As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I have seen the devastating effects of car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. These types of accidents can leave victims with serious injuries and financial burdens, especially if they do not have the proper insurance coverage. That's why it's crucial to know what steps to take if you find yourself involved in an underinsured motorist car accident in Pennsylvania. The first and most important thing to do is to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The sooner you have a skilled and experienced attorney on your side, the better chance you have of recovering full compensation for your injuries.
At the Graham & Mauer Law Firm, we have helped numerous clients in Chester County, Carlisle County, Cumberland County, and Eastern Pennsylvania obtain the compensation they deserve when dealing with uninsured or underinsured parties. One of the best ways to protect yourself from the financial consequences of an accident with an uninsured driver is to have UM (uninsured motorist) coverage. This type of coverage will help cover your medical expenses and other losses if you are injured in a collision that was not your fault. Without UM coverage, you could end up being responsible for financing your own medical expenses and lost wages. It's also important to note that UIM (underinsured motorist) coverage is offered but not required in Pennsylvania. This type of coverage comes into play when you are injured in a car accident with a driver who has a minimum policy or whose policy does not cover the full extent of your injuries.
In this case, your UIM coverage will pay the difference between the responsible party's policy limit and the total cost of your injury. If you need to use your UM or UIM coverage, our attorneys at the Graham & Mauer Law Firm can help you file a claim against your own insurance company. It's crucial to have an attorney who knows how to effectively deal with insurance companies and fight for your rights. Our team has a proven track record of helping car accident victims get the maximum compensation they deserve. But what if you don't have car insurance? In this case, the other driver can still be held responsible for paying for your accident out of pocket if they are found to be at fault during a personal injury lawsuit. Under Pennsylvania law, your own auto insurance company will cover your medical expenses and lost wages related to the accident up to the limit of coverage you purchased. Obtaining a police report can also be crucial in proving fault and obtaining compensation from an uninsured driver.
Your attorney can use this report as evidence during a car insurance claim and help protect your rights. It's important to note that Pennsylvania law requires drivers to report car accidents that result in injury, death, or property damage that prevents one or more vehicles from leaving the scene. Aside from these options for recovering your losses after an accident with an uninsured driver, there is another important factor to consider. You or your attorney will need to prove that the other driver is more likely to be at fault for the accident. This can be done through evidence such as witness statements, police reports, and expert testimony.
