Being in a car accident can result in medical bills, emotional trauma, and lost income. When the at-fault driver is uninsured, it can create additional burdens and complicate your pursuit of damages. The uninsured car accident lawyers in Philadelphia at Morelli Law Firm can help.
When an at-fault motorist has no insurance in Pennsylvania, you will not be able to make a claim against that driver’s policy. Instead, you will need to look for other avenues for compensation, such as uninsured motorist coverage under your insurance policy. You may also be able to sue an at-fault driver directly for your losses.
Morelli Law Firm May Be Able to Help
A Philadelphia uninsured car accident attorney with our firm may be able to help you collect the compensation that you need when an at-fault driver does not carry insurance. Of course, it is still necessary to show that this driver was responsible for a crash and demonstrate your losses.
When we represent you, our team can work to seek compensation from every possible source. If necessary, we will file a claim with your own insurance company based on uninsured motorist coverage and a direct lawsuit against the other driver in civil court. Our services include:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering evidence
- Calculating a fair settlement offer
- Negotiating on your behalf
- Representing you in court
Our team is standing by to take your call and to provide a free consultation about your case. We can tell you if you have a valid claim against the other party and give an estimate of your chances.
Seeking Compensation From Your Insurance Company
The law in Philadelphia and throughout the Commonwealth requires all motorists to obtain car insurance. Since Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, your policy must include a minimum amount of medical coverage for your own damages, along with:
- Bodily injury liability
- Property damage liability
- Limited or full tort coverage
Portions of your insurance policy can help you recover certain damages after an accident. However, there is no requirement that your policy provide protection from uninsured motorists. This type of coverage is optional.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Many car insurance policies in Philadelphia offer uninsured motorist (UM) coverage as an optional area of protection. If your insurance policy includes UM, it is possible to claim compensation through your own insurer for damages beyond your medical benefits coverage.
According to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, UM policies cover bodily injury to you and any passengers in your car at the time of the collision. It can also apply to your family members in some cases. Types of damages you may recover under a UM policy include the cost of:
- Ambulance rides
- Emergency room care
- Pain medications
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
Our Philadelphia uninsured car accident attorneys at Morelli Law Firm can help to explore whether your car insurance policy provides this protection and take whatever steps are necessary to convince your insurance company to provide compensation.
Philadelphia Uninsured Car Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
You May Have the Option to Directly Sue an At-Fault Driver
It is always possible to take an at-fault driver to court as a means to demand compensation. All drivers have a duty under the law to protect others while out on the road. When a failure to drive safely results in a collision and injuries, that driver could be held personally liable for the victim’s damages.
Our lawyers are prepared to take the lead in your case and demand compensation directly from the at-fault motorist if possible. Our team can gather evidence concerning the crash and work to form a case that leaves no doubt about the other driver’s fault for an accident. We can then take this case to court and use it to make arguments that support your demand for compensation.
However, be aware that 42 Pa. C.S.A. §5524 places a time limit of two years from the date of the accident to initiate a lawsuit. Therefore, it is important to act quickly to preserve your legal rights.
Our Team Can Help You Fight for Compensation After an Accident Involving an Uninsured Motorist
Collecting fair compensation after a collision with an uninsured driver may seem complicated, if not impossible. After all, the usual method for collecting payments is often filing a claim against an at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, there are still paths forward after these unfortunate incidents. They may result in the collection of compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and reductions in your quality of life.
An uninsured car accident lawyer in Philadelphia from our firm is here to help explore every possible option. This may include filing a claim against your policy if you have uninsured motorist protection, as well as filing a personal injury lawsuit against the other driver for your losses.
Will the Uninsured Driver Receive Additional Punishment?
Yes. It is illegal to drive without insurance in Pennsylvania, and it’s likely the uninsured driver will have to pay fines and get their license suspended. The fines can range from $100 to $1000, and the suspension period can last from 45 days to six months, in most cases. Repeat offenders receive greater punishments and possible jail time.
They also open themselves up to responsibility for all damages. If we win a lawsuit against the uninsured driver, they will have to pay for your damages directly out of their pocket. This alone should be reason enough to always carry insurance.
Finally, they will have to purchase insurance that’s more expensive than they would have to because now they’re a proven irresponsible driver. In fact, many companies will outright refuse to cover drivers who choose to drive without insurance.
What’s the Best Way to Protect Myself Against Uninsured Drivers?
You never know when someone else’s reckless driving could draw you into a crash. The best way to protect yourself is to review your auto insurance policy and see if you have uninsured motorist coverage. If you don’t have it, add it.
Yes, it will make your insurance slightly more expensive, but compare it to the costs of having to cover your accident bills all on your own. We will do our best to investigate the uninsured driver for assets we can sue over, but there’s always a chance they could have too little money to be worth suing.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
Reach out to the legal professionals at Morelli Law Firm today. Our Philadelphia uninsured car accident attorneys are standing by to take your call, explain your legal rights, and provide a free consultation about your accident.
We can help you collect the compensation you need to get your life back on track, even if the other driver in the accident does not have insurance. Give us a call today or contact us online to learn more.