If you drive a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is optional. Although it is not required, insurance companies must offer the coverage to policyholders; however, you must reject the coverage in writing if you choose not to purchase it. While carrying UM/UIM coverage may seem like a waste of money, several reasons may warrant having it. Please keep reading to learn more about uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in the Keystone State, as explained by our car accident lawyers.
When UM and UIM Coverage Apply in Gettysburg Car Accidents
In Pennsylvania, UM/UIM coverage will apply in the following circumstances:
- If you are involved in an accident with an insured driver
- When someone you are involved with in an accident with does not carry sufficient insurance
- If you are the victim of a hit-and-run
- You or your passengers’ medical expenses exceed your personal injury protection (PIP) limits
- If you are riding your bicycle or walking and are struck by a motor vehicle
The state of Pennsylvania requires that every auto insurer offer UM/UIM coverage to policyholders. Motorists who choose to purchase UM/UIM coverage must buy at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person and $30,000 per accident. These limits are the same as the state’s minimum liability insurance limits, which are mandatory. However, this coverage is typically far from sufficient in covering lost wages and medical expenses, especially if your injuries are severe. However, you may have other options to afford you additional coverage.
Stacking UM/UIM Coverage
The Commonwealth allows individuals to “stack” UM/UIM coverage, which enables you to multiply your coverage for each vehicle by the total number of drivers listed on your policy. Therefore, if you have suffered a catastrophic injury, the total coverage can be used to pay for surgeries, treatments, and ongoing medical expenses. You can also “stack” UM/UIM coverage from drivers on other policies for which you are insured, allowing you to maximize your coverage. If you are unsure if “stacking” pertains in your situation, our car accident lawyers are happy to review your policy.
Recovering Intangible Losses
If an uninsured driver hits you and UM/UIM coverage does not cover your expenses, you may consider filing a lawsuit against the other driver. By suing the other driver, you may be able to win compensation for the full extent of lost wages and medical costs you sustained. Additionally, you may be eligible to recover for intangible losses that have impacted your quality of life.
Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, infliction of emotional distress, permanent disability, scarring and/or disfigurement, and loss of companionship and society. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania permits claimants to seek non-economic damages, even if their auto policy does not cover them, provided certain conditions are met. Under 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 1705(d)(1)(iv), claimants who are injured due to another driver’s fault are typically able to recover noneconomic damages. This applies even if the claimant did not select this type of coverage on their policy. To determine what you can recover, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of legal professionals.
Do Not Hesitate to Contact Our Gettysburg Car Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, you want to know that your losses will be covered. At Shollenberger, Januzzi & Wolfe, our Gettysburg car accident lawyers understand the extensive costs associated with physical healing. That is why our team is dedicated to helping individuals recoup maximum compensation to return to their prior state of health. To learn more about our services or to schedule your free initial consultation, do not hesitate to contact us online or by phone at (717) 229-6580.