Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers | February 6, 2026 | Car Accidents
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio, one of the first questions you might have is how your medical bills and lost wages will be covered. In many states, drivers rely on Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance to pay for those costs, regardless of who caused the crash.
However, Ohio doesn’t use a PIP system. Instead, the state offers Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), which operates similarly in some respects but is subject to Ohio’s traditional fault-based insurance laws. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PIP insurance and how MedPay works in Ohio.
What Is PIP Insurance?
PIP stands for Personal Injury Protection. It’s a type of no-fault insurance coverage that primarily helps pay for at least a portion of your medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident.
States such as Florida and New York require PIP coverage as part of their no-fault insurance systems. That means drivers in those states must first use their own PIP coverage before pursuing a claim against another driver.
Since Ohio is a fault-based state, however, drivers here aren’t required to carry PIP insurance. Instead, if another driver caused your accident, you can usually file a claim with their insurance company for all of your economic and non-economic damages.
What Is MedPay Coverage in Ohio?
Although PIP isn’t available in Ohio, drivers can purchase Medical Payments Coverage, commonly called MedPay. This optional coverage provides some of the same benefits as PIP, at least for medical bills.
In many cases, MedPay can also help bridge the financial gap between the time of your accident and when a settlement is reached with the at-fault driver’s insurer.
How Does Shared Fault Affect Car Accident Claims in Ohio?
Ohio follows a modified comparative negligence statute. This means that you can still recover damages even if you share some responsibility for the crash, but only if you are less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will then be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if your total damages are $400,000 but you’re found 25% at fault, you could still receive $300,000.
Should I Still Buy MedPay if I Have Health Insurance?
Yes, many drivers find MedPay worthwhile even if they already have health insurance. MedPay can:
- Cover deductibles and co-pays that your health insurance doesn’t pay
- Apply to passengers who might not have insurance of their own
- Provide coverage for immediate medical costs before your health insurer processes claims
Having MedPay can prevent financial strain in the days following an accident in many circumstances, such as if your injuries require emergency care and ambulance transport.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit if I Use MedPay?
Yes. Using MedPay does not prevent you from pursuing additional compensation through a personal injury claim. MedPay simply covers some of your initial expenses. If your overall damages, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and more, are significant, you can still file an insurance claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver and their insurer.
In more serious accidents, your personal injury lawyer can help you recover the full value of your losses, including those not covered by insurance.
Contact a Sandusky Car Accident Attorney at Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
While Ohio doesn’t offer PIP insurance, MedPay can provide much-needed financial support after a crash. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Ohio, contact Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers for a free consultation. Our Sandusky car accident lawyers can advise you on your legal rights and options.
We have six convenient locations in Ohio: Sandusky, Mansfield, Port Clinton, Vermilion, Norwalk, and Huron.
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Sandusky
502 W Washington St,
Sandusky, OH 44870
(419) 625-7770
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers– Mansfield
6 W 3rd St Suite 200 B,
Mansfield, OH 44902
(419) 910-2605
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Port Clinton
132 Madison St,
Port Clinton, OH 43452
(419) 871-3995
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Vermilion
1513 State Rd,
Vermilion, OH 44089
(440) 967-6136
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Norwalk
13 Whittlesey Ave,
Norwalk, OH 44857
(419) 863-5922
Wisehart Wright Trial Lawyers – Huron
202 Cleveland Rd W unit 1
Huron, OH 44839
(419) 827-5884