Auto accident victims get hit a second time by Ohio law

Auto accident victims get hit a second time by Ohio law
EDITOR:
On Aug. 30, 2002, I was on my way home from work on state Route 154, heading west approaching the Rogers auction, when a woman failed to stop at a stop sign and hit me broadside, pushing me into the oncoming traffic where I hit a pick-up truck almost head-on. The people in the pick-up and I had to be taken to the hospital. I have been unable to work since.
Everyone involved in the accident had auto insurance. At the time I figured I would be back to work in a few weeks and would be happy to have lost wages, medical bills paid and my vehicle replaced. My insurance paid the bank for my totaled vehicle within a month or so. I did not have to make anymore payments on it. I had to find an attorney to take my case in order to find out that I am not going to get wage replacement until I either reach "maximum medical improvement & quot; or go back to work. This is according to Ohio law.
There seems to be no laws protecting the injured motorist. At the time of the accident all my bills were paid up to date. Since I did not have a vehicle after mine was totaled, I had to go out and buy another. Since I did not have a down payment or trade-in, my payments are higher.
I have to have the insurance since my physical condition is worse and I may end up paralyzed. My medical condition can be verified through MRIs, X-rays, etc. I have gone through physical therapy and other treatments, with none of them helping my condition.
I tried to get Social Security disability, but I am short one year. I tried for SSI, but my husband's $1,025 a month disability payment is too much income for me to be eligible for that or for other public assistance. So what is an injured person to do until he/she gets anything from the insurance company? You tell me how a person can pay rent, utilities, buy groceries, car payment, car insurance, pay for doctors and prescriptions, etc., all on $1,025 a month.
My husband and I are going to lose everything we have because we cannot make our payments. People have lost their homes over being injured in a car wreck because of how the Ohio laws are written.
I am told that after I reach maximum medical improvement or go back to work that it will be another 1-5 years before I get anything because we will probably have to sue the insurance companies to get my wage replacement, medical bills and whatever paid to me.
I believe that when the medical facts are there, a person is entitled to having his/her wages replacement paid to them at the time when the need is so great. A person does not need the mental anguish added to their physical pain. Our Ohio laws should be changed to obtain this goal.
CHRISTAL HELMAN
Lisbon
Little bit of goodness goes a long way for stranded driver
EDITOR:
It brings me great joy to know how wonderful people can be when a perfect stranger is in trouble.
Last Thursday, my car stalled on the exit ramp of state Route 11 at Tibbetts-Wick Road. As I and my grandson sat waiting for family and assistance to arrive, so many kindhearted people stopped and offered their help. Ladies asked if I had called for help or could they call for me. Gentlemen pulled over and came to make sure we were all right. One U.S. serviceman pushed the car further off the road to place us out of harm's way. To Serviceman Benson and all who showed true concern, I thank you with all my heart.
You really showed what it is to "see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the Living" (Ps. 27:13b). May God richly bless and keep you all, may He smile upon you and give you peace for such a job well done.
BRENDA COOK
Youngstown