Car accident claims can be frustrating under the best of circumstances. However, when someone chooses to drive a vehicle without paying for at least the minimum amount of state-mandated insurance, it can be frustrating. You might be concerned about your ability to recover compensation if you were involved in a car accident involving an uninsured motorist in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
An experienced lawyer from Marzzacco Niven & Associates can carefully review your claim and explain your legal options. We routinely help accident victims with uninsured motorist claims in Harrisburg. Call (717) 231-1640 at our law offices in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, today to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer who can help.
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How Marzzacco Niven & Associates Can Help With Your Uninsured Motorist Claim in Harrisburg
If you were injured in a car accident in Harrisburg, PA involving an uninsured motorist, you are likely confused about your rights and options. We can discuss your case during a free case review and inform you of the options that might be available to you for compensation.
At Marzzacco Niven & Associates, we have over 120 years of combined legal experience in helping accident victims like you recover the compensation they need and deserve after being injured by someone else’s negligence. We can help with your uninsured motorist claim by:
- Investigating the accident and identifying all parties who contributed to the accident
- Gathering evidence to establish fault
- Reviewing all insurance policies and options for compensation
- Filing your insurance claims and managing case deadlines
- Handling communication with insurance companies on your behalf
- Negotiating for fair compensation for your claim
Take advantage of our free case review by contacting us today. Our car accident lawyers in Harrisburg work on contingency, so we only receive attorney’s fees if we obtain compensation for you.
What Automotive Insurance Is Required in Pennsylvania?
All registered vehicles in Pennsylvania must maintain liability insurance. Liability insurance covers the damage you cause to someone else because of your negligence. The minimum liability requirements in Pennsylvania are:
- $15,000 for injury or death of one person in an accident
- $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person in an accident
- $5,000 for property damage to another person
Despite this law, the Insurance Information Institute estimates that approximately 6% of drivers in Pennsylvania are uninsured.
What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is provided by your own auto insurance provider. In Pennsylvania, insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage, but you can waive these benefits.
This insurance applies if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance. Hit-and-run crashes are also processed under UM coverage.
How Do I Recover Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Benefits?
To recover UM or UIM benefits, you must be able to prove the following:
- Another driver was at fault for the crash
- The at-fault driver did not have any insurance, cannot be identified, or did not have sufficient coverage to cover your damages
- The value of your case
- You have purchased UM or UIM benefits
An experienced uninsured motorist claim lawyer can review your policies and determine what options are available to you.
Which Insurance Applies If I Am Injured In An Accident?
First, Pennsylvania is a “choice no-fault state,” so the insurance that applies in this situation may be dictated by the choice you made when you purchased auto insurance in the state. When you purchase insurance, you must decide whether you want limited tort or full tort coverage.
Under full tort insurance, you have the unlimited right to pursue a claim against the at-fault party. However, if that party is uninsured or underinsured, your best option may be to make a claim with your own auto insurance policy under your UM or UIM coverage.
Under limited tort insurance, your insurer provides benefits regardless of fault, but you give up the right to sue the at-fault party except for limited situations. Importantly, you can generally recover much more compensation (including both economic and non-economic damages) through a claim against the at-fault driver than you can through your no-fault insurance. You may still be able to file this type of claim even with limited tort insurance if your accident is severe.
An experienced car accident lawyer can determine which insurance policies apply and whether you have other options, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit against the uninsured driver or the owner of the vehicle, if different than the driver.
What Is the Deadline To Make an Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Claim?
Uninsured motorist claims are filed with your own insurance company pursuant to your contract, so it’s vital that you follow all of the terms in your insurance policy. Any delay in making a claim could be used against you, so don’t delay in reaching out to a skilled car accident lawyer for help.
Call Our Experienced Harrisburg Uninsured Motorist Claims Lawyers Today for Your Free Case Review
If you need help with an uninsured motorist claim in Harrisburg, PA, reach out to the legal team at Marzzacco Niven & Associates for help. We can analyze your case and explain how we can help.
Since we work on a contingency fee basis, you don’t have to pay anything upfront, and there is no risk in contacting us to learn about your legal options. Call us (717) 231-1640 today to schedule a free consultation with a lawyer who can help.