Many people in and around Philadelphia drive without car insurance. If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you may wonder if you are eligible for compensation. As leading injury attorneys in PA, we are here to tell you that you can sue uninsured drivers for accidents.
What should you do if you get in an accident with an uninsured motorist?
If you want to file a lawsuit following an accident with an uninsured motorist, there are specific actions that you should take. Just as in every type of car accident, seek medical attention for yourself and any other individuals injured as a result of the crash. Also, call law enforcement to the scene. Ask for the negligent driver’s address, the make and model of the vehicle, and the license plate number. Take photos of the damage to both the cars and all of your injuries. Ask any witnesses for a statement and contact information. Also, make a note of any adverse weather conditions that were present when the accident took place.
Lastly, request a copy of the police report once they arrive on the scene, and let your insurance company know about the accident as soon as possible.
How will my car crash be covered if the other driver is uninsured?
If a driver strikes you without insurance in Philadelphia, a few things could happen next. You could sue the negligent driver for causing the accident to help you get the full compensation that you need. Or, you may look at other options for receiving compensation. However, always speak to an attorney before accepting any payments.
If you weren’t aware, it is a strict legal requirement for all Pennsylvania residents to have automobile insurance. The mandatory minimum requirements in PA are:
- Property damage liability insurance – Minimum $5,000
- Bodily injury liability insurance – Minimum $15,000 per person – $30,000 per accident
- First-party benefits medical payments – Minimum $5,000
There may be additional coverage available for “underinsured” or “uninsured” coverage under your policy. These insurances may help to pay additional funds if the other driver’s coverage limits are too low or they didn’t carry any liability coverage.
Unfortunately, if you get hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver and end up suffering severe bodily injury and vehicle damage, there could be many complications in trying to get full coverage for your expenses. If your insurance policy cannot help cover the costs of your damages and injuries, you should speak with an attorney about filing a lawsuit.
For additional information on what to do if you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver, or to contact our personal injury lawyers in PA, please click here or dial 610-370-6700 now.