Being hit by an uninsured driver can make an already difficult car accident even more complicated. You may have injuries, medical bills, and lost income, but no liability insurance policy from the at-fault driver to cover those losses.
A Lancaster uninsured accident attorney can review your insurance coverage and determine which sources of compensation may be available. Marzzacco Niven & Associates represents accident victims throughout Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and can handle disputes involving uninsured motorist claims. Call (717) 616-2954 to set up a free consultation.
Why Choose Marzzacco Niven & Associates for an Uninsured Accident Case in Lancaster, PA?
Uninsured accident claims in Lancaster, PA, often require injured people to seek compensation through their own insurance policies. This can create disputes over coverage, fault, injuries, and the value of the claim.
Marzzacco Niven & Associates has extensive experience representing injured people and brings the following to every case:
- More than 120 years of combined experience in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law
- Tens of millions of dollars recovered for accident victims in Pennsylvania
- Lancaster personal injury attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers of America and named to Super Lawyers Rising Stars and National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 lists
- A Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist on its legal team
Our Lancaster car accident lawyers can review your insurance policy, investigate the collision, document your damages, and pursue available compensation after an uninsured driver causes a crash. Call to schedule a free consultation.
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
Pennsylvania requires vehicle owners to maintain minimum liability coverage. However, some drivers still operate vehicles without valid insurance.
When an uninsured driver causes an accident, the injured person may have several possible sources of recovery. These can depend on the insurance policies involved and the circumstances of the collision.
An attorney can investigate whether the driver has insurance, whether another policy applies, and whether the injured person has uninsured motorist coverage.
How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in Pennsylvania?
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM coverage) can provide compensation when an at-fault driver does not have liability insurance. It can also apply in some hit-and-run accidents.
Pennsylvania insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage under the Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law. Policyholders can reject this coverage in writing, so its availability depends on the policy.
UM coverage may help pay damages that the uninsured driver would have been responsible for. The amount depends on the policy limits and other coverage terms.
What if the Driver Has Insurance but Not Enough Coverage?
A driver may have insurance but not enough coverage for serious injuries. This is different from an uninsured motorist claim.
Underinsured motorist coverage may apply when the at-fault driver’s liability limits are not enough to cover the injured person’s losses. Pennsylvania insurers must offer this coverage, although policyholders may reject it.
Determining whether UM or UIM coverage applies requires reviewing the policies and available insurance after the crash.
Can Your Own Insurance Company Dispute Your Claim?
Yes. Filing a UM claim with your own insurer does not guarantee that the company will agree with your request for compensation.
The insurer may dispute issues such as:
- Who caused the accident
- Whether the other driver was uninsured
- Whether the policy covers the accident
- The severity of your injuries
- Whether treatment was necessary
- The amount of your lost income
- The value of your damages
Insurance companies may also interpret policy terms differently from the person making the claim.
A Lancaster car accident attorney can review the policy, gather supporting evidence, and handle negotiations when an insurer disputes coverage or damages.
What Evidence Can Help with an Uninsured Accident Claim?
An uninsured accident still requires evidence showing how the crash happened and what losses it caused. The fact that the claim may involve your own insurance company does not remove the need to prove fault and damages.
Useful evidence may include:
- Police reports
- Photos and videos
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Proof of lost income
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Insurance policies and correspondence
Keeping copies of communications with insurance companies can also be important when questions arise about coverage or how a claim was handled.
What Compensation May Be Available?
The compensation available after an uninsured accident depends on the injuries, applicable insurance coverage, and other circumstances. Drivers in Pennsylvania can choose between limited tort and full tort insurance coverage, and that choice can affect when you may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault driver and what types of compensation are available.
Depending on the circumstances, an accident victim may be able to seek compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or impairment
- Other accident-related losses
Policy limits can affect how much an insurer is required to pay. An attorney can review all potentially available policies before determining which sources of compensation may be an option for you.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania generally has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Insurance policies may also contain requirements that affect how and when an uninsured motorist claim must be reported or pursued.
Because UM claims involve insurance contracts, deadlines and procedures can vary from a lawsuit directly against a negligent driver. An attorney can provide guidance tailored to your particular situation.
Contact a Lancaster Uninsured Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Uninsured drivers can leave accident victims unsure of what to do next. UM coverage, other insurance policies, and claims against responsible parties may provide options depending on the circumstances.
A Lancaster uninsured accident lawyer at Marzzacco Niven & Associates can review your coverage, investigate the collision, and pursue available compensation. Contact the firm for a free consultation about your options after an accident involving an uninsured driver.