Erie, Pennsylvania, Underinsured/Uninsured Auto Accident Attorney
Being injured in a car accident with an underinsured or uninsured driver can be overwhelming. You may face mounting medical bills and lost wages, only to find out that the other driver’s insurance will not cover them all. You are left wondering what to do.
I am attorney Alan Natalie, and I have over 30 years of experience helping clients in these situations. With significant trial experience, I have the skill needed to handle these complex cases and to maximize your compensation. I am not afraid to go up against insurance companies.
If your accident happened in Erie or anywhere in Erie County, please call 814-616-3805 or email me for a free consultation. I handle all types of personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accident cases and fatal accident claims.
How Should You Handle An Auto Accident If The Other Driver Didn’t Have Enough Insurance?
Pennsylvania law only requires a minimum of $15,000 per person injured and $30,000 total per motor vehicle accident. This is often insufficient for serious injuries, which can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills alone.
Nevertheless, many drivers only carry this minimum, and some have no insurance at all. Furthermore, in a hit-and-run accident, identifying the driver may not be possible, so you will not have their insurance information.
In underinsured/uninsured car accident claims, your first step is to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. If their insurance is insufficient, you can bring a claim against your own uninsured/underinsured (UM/UIM) motorist coverage. If the driver can be identified but lacks sufficient insurance, you may also sue them directly.
To make a claim against your own UM/UIM insurance, you must prove the other driver was at fault and that they lacked sufficient coverage to cover your losses.
Why Should You Hire An Attorney To Help With An Underinsured/Uninsured Auto Accident Claim?
Underinsured/uninsured auto accident claims are often quite a bit more complex than regular claims. Pennsylvania’s insurance system is intricate, and UM/UIM claims typically involve more than one insurance company. Each insurer is likely to try to blame the other and deny your claim.
Furthermore, your claim’s outcome may depend on whether you have full tort or limited tort insurance. Additionally, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence system, known as the “51% rule.” This means you cannot recover damages if you were more than 50% at fault for the accident.
Do not try to negotiate with multiple insurance companies on your own. Bring in an experienced uninsured/underinsured auto accident lawyer like me who can guide you through the insurance chaos.
Reach Out For A Free Legal Consultation About Your Accident
I have dedicated my career to pursuing justice for injured people. With over 30 years of experience, I am ready and able to help. Call 814-616-3805 or email me to schedule a free consultation about your specific situation. I am available to meet at my office in Erie or in your home or hospital room.