Most states require drivers to carry liability insurance in case of an accident. However, not everyone follows the rules. If you are in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, things can get complicated. A recent article in Forbes explains the process.
When someone is at fault in a car accident, they are responsible for the damage they caused. If this happens in one of America’s 38 “tort states,” the at-fault driver can be responsible for vehicle damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Pennsylvania is what is known as a “no-fault state,” meaning each driver’s own insurance pays for medical expenses and vehicle repairs. However, if you were in an accident due to someone’s negligence, you can file a claim for serious injuries and associated medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering against the other driver. If that driver is not insured, he or she may face legal penalties for that, which could include fines, license suspension, impounding the car, or even jail time.
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault, you have two options to collect compensation: uninsured motorist coverage from your insurance provider (meaning coverage that was purchased prior to the accident), where your insurer will provide compensation up to your policy limit; or you can file a claim against the other driver, which could involve a court lien on his or her property or garnished wages if there are no readily available funds to cover your losses.
Car accident cases can be very complex. Discussing the details with a top Pennsylvania car injury lawyer can help you understand your options and how best to recover damages from the accident.