Getting into an accident with an uninsured driver complicates a car accident claim, but it does not mean you are out of options. There are several strategies you could pursue to get paid for your losses.
Talk to a local accident attorney when you are involved in a crash with an uninsured driver. Our legal professional could review your situation, explain your legal options, and help you get appropriate compensation.
75 Pennsylvania Statute § 1702 requires drivers to have insurance or other proof of financial responsibility. The minimum coverage amounts are $15,000 for injury to one person, $30,000 for injuries to multiple people, and $5,000 for damage to property.
A driver must also buy first-party benefits, often called personal injury protection (PIP). When someone is injured in a car accident, their PIP covers their medical expenses up to their coverage limits, regardless of who is at fault. PIP also pays a portion of the driver’s wages if they cannot work due to their injuries.
Anyone who is involved in a crash should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. PIP will cover the initial costs. It is also important to consult an attorney immediately to discuss your legal options. Getting a legal professional involved early can strengthen a claim.
Insurers in Pennsylvania are required to offer uninsured motorist coverage to their customers. It is optional and costs extra, but people who have this coverage can submit a claim to their insurance company when an uninsured driver causes an accident that results in injuries or property damage.
When a driver who causes an accident is uninsured, anyone who suffers losses in the accident can bring a lawsuit. Although Pennsylvania law sometimes limits the compensation an injured person can claim, those limits do not apply when the at-fault driver is uninsured.
An accident attorney could investigate to determine whether the uninsured driver owns a home or business or has other valuable assets. If so, a lawsuit against the at-fault driver could lead to a judgment and a claim against their assets.
Unfortunately, people who drive without insurance often do not have sufficient assets to pay an injured person’s claims. However, there are often others whose conduct might have contributed to the accident. A legal professional could identify other potentially responsible parties and bring claims against them.
A car accident often occurs because of multiple errors and misjudgments. Even though one driver is deemed at fault, there might be others who share the blame.
For example, mechanical problems often play a role in vehicle accidents. If a defective part fails and the failure leads to an accident, the manufacturer might be responsible for paying an injured person’s losses. When alcohol plays a role in an accident, the business or organization that served the intoxicated driver could be liable.
Our experienced accident lawyers go the extra mile to identify everyone who might bear some responsibility for a crash. Making claims against multiple parties increases the available insurance coverage and the likelihood an injured person will receive appropriate compensation.
When you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, call a local accident attorney immediately. Getting the compensation you deserve in these cases can be tricky, and you need a knowledgeable person to protect your rights.
Talk to the lawyers at Soloff & Zervanos about what happens if the at-fault driver isn’t insured. Get started on your accident claim today.