If you were involved in a car accident, it can be a shocking and life-changing experience. Determining liability in a car collision can be confusing, especially when trying to understand the laws and regulations in your state. In this article, we discuss the difference between at-fault and no-fault states, determining fault of a car accident in Ohio, and emphasize the importance of having evidence from the incident to ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
What is the difference between “at-fault” and “no-fault” states?
Each individual state has different laws that determine liability in car accidents. Some states are considered an at-fault state and others are considered no-fault states. An at-fault state means that the driver responsible for the car accident is responsible for the injuries of all parties involved. They are legally obligated to pay for all damages from the car accident. In at-fault states, all damages from the car collision are covered by personal injury coverage (PIP).
Determining Fault in Ohio
Ohio has an at-fault system when it comes to car accidents and insurance claims. In other words, the driver is deemed responsible for the accident and must compensate for damages. If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance coverage, the other drivers involved must use uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage to pay for the remaining damages. All states require drivers to have car insurance in case you are involved in a car accident, however, Ohio does not require drivers to have underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. According to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, you will lose your driver’s license and receive a fine up to $600 if you do not have car insurance. If you were involved in a car accident without coverage your driver’s license will be suspended for 2 or more years and receive the consequences listed above. It is extremely important to have car insurance to protect you, your loved ones, and other drivers on the road.
What Compensation Can I Recover From an Ohio Car Accident?
Ohio is considered an at-fault state, therefore the driver that caused the accident must pay the economic and noneconomic damages for all parties involved. Economic damages are measurable items that were lost or damaged due to the car accident. Some examples of economic damages would be medical expenses, damages to cars, and money made from time off work. On the other hand, noneconomic damages are not easily measurable and tend to be mental health conditions that were developed from the car accident. Examples of noneconomic damages are pain, suffering, and emotional distress. If you were injured in a car accident, it is extremely important to get as much evidence from the car accident as possible to prove the other party’s fault. The Dayton personal injury attorneys at Brannon Law Firm explain that, “You have a higher chance of getting the most compensation available to you if you gather the most evidence you can from your car accident”.
Generally speaking, understanding the laws and regulations involving car accidents in your state is extremely important for determining liability and the amount of compensation drivers are entitled to receive. Ohio is an at-fault state meaning that the driver who caused the accident is liable to compensate the damages made to all parties. If you were a victim of a Ohio car accident, you must collect as much evidence as possible from the accident so you can receive the compensation you deserve.