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There are hundreds of car accidents every day in Ohio. Many of these wrecks can be avoided if drivers follow the law and exercise common safety measures. You may have been in a car accident that caught you completely off guard, and it’s possible that in addition to significant property damage you may also have sustained serious physical injuries.
The many details of Ohio car accident law can be overwhelming for anybody, especially if you are trying to recuperate. It’s important to know that you have the right to seek compensation from the negligent driver who caused your injuries.
The Ohio car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick have helped countless people in this position, and we know what it takes to make the law work for you.
The aftermath of your car accident can be chaotic, and it’s important that you make sure to get yourself to a safe spot as soon as possible. Ohio Code section 4509.06 requires you to report your car accident if it resulted in injuries that need medical attention, someone’s death, or property damage over $1,000.
No matter the details of your crash, we recommend that you call law enforcement and file a report. This will allow for police to investigate the scene of the accident and make an official record of what happened. This can be a great resource for your lawyer if you are to seek compensation for your damages.
If you have been hurt in a car crash caused by the careless actions of someone else, contact Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. Call KNR at 1-800-HURT-NOW or contact us online to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.
Financial Responsibility Laws for Car Accidents in Ohio
State law requires Ohio drivers to be prepared to take financial responsibility for car accidents they might cause. The most common way to do this is by purchasing liability car insurance. The minimum coverage requirements for drivers’ insurance are:
- For injury or death– You must have at least $25,000 of coverage for injuries or death you cause to another individual while you are driving, and at least $50,000 for the total injuries that you might cause to numerous people in a single incident.
- For property damage – You must purchase at least $25,000 of insurance coverage for all property damage that you cause in a car accident.
While Ohio law requires drivers to have these insurance minimums, the law does not limit lawsuits stemming from car accidents to be capped at these dollar figures.
For example, if you are in a car accident and have $100,000 in medical bills as a result, you can still pursue the total sum of your financial damages even if the negligent party only has the minimum insurance coverage required by law.
By clearly demonstrating your damages, a lawyer will seek all of the compensation you need to recover from the other party, their insurance company, and even your own insurance provider if necessary.
Ohio’s At-Fault System and Comparative Negligence Laws
Unlike many other states, Ohio has a “fault” system where the party that is found to be responsible for the accident must pay for the damages of the injured parties.
This is different than a “no-fault” system where the injured parties in a car accident must first seek payment from their own insurance, and can only file an action against the negligent person once the claim reaches a certain threshold.
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