Accidents with Uninsured Motorists: Legal Options and Tips
Pennsylvania state law mandates that all drivers must have medical benefits (no-fault) coverage as well as liability car insurance. Medical benefits coverage means that the insurance company ill help cover any injuries sustained by you or a passenger. Liability car insurance covers any damage to vehicles and injuries that you caused.
Even though it’s the law, that doesn’t mean people abide by it. Similar laws exist in other states, and yet an estimated 12.6 percent of drivers in America are uninsured. That number jumped up in Pennsylvania recently. The Scranton, PA auto accident attorneys at Foley Law Firm know the hassles caused by collisions with uninsured or under-insured motorist. Let’s consider why the number of uninsured motorists in the state has increased, and what you can do about it.
An Influx of Uninsured Drivers in Pennsylvania
According to an April 2018 article in the York Daily Record, almost 43,000 Pennsylvania motorists were suddenly without auto insurance. This is because the company Access, a national insurance provider, was liquidated.
With so many more uninsured motorists out there, drivers in Pennsylvania have so many worries to keep in mind if they are involved in an accident.
Problems with Uninsured Motorist Collisions
If you are involved in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist, you will have to shoulder the financial burden of the collision almost entirely on your own. The cost of a collision can be high, especially if there are injuries involved.
Medical bills can mount up, and your own medical benefit insurance may only cover a fraction of the total cost of care. Similarly, the vehicle damage may not be covered at all if you only have standard liability insurance, leaving you with a number of questions about paying for repairs or purchasing a new vehicle.
Underinsured Drivers Also Pose Problems
Similar difficulties arise for motorists who are underinsured. While Pennsylvania law states all drivers must have insurance, they may only have the minimum legal requirement. Accident victims can similarly run into financial shortfalls in terms of covering medical procedures and vehicle repairs since the amount of insurance coverage only goes so far.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Many insurance providers offer protections for motorists in the even of a collision with an uninsured driver or an underinsured driver. The coverage can vary from provider to provider, so be sure to discuss that directly with your insurance company. Though the extra cost may be inconvenient, there is peace of mind to be had, which is quite valuable.
Legal Options After a Collision
Victims of crashes that were caused by negligence or reckless behavior can consider civil actions against the motorist. The damages sought can help cover the injuries sustained and any property damage as well. Our attorneys can discuss these matters in greater detail and offer insights into any concerns you may have.
Learn More About Auto Accidents with Uninsured Drivers
For more information about your legal options after a collision with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact an experienced auto accident attorney. The attorneys at Foley Law Firm are here to help you in your time of legal need.
