Both US and Canadian Snowbirds travel through The Buckeye State in winter while migrating south to enjoy a warmer climate. Unfortunately, Ohio car accidents can quickly turn individuals’ dream winter trip into a nightmare.
Firstly, you should know that Ohio follows a “fault” system. In other words, the person totally or partially responsible for an Ohio car accident may have to compensate other parties for the injuries they suffered.
Ohio Car Insurance and Minimum Liability Requirements
Ohio arguably has one of the least complicated car insurance systems in all of North America. Unfortunately, motorists can drive with very small financial compliance responsibilities.
There is no requirement to purchase personal injury protection, collision coverage, uninsured coverage, and underinsured coverage. To drive, you only need to purchase a bond, or post collateral, or buy minimal liability car insurance.
Ohio’s minimum liability requirements are:
- $25,000 for the injury or death of one person (a passenger, another driver, pedestrian, etc.) in an accident you cause
- $50,000 total for all injuries or deaths resulting from a single accident you cause
- $25,000 for any property damage arising out of a single accident you cause.
Ohio Car Insurance and Minimum Liability Requirements
The Ohio Statute of Limitations for most personal injury claims is two years. This includes Ohio auto accidents, and all other types of personal injury claims. Specifically, though, an Ohio auto accident victim has two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. Once that time expires, the injured party will be barred from recovering any damages.
You Have Three Options When an Ohio Car Accident Occurs
- File for personal injury protection benefits (if you have them).
- Make a claim directly to the insurer of the person you believe caused the accident; and/or
- Bring a formal action in the courts against the person who caused the accident.
Most Snowbirds’ personal car insurance policies provide additional levels of protection. These contractual benefits include PIP, uninsured, and underinsured motorist protection. The contractual claims must be processed in their home state or province, or where the car insurance policy was purchased.
Why You Need Snowbird Car Accident Help For A Personal Injury Claim In Ohio For Cross-Border Accidents?
For 35 years, Snowbird Accidents has been assisting Canadian Snowbirds and US Snowbirds involved in car accidents and other personal injury accidents across North America. Very few lawyers and attorneys understand the complexity of cross-border accidents. After a serious Ohio car accident, you will probably need a lawyer in the state where the accident occurred, and in your home province. To properly protect your rights and remedies, it’s crucial that lawyers work collaboratively.
Snowbird Accidents has been helping seriously injured Canadian Snowbirds and US Snowbirds get the treatment and care they need. This way, they can recover from their injuries and access fair compensation for their losses. We understand it is not only the injured party that may require assistance. Loved ones can face significant challenges also.
Snowbird Accidents arrange for you to speak to some of the best personal injury lawyers in Ohio who are experienced with cross-border accidents. They work collaboratively with other lawyers and attorneys in various states and provinces to protect you and your family’s legal rights and remedies.
What Should You Do If You’re Involved in An Accident Outside Your Home Province?
- Your top priority is always the health and safety of you and your family. Be sure to seek out medical attention immediately.
- Make sure the police are contacted.
- If possible, take a picture of the other driver’s licence and insurance, and a picture of the licence plate.
- Call your insurance company and report the accident.
- Contact the Snowbird Helpline as soon as possible for advice.
