Ohio requires all drivers to carry insurance before they operate a vehicle according to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Even if you’re in a truck accident with no insurance and are not at fault, you could face consequences. However, the at-fault driver could still be responsible for covering your losses. A truck accident attorney from our firm can help you navigate these complex circumstances and advocate for your financial recovery.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Car Insurance and Someone Hits You in Ohio?
All drivers are responsible for carrying auto insurance for their vehicles. Generally, drivers exchange insurance information after an accident, sometimes even before reporting it to the police.
If you do not have insurance, inform the other driver of the situation. You still have a legal obligation to contact the police for all but “minor” accidents—minor accidents do not involve injuries and have a limited amount of property damage.
You have the legal right to seek compensation from the truck driver who hit you or their employer, even if you don’t have insurance. However, you may also face legal charges for driving without coverage.
Seeking Compensation If Someone Hit You and You Don’t Have Insurance
Ohio allows uninsured drivers to seek compensation if they’re not at fault for a collision. In this situation, you can work with a car accident lawyer in Ohio to seek damages from the insurance company that covers the other driver.
You may also choose to file a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident or the trucking company they work for. Generally, you only get compensation if you can show that someone else was responsible for the collision. A lawyer can build your case by:
- Reviewing the police report
- Speaking to any eyewitnesses
- Viewing the scene of the accident
- Collecting your medical records
- Requesting relevant documents and data in the trucking company’s possession
Make sure that you share all pertinent information about the accident with your truck accident attorney.
Legal Repercussions for Driving Without Insurance in Ohio
Regardless of your fault for an accident, you can face legal repercussions if you drive without insurance in Ohio. Ohio Revised Code Section 4509.101 details the penalties for this offense, which vary based on how many times you’ve gone without insurance.
The first offense often leads to registration and license suspension until you pay a $100 fee. A second offense leads to a license and registration suspension, along with fees of $300. Some drivers can get back their license and registration by providing proof of insurance. However, they may only receive limited driving privileges for the rest of the year.
Subsequent offenses usually result in a fee of $600. Keep all of these penalties in mind before operating your vehicle without insurance.
What Happens If You’re in a Truck Accident Without Insurance and Are at Fault?
If a driver operates their truck without insurance and causes an accident, then the driver faces a legal obligation to anyone involved in the collision.
Generally, insurance companies cover another driver’s medical expenses or vehicle repairs following a wreck. However, if you’re in a truck accident and do not have insurance, the other driver has the legal right to take you to court to seek compensation.
Legal Effects of Causing an Accident Without Insurance
The court system generally treats uninsured drivers more harshly if they cause an accident. A driver may lose their driving privileges for two years in this situation.
In some cases, an uninsured driver must make a payment deposition to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
Compensation You Can Seek If Another Driver Caused Your Accident in Ohio
If another driver caused your truck accident in Ohio, you could seek compensation for your losses. Truck accidents often leave drivers with significant injuries, like broken bones, concussions, and injuries to internal organs. Depending on your situation, you may receive funds to cover your healthcare expenses, including:
- Hospitalization
- Medical tests and procedures
- Emergency care
- Medications and physical therapy
- Doctor’s appointments
- Travel to appointments
In addition to getting compensation for your medical care, you may receive funds for your vehicle repair costs and lost income. You may be able to secure compensation for your pain and suffering. The court considers these to be “non-economic” losses. Note that you can only pursue compensation if someone else caused your truck accident.
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How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You After an Accident in Ohio
Cases in which a driver is uninsured can become complex. If you are dealing with injuries, you may not want to handle the legal process on your own. Our truck accident lawyer is here to support truck accident victims. We will:
- Review the details of your case to determine who was responsible for causing the accident
- Handle communication with any insurers involved in your case
- Collect evidence to support your case, including photos, videos, medical records, and bills
- Answer any questions you have about filing a lawsuit or insurance claim against the at-fault party
- Help you file your case before the statute of limitations expires
- Explain the laws that apply to your case
- Keep you updated about the progress of your case
When you rely on our firm to handle your truck accident case, you do not need to worry about any legal details. We have years of experience helping injured truck accident victims seek the compensation they deserve. Our firm is prepared to build a strong case on your behalf.
Speak to Our Team if You Were in an Ohio Truck Accident and Don’t Have Insurance
Our team can help you if you’re in a truck accident with no insurance but are not at fault in Ohio. A truck accident lawyer from The Fitch Law Firm LLC could help you secure compensation to cover your losses in this situation.
Contact us today to learn more about working with our truck accident attorney. We offer free consultations, and one of our team members can take your call 24/7.