Many discussions regarding car accident liability claims involve the drivers. In the typical personal injury case, typically one driver is responsible for causing the crash, and their insurance company should pay for damages caused by their insured. So who pays for your injuries if you are a passenger?

Most people assume that injured passengers are limited to a recovery from the at fault party - but the truth is, innocent passengers have several sources of potential recovery - even if the at fault party does not have insurance, or their insurance is insufficient to cover the damages of all those injured in a crash.

The personal injury lawyers at Robenalt Law have decades of experience representing people who were injured in automobile accidents, and there is very little we have not seen. When a car accident causes injuries, we can evaluate your claim, identify potential sources of insurance coverage, and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. To put our expertise to work for you, contact Robenalt Law today to schedule a free, no-obligation appointment to discuss your case and how we can help.

Understanding Ohio Car Accident Liability Claims

Ohio is an at-fault insurance state, meaning the driver who caused the accident is responsible for damages caused by their negligence. In the typical car accident injury claim, the injured victim seeks compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If the driver who caused the accident was the driver whose vehicle you were riding in, you would seek compensation from their insurance company.

But, in situations where the at-fault driver was uninsured or their insurance was insufficient to cover the full extent of the injured passenger’s damages, the injured passenger will need to explore other options for compensation.

Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage May Provide Compensation for Injured Passengers

When you are involved in an accident and the at-fault driver did not have adequate insurance, you may be able to file a claim through your own automobile insurance carrier under your uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage (UM / UIM).

Uninsured motorist/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is an optional insurance coverage that can cover your damages if you were injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you have an automobile insurance policy and selected UM / UIM coverage when you purchased the policy, your UM / UIM coverage will compensate you for your injuries and property damage even if the at fault driver did not have insurance or their insurance coverage was insufficient to fully compensate you.

Many Uninsured Drivers Lack the Resources to Satisfy a Judgment

If a car accident caused injuries and no other insurance coverage is available, you may consider filing a lawsuit to take the at-fault driver to court. However, you must consider whether the at-fault driver has the financial resources to satisfy any judgment you might obtain.

The unfortunate reality is that most uninsured drivers lack the financial resources to fully compensate you for your injuries and are uncollectible. Even if you are successful in pursuing your claim in court, if the defendant has no valuable assets, you will be left with a judgment that is uncollectable. Your only option may be to try to collect on the judgment by placing a lien on their property, garnishing their wages or a bank account, or seizing their personal property.

Exploring Alternative Sources of Compensation

Depending on the circumstances of your situation, alternate sources of compensation may be available. Our car accident injury lawyers can analyze your situation and help you seek compensation from other potential defendants.

Compensation in Rideshare Accidents

People who drive for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are required to carry automobile insurance. However, if they allowed their policy to lapse or their insurance coverage was insufficient to cover the full extent of your damages, you can pursue a claim against the parent company.

Passengers Injured on the Job

If you were injured as a passenger in a car accident that occurred while you were on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

Third-Party Liability

In rare circumstances, a third party may be responsible for causing the accident. For example, if someone outside the vehicle, such as a bike rider or a pedestrian, caused the collision, you may be able to seek compensation from that person.

In some situations, another party may be partially responsible for causing the accident, such as the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part or a government entity that failed to maintain the roadway in a safe condition.

Robenalt Law Fights for Car Accident Injury Victims

If you were a passenger injured in a car accident and the driver was at fault, obtaining the compensation you deserve may feel almost impossible. The car accident injury lawyers at Robenalt Law can analyze your situation, identify available insurance coverage, and fight for the compensation you deserve. We have decades of experience representing people injured in car accidents. To put our expertise to work for you, call (216) 223-7535 or contact us online today.