How do you Make a Claim for Your Injuries When the Other Vehicle has no Insurance?

In a normal Pennsylvania car accident case, you can recover compensation for your injuries by contacting the insurance company for the at fault party and negotiating a settlement for the damages you sustained as a result of the accident.  These settlements are intended to compensate the victim for the losses they have experienced. 

But what if the driver who caused the accident has no insurance? What can you do at that point?

Is Suing an Uninsured Motorist an Option in Pennsylvania?

Although it is possible to sue an uninsured motorist if they've caused an accident, generally speaking it is not practical. Uninsured motorists are typically driving without insurance because they cannot afford it. This usually means that the person who caused the accident has no assets and it may be difficult for another party to sue them and recover any compensation.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

One of the best ways a Pennsylvania driver can protect themself from the negligence of noninsured drivers is by getting uninsured motorist coverage (UM). Uninsured coverage protects you from damages in an accident caused by an at-fault driver who doesn't have insurance or. Uninsured motorist insurance also covers hit-and-run accidents.

In Pennsylvania, insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage to drivers seeking auto insurance. Although higher limits must be offered, the minimum limits offered are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per incident under this coverage. Across the state, this coverage is not mandatory, but you must sign a form to waive this requirement.

What About a Hit-and-Run Incident?

A hit and run incident occurs when your vehicle is involved in an accident with another vehicle and the driver of the other vehicle flees the scene. You do not have their information. You do not have a way to file a claim for the loss they caused to you. Uninsured motorist coverage can help you here, too. This coverage may cover the injury-related expenses caused by another driver in a hit and run incident.

After a hit-and-run accident, victims should immediately call the police. Contacting the police and filing a report quickly establishes credibility with your claim and strengthens your chances of a settlement by providing a clear record to your insurance provider.

CONTACT US TODAY

If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of an Uninsured driver, call Sklarosky Law today at (570) 283-1200 or use our online contact form and tell us about your potential case. Uninsured car accident claims can be complex and challenging.  Do not wait, call us today so that we can help you obtain the financial compensation you may be entitled to.