Being involved in a car accident is a stressful enough experience. The situation, however, can get even more complex when you discover that the other driver involved is uninsured. Minimal car insurance may be required in Philadelphia, but that does not mean that every driver actually has insurance coverage. In fact, the Insurance Research Council reveals that as many as one in every seven drivers are uninsured.
Most car insurance policies offer a rider providing additional coverage if you find yourself involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist—a motorist with no car insurance whatsoever. Philadelphia drivers are not required to carry uninsured motorist insurance coverage, but this type of coverage is most certainly an invaluable option worth considering.
Uninsured motorist coverage exists to protect you from drivers who have not been able to purchase insurance. With this option, your insurance company then becomes responsible for covering your injuries and losses, including your medical expenses, rehabilitation, property damages, lost income, and pain and suffering—regardless of whether you are involved in the accident as a pedestrian, passenger, driver, or even the victim of a hit-and-run.
To recover damages from an uninsured motorist claim, you must be able to prove that the other driver either has no insurance or cannot be identified due to it being a hit-and-run. You must also be able to prove your claim’s monetary value.
Note that while some uninsured motorist claims are tried in a courtroom, most uninsured motorist claims are not. Instead, they are heard before a panel comprised of three arbitrators—one arbitrator chosen by your attorney, one chosen by the insurance company, and a third arbitrator chosen by the other two arbitrators. The three arbitrators will when listen to the evidence presented before reaching a collective decision.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, your only option to recover damages will be to sue the negligent driver to obtain a court judgement for the damages. Of course, there’s always a chance that the at-fault party will not have the money to pay you—even if you do win the lawsuit.
Contact The Brod Law Firm
Uninsured motorist claims can be complex in nature. It would be best to seek legal counsel and representation from an experienced and knowledgeable Philadelphia accident attorney who can advocate aggressively on your behalf.
