When a motorist picks their insurance coverage, they typically do so under the constraints of a budget. So, many Pennsylvanians are not sure if they need to add this coverage to their policy. According to the most recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, about 13 percent of motorists are uninsured in the United States.
After uninsured motorists cause an accident, many drivers without uninsured motorist coverage find themselves footing the bill for medical bills, car repairs, and other damages from their accident. While Pennsylvania law does not require drivers to have it, uninsured motorist coverage could be a crucial safeguard for them. It could save a person a significant amount of money if it is ever needed.
What is Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Protection?
Although the state of Pennsylvania law requires all drivers to have liability insurance, many motorists fail to comply. One of the best ways to protect yourself from the negligence of noninsured drivers is by getting uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). Uninsured and underinsured coverage protects you from damages in an accident caused by an at-fault driver who doesn’t have insurance or who has less liability than necessary to cover the damages. Uninsured motorist insurance also covers hit-and-run accidents.
When a person has uninsured motorist protection, their insurance will cover the costs of an accident up to a certain amount if the other party is uninsured. Like any insurance policy, the value of damages that uninsured motorist claims cover vary based off how much a person pays for their coverage.
Uninsured motorist protection also helps someone if they are involved in an accident and the other party does not have adequate coverage. For these situations, this insurance policy is known as underinsured motorist coverage. While Pennsylvania requires a minimum amount of insurance coverage for all drivers, it is typically not enough to cover the damages caused by a severe accident. Those with underinsured motorist protection will have the ability to claim damages not covered by the other party’s insurance.
Personal Injury Protection & Uninsured Motorist Protection
Pennsylvania is a no-fault insurance state. While other states require the party that caused an accident to pay for damages, drivers in Pennsylvania use their insurance no matter who is at fault for a collision. Notably, Pennsylvania’s no-fault laws make a driver unable to pursue the at-fault party for compensation through a lawsuit. However, Pennsylvania allows drivers to opt-out of its no-fault laws if they have a type of coverage known as a full tort policy.
Because of its status as a no-fault state, Pennsylvania requires all drivers to have personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage provides a specific amount of compensation for medical care and lost wages after an accident. Because PIP typically has low coverage limits, it is useful to have an uninsured motorist plan. Uninsured motorist protection is helpful as it will help cover medical bills which extend beyond a PIP plan’s coverage limits.
Are Lawsuits Against Uninsured Motorists an Option in Pennsylvania?
While it is possible to sue an uninsured motorist if they’ve caused an accident, some factors may inhibit a person’s ability to file suit. Uninsured motorists are typically driving without insurance because they cannot afford it. So, if a person has no assets and they cause an accident, it may be difficult for another party to sue them for any compensation.
Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist? Call HHR Today at (888) 498-3023
Car accidents are frustrating even when both parties involved have insurance. If you are suffering from a car accident and are not receiving the compensation that you need, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg is ready to help. We know that insurance companies do not always offer fair settlements and that it can be challenging to file a claim against an uninsured motorist.
Since 1922, our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys have fought for the compensation that clients need. Our efforts have led to our firm obtaining tens of millions of dollars in settlements for clients. We know what it takes to win difficult cases and are ready to help find solutions during this difficult time.
Contact us today for a free consultation for you claim at (888) 498-3023. Our firm will fight for you, and you’ll only pay us if we win your case.