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If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Columbus, Ohio, you may feel uncertain about how to recover your losses. KNR can help.

Accidents in Columbus, OH with Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UIM) accidents occur when the at-fault driver either lacks insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for the damages they caused. Unfortunately, Ohio ranks among the top states with uninsured drivers, with over 13% of drivers on the road uninsured. This leaves victims facing significant financial burdens for medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our Columbus car accident lawyers, we help injured drivers and passengers navigate these challenging situations. Our experienced team is ready to protect your rights and help secure all the compensation you deserve. Contact KNR today for a free consultation.

Ohio Insurance Laws & Requirements

Ohio law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage, including:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage.

When an uninsured or underinsured driver causes an accident, victims can turn to their own UIM insurance coverage (if they have it) to recover damages. While UIM coverage is optional in Ohio, it can be a crucial safeguard against uninsured drivers.

What Is UIM Coverage?

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) protects drivers when injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.

  • Uninsured Motorist (UM): Provides coverage when the at-fault driver has no insurance.
  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM): Steps in when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their policy limits are too low to cover the full extent of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Ohio Revised Code §3937.18 requires insurance providers to offer UIM coverage to all drivers in amounts equal to their liability coverage. However, drivers have the option to waive this coverage in writing. While UIM coverage is not mandatory in Ohio, protecting yourself from the financial risks posed by uninsured or underinsured motorists is strongly recommended.

Do You have UIM Coverage?

Read: Understanding Your Insurance Coverage After an Accident

UIM Claims in Columbus: Common Scenarios

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage protects drivers, passengers, and pedestrians when the at-fault party lacks sufficient insurance. In Columbus, with its busy streets like High Street Broad Street and major highways like I-270 and US-33, accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers are all too common.

UIM coverage helps bridge the gap when another driver’s insurance—or lack thereof—fails to cover your losses. Here are the most frequently seen scenarios our attorneys see where UIM coverage applies in Columbus:

Accidents Caused by Uninsured Drivers

Unfortunately, not all drivers on Columbus roads follow Ohio’s law to carry liability insurance. Whether the accident occurs in downtown Columbus, near the Short North, or on a suburban street in Gahanna or Worthington, being hit by an uninsured driver can leave you struggling. In these situations, UIM coverage through your policy ensures you can recover compensation for medical bills, property damage, and other losses.

Crashes Involving Drivers with Inadequate Coverage

Ohio drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, but these amounts—$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury—are often insufficient to cover severe injuries or extensive property damage. So, if you’re injured in a high-speed collision on I-670, the costs can easily exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limits. UIM coverage pays for the remaining damages beyond what the at-fault driver’s insurance provides.

Hit-and-Runs

Hit-and-run accidents are particularly frustrating and common in high-traffic areas like Easton Town Center, Polaris Parkway or during major events near the OSU campus. If the at-fault driver flees the scene and cannot be located, your uninsured motorist coverage can provide the compensation you need for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other losses.

Bicycle, Pedestrian, & Motorcycle Accidents with Uninsured Motorists

Cyclists and pedestrians navigating Columbus’ streets, bike paths, and crosswalks—such as those near Scioto Mile or German Village—are particularly vulnerable to uninsured drivers. Similarly, motorcyclists are at higher risk of serious injuries in collisions caused by underinsured or uninsured motorists. UIM coverage can provide critical financial support to help you recover after these types of accidents.

Read our Guide to Car Accident Liability in Ohio

Why UIM Coverage Matters in Columbus

UIM coverage is an essential safeguard in a city with as much activity and traffic as Columbus. Whether commuting through Franklin County’s busiest thoroughfares or walking near popular neighborhoods, accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers can happen anywhere.

Ensuring you have adequate UIM coverage—and knowing how to use it after an accident—can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve.

Read Why Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is Important

If you’ve been involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact KNR. Our experienced Columbus UIM lawyers will guide you, protect your rights, and fight for all the compensation you need.

Common Injuries in UIM Accidents

Like any motor vehicle accident in Columbus, collisions involving uninsured or underinsured motorists can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor discomfort to severe, life-altering conditions. However, these accidents often present even more significant financial challenges for victims than those with fully insured drivers. Common injuries reported in UIM-related car accidents include:

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, and many have long-term effects on a victim’s quality of life. Prompt medical attention and legal guidance are critical to securing the compensation needed for recovery.

What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver

  • Ensure Safety: If you can, move to a safe location away from traffic and check yourself and others for injuries. Stay calm and avoid discussing fault at the scene.
  • Call the Police: Report the accident to law enforcement and make sure they file an official police report. This document will be critical in proving the other driver’s uninsured status and supporting your claim.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the vehicles, license plates, road conditions, damage, and visible injuries. These images can serve as valuable evidence when filing a claim.
  • Gather Driver Information: Get the name, contact details, and vehicle information of the uninsured driver, even if they admit they don’t have insurance.
  • Collect Witness Information: If there are witnesses, write down their names and contact details. Their accounts can help strengthen your case.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, visit a doctor as soon as possible. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show symptoms immediately but can become serious over time.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurer about the accident and check if your policy includes uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage.
  • Consult a Lawyer: Reach out to KNR for a free consultation. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Read What to Do After a Columbus Car Accident

Legal Options for Victims of Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers

Since the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage, you can file a claim through your own uninsured motorist policy if it’s included in your auto insurance coverage. While navigating an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim can be complex, this coverage is designed to step in and provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages caused by the uninsured driver.

However, if insurance negotiations fail or result in an unfair settlement, filing a personal injury lawsuit may be necessary

Read Our Guide to Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbus, OH

How the UIM Claims Process Works

  • Report the Accident: Notify your insurer immediately and inform them the at-fault driver was uninsured or underinsured.
  • Submit Evidence: Provide the police report, medical bills, photos of the scene, and documentation of damages.
  • Insurer Investigation: Your insurance company will review your claim and determine eligibility under your UM/UIM coverage.
  • Negotiations: Insurers may offer low settlements—an attorney can negotiate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation.

If your claim is denied or undervalued, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to recover the full extent of your damages.

Compensation for UIM Accidents

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Columbus, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of losses. Whether through a UIM insurance claim or a lawsuit, victims can seek damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Covering hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
  • Lost Wages: Reimbursement for time missed at work or reduced earning capacity due to injuries.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
  • Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle or other damaged belongings.
  • Mental Anguish: Addressing emotional trauma, such as anxiety or PTSD, caused by the accident.
  • Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent impairments or visible scars.

Each UIM case is unique, and determining the full extent of your damages requires a thorough evaluation by an experienced attorney. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we are committed to ensuring all your losses are accounted for, helping you secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Why You Need a Columbus UIM Lawyer

Dealing with a UIM claim can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies prioritize minimizing payouts over fairly compensating you. They may dispute the severity of your injuries, downplay your losses, or offer low settlements that don’t fully address your damages. An experienced Columbus UIM lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.

A skilled attorney will gather critical evidence—such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements—to build a strong claim and prove the full extent of your losses. They’ll handle negotiations with your insurance company, counter lowball offers, and, if necessary, represent you in court to fight for maximum compensation.

At KNR, we understand the tactics insurers use and are committed to protecting your interests.

FAQs: Accidents with Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists

Will Filing a UIM Claim Raise My Premiums?

Ohio law prohibits insurance companies from increasing your premiums solely because you file a UIM claim.

How Long Do I Have to File a UIM Claim in Ohio?

The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Ohio is two years from the date of the accident. Still, you should report the accident to your insurer immediately to avoid delays.

What if My UIM Claim is Denied?

If your claim is denied, an attorney can help you gather additional evidence, appeal the denial, or pursue legal action against the insurer if they act in bad faith.

Does UIM Coverage Apply to Uber or Lyft Accidents?

If the at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance, your personal UIM coverage or the rideshare’s insurance may apply to cover your damages.

Call KNR: Your Columbus UIM Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Columbus, Kisling, Nestico & Redick is here to help. We understand the unique challenges of UIM claims and are dedicated to protecting your rights. Our experienced attorneys will guide you, negotiate with insurance, and fight for maximum compensation.

Don’t let the complexities of a UIM claim prevent you from recovering what you deserve. Contact KNR at (614) 487-8669 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. We serve Columbus, Franklin County, and the surrounding areas.