I Was Hit by a Car with No Insurance ‒ What Do I Do? Pittsburgh Underinsured Driver Victims

Finding yourself in a car accident with an uninsured driver can feel like a double blow. On top of the crash itself, there is then the realization that the responsible party lacks the insurance required by Pennsylvania law. For Pittsburgh residents dealing with this frustrating situation, knowing your options can make a significant difference in your recovery process.

Understanding the Uninsured Driver Problem in Pittsburgh

Despite Pennsylvania law requiring all drivers to maintain minimum liability coverage, nearly one in ten drivers on our roads operate without insurance. This creates serious challenges when these uninsured motorists cause collisions that result in injuries and property damage.

Immediate Steps After a Collision with an Uninsured Driver

If you discover that the driver who hit you lacks insurance, take these essential steps:

  • Document everything ‒ Take photos of all vehicles, license plates, the scene, and your injuries. This evidence will prove crucial later.
  • Obtain a police report ‒ Make sure officers document the other driver’s lack of insurance. The police report serves as an official record of the incident.
  • Seek medical attention ‒ Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some injuries don’t become apparent until days after the collision.
  • Avoid cash settlements ‒ Some uninsured drivers offer to pay out-of-pocket. This rarely covers the full extent of your losses and provides no guarantee of future payment.
  • Contact your insurance company ‒ Report the collision promptly but provide only basic facts until speaking with an attorney.

Your Compensation Options in Pittsburgh

When dealing with an uninsured driver in Pennsylvania, you typically have two main avenues for recovery:

  • Your own insurance coverage ‒ Pennsylvania’s no-fault system means your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will help with initial medical expenses regardless of fault. If you purchased optional uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, this provides additional protection specifically for situations involving uninsured drivers.
  • Personal injury lawsuit ‒ You may file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver. While this presents collection challenges if they lack assets, an experienced attorney can identify all possible sources of compensation.

The Value of Uninsured Motorist Coverage

We strongly recommend that Pittsburgh drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage. This protection steps in when the at-fault driver cannot pay, covering:

  • Medical expenses beyond PIP limits
  • Lost wages from missed work

Statute of Limitations Concerns

Remember that Pennsylvania law gives you two years from the date of the collision to file a lawsuit. Waiting too long can mean you permanently forfeit your right to compensation, so you should seek legal assistance as soon as possible.

How Ainsman Levine, LLC, Can Help

At Ainsman Levine, LLC, we understand how bleak the future can seem for Pittsburgh residents who have been hit by uninsured drivers. However, we have helped many injured individuals seek the compensation they deserve, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you.

Call us today or contact us online to discuss your case with our skilled Pittsburgh injury lawyers.