you should be asking yourself how you can scare insurance adjusters.
Arguably the best way to do this is to work with an experienced accident and injury lawyer. For those in the Greater Cincinnati area, we can help with that.
The Richards Firm is Here for You
The Richards Firm was founded to make the legal system more accessible. While some injury firms treat clients like another case number on a never-ending conveyor belt, we strive to treat everyone as individuals. This starts from your very first (free) consultation where we meet wherever is most convenient for you. For some, it may be at their home or a coffee shop. For others, it may be virtually or at our offices.
From there, we listen to the specifics of your situation and the goals you have. With that information, we can help you understand your options and how to best move forward.
With The Richards Firm, there are never any hidden or upfront fees. We only get paid if you win your case. If you’ve been in an accident, and you need help navigating the situation and building a case, contact us today. You can call us at 513-461-0084 or by visiting our contact page here.
