Pennsylvania requires all motorists to have car insurance. Many drivers do not carry any insurance. In the case of an accident, car insurance will cover medical bills, property damage, and vehicle damage. However, legal troubles will arise if the person you have gotten into an accident with does not have insurance. Many accident victims fear they will not recover the compensation to cover their injuries and damages. Kwartler Manus, LLC knows you can recover damages with the right attorney on your side.
What does Pennsylvania consider an uninsured motorist?
There are a variety of instances that qualify drivers as underinsured or uninsured. While you can still obtain compensation, the legal process will differ from if the driver was adequately insured. The following are reasons why a driver is considered underinsured or uninsured:
- Driving another person’s vehicle: If someone drives someone else’s car, their insurance company can cover accidents. Implied coverage is an option in some cases, but it is often contested. An individual who drives your vehicle is not covered, If you do not have uninsured motorist coverage.
- No insurance coverage: When a driver does not have insurance, there is no insurance company to file a claim against.
- Insufficient insurance coverage: While there are state minimums, not every driver will opt in. The insurance company will not cover all accident-related expenses.
You need an experienced car accident attorney in Philadelphia to guide you in the complex legal process.
What to know about uninsured motorist coverage
Depending on the insurance carrier, you will have two options for uninsured motorist coverage. The possibilities are uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI) and uninsured motorist property damage coverage (UMPD). Each policy covers different damages, as you might have guessed.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage focuses on injuries. You can recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and medical expenses. You will also recover pain and suffering compensation. Some policies will offer compensation for passengers in your vehicle. You can be on the hook for medical expenses without this coverage.
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage focuses on property damage. Not every state or every insurance company offers this coverage option. Without this option, you are on the hook for property damage caused by the crash.
The two coverage options are used interchangeably. Underinsured motorist coverage works in the same manner as uninsured motorist coverage. However, this option will tap into the other party’s insurance policy before using your policy. Any expenses not covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance are covered with UM coverage. These courage options are not required in every state, but laws consistently change.
How to obtain compensation after an accident
As we mentioned, the legal process differs from car accident claims and uninsured motorist claims. Victims know they can file a claim with the insurance company after a car accident. Regarding an uninsured motorist, there are different means of recovering your expenses.
You can sue the uninsured driver for damages. The other driver does not have enough assets to cover all reported damages in many cases. A Philadelphia car accident attorney will present various options for garnering the necessary compensation.
The second and most commonly used option is tapping into uninsured motorist coverage. You will be given the opportunity to carry uninsured motorist coverage. If you have this coverage in your policy, the insurance company will reimburse you for damages. Your insurance company has a predetermined amount for accidents involving underinsured and uninsured motorists. Read the fine print for a complete understanding.
Contact a Philadelphia Uninsured Motorist Attorney
If you have been involved in a car accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, having these benefits makes an enormous difference. Call your insurance company or check your policy online to check if you have already opted for coverage. After an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist, call Kwartler Manus, LLC at (267) 457-5570 or fill out our online contact form.