After most car accidents in Pennsylvania, drivers talk to one another and swap car insurance information, then file claims with their own insurance or with one another’s auto insurers. Pennsylvania is one of many states that require minimum car insurance coverage for precisely this reason: so that compensation is available for most crashes, even when drivers can’t afford those costs out of pocket.
But what happens when you’re in an accident with a driver who has no insurance—or when the driver’s insurance limits are too low to cover your losses? What if you’re in a “hit and run” where the driver disappears before you can find out whether they have insurance at all?
Here are two options for situations in which an uninsured, underinsured, or unidentified motorist causes a crash:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured accident coverage (UI/UIA) is insurance you purchase as part of your own policy, but that covers your losses when another driver has no insurance or not enough insurance, or when that driver can’t be identified. UI/UIA coverage can even be used when you are not in a vehicle at the time of the accident: for instance if you are injured by a driver while you are out walking or riding a bicycle.
Contact the Police (and an Experienced Lawyer)
Pennsylvania law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop at the scene of the accident. When a driver fails to do so, resulting in a “hit and run,” their decision to flee isn’t merely a problem for you—it’s also a crime. Calling the police promptly can help maximize your chances of identifying the missing driver and discovering what insurance, if any, they have available. Talking to an experienced lawyer can help you pursue other options and stay in touch with the police investigation.
If you’ve been in a car accident with a motorist who had no insurance, did not have sufficient insurance to cover the damage caused by the crash, or whose identity cannot be confirmed, don’t hesitate to talk to an experienced Pittsburgh uninsured motorist car accident lawyer who can help you pursue every available avenue for compensation. Contact Matzus Law, LLC LLC today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney/client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.