Protecting Yourself After an Accident with an Uninsured Motorist
Car accident recovery can become even more complicated when another driver involved in a crash is uninsured or underinsured. Unfortunately, this situation is far too common. If this has happened to you, know that a Bucks County personal injury attorney can guide you through the process of securing financial relief, even when an at-fault driver lacks adequate insurance coverage.
The Reality of Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers
In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and across the state, all drivers are legally required to have auto insurance. Despite this mandate, some drivers either carry no insurance or only the minimum coverage, which may not be sufficient to cover all the damages and injuries resulting from a serious accident. According to recent statistics, over 7% of drivers in Pennsylvania are uninsured, and many more are underinsured.
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to have certain insurance coverages, including the following.
- Liability coverage. Covers damage you cause to others.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): This optional but highly recommended coverage protects you if the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance.
If the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, UM/UIM coverage can be a lifesaver. It helps cover medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses up to the limits of your policy. Without this coverage, you might be left paying out-of-pocket for damages and injuries.
After any accident, with an insured motorist or uninsured driver, the first priority is to ensure everyone’s safety. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, both to access essential healthcare and to have a medical report in place for any future claims.
Legal Options and Assistance
When dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver, legal assistance is invaluable. A lawyer has the knowledge to review your case, determine the extent of your damage, and evaluate the compensation amount you are entitled to.
Next, legal professionals can negotiate with other involved parties for you while you focus on recovering from a traffic incident. Lawyers know how to leverage evidence to be sure you receive the compensation amount you deserve. If necessary, your Bucks County personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. While recovering damages from an uninsured driver can be challenging, it’s not impossible, especially if the driver has other assets.
Of course, as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. To protect yourself from future incidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, consider increasing your UM/UIM coverage. It’s often relatively inexpensive to increase these limits on your own auto insurance policy. Looking into comprehensive policies means you will have adequate protection for a variety of scenarios, not just the minimum required by law.
Could compensation be a possibility for you after a collision with an uninsured driver? Connecting with funds from a driver without insurance coverage presents unique challenges, but the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. can walk you through your options and help you navigate a thorny situation. Call 215-968-6602 to schedule a confidential consultation.
