Understanding the Difference Between Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers

Drivers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are required to have insurance to cover situations in the event we damage our vehicle, pay for damage to other peoples’ property and pay for damages if the other person is physically injured. While we expect everyone to abide by these laws, the reality is one in eight drivers are either uninsured or underinsured.

Uninsured Driver: The driver doesn’t carry any motor vehicle liability insured. Medical expenses, damages and loss caused by their actions will be paid by the uninsured driver’s personal assets (or not paid at all).

Underinsured Driver: The driver doesn’t carry sufficient liability insurance to cover costs for vehicle damage and medical expenses. If the accident is the fault of the underinsured driver, your insurance policy will supplement any losses not covered.

Drivers cannot place blind faith in others when it comes to insurance coverage; you must protect yourself from underinsured and uninsured drivers. J. Fine Law, a leading personal injury law firm in Philadelphia, provides 5 easy ways you can protect your property & wallet against uninsured motorists.

5 Ways to Protect Yourself from Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers

Regardless of the insurance policy status of the other drivers on the road, you must protect yourself when involved in an auto accident with underinsured or uninsured drivers. Below are 5 steps to take after a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.

File a Police Report: It is best to get the policy involved after an accident to get an account of what happened, especially if the other driver does not have insurance. This step will make the claim process much easier.

Do Not Accept Money: This is a sure sign that the driver at fault does not have adequate insurance coverage. Even if the damage seems minor or you believe there aren’t any visible injuries, the true extent of damage has yet to be determined.

Exchange Information: Politely ask for their contact information, take down the license plate number and note any details about their vehicle.

Take Detailed Notes: While you may be disoriented or overwhelmed at the scene of the accident, later in the day when you’ve relaxed write down or record all the details you can remember. Even the smallest particulars will help with your insurance claim and attorneys.

Pictures are Important: Once the cars are towed, you’ll never get another opportunity for documentation. Take photos of the vehicles, intersection, location, skid marks, debris and the surrounding area.

Contact a Personal Injury & Car Accident Attorney

Help yourself before an accident happens by contacting your insurance company to discuss your policy and the limitations of coverage. If you have the financial means, you should obtain additional UM/UIM coverage to pay for your losses in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, follow our steps above, avoid these 5 phrases and contact a personal injury attorney right away. With a dedicated team of experienced lawyers on your side, we’ll get you the compensation you deserve no matter the insurance coverage status of the at-fault driver. Backed by 25+ years of experience, we help Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents injured in car accidents, dog bites, bicycle accidents, trip & fall cases and more. Call 1-800-HURT-123 for a no obligation case evaluation.