What to Do if the Person Who Hits You Does Not Have a Valid Driver’s License
Car accident claims are challenging to begin with, but if the at-fault motorist doesn’t have a valid driver’s license, you can expect even more complications. You don’t, however, have to face the matter alone – an experienced Reading car accident attorney is standing by to help.
Taking First Steps
If you’re injured by another driver’s negligence in a car accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your health and your claim, including:
- Move your car out of the line of traffic if possible.
- Call 911.
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver – as well as your driver’s license numbers and expiration dates
- Seek the immediate medical attention you need.
- Reach out for professional legal representation as soon as you’re able to do so.
The fact that the other driver isn’t licensed will likely lead to the police issuing them a citation.
Many Car Insurance Policies Have an Uninsured Driver Exclusion
The fact is that many car insurance policies in Pennsylvania have exclusions in place for uninsured drivers. This means that you wouldn’t be able to pursue compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses by filing a claim with your insurance provider. Not all policies, however, include this provision, and your determined car accident lawyer will do the legwork necessary to identify the best path forward for you.
Turning to Your Own Insurance Coverage
If the driver who caused you to be injured didn’t have a valid license, there’s a good chance that they are also not insured. This means that you’ll need to look to your own policy for coverage, and the fact that Pennsylvania is a no-fault state can help.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage
Every motorist in Pennsylvania is required to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. In the event of an accident, you’ll file your claim through this policy – regardless of who is at fault. The process is expedited, but the coverage is less comprehensive than it would be in a personal injury claim. Your covered losses include your reasonable medical expenses and a specific percentage of your lost income.
Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage
There is also a good chance that you carry underinsured and uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage. While you’re not required to carry UIM, your insurance provider is required to offer it, and your refusal must be in writing.
If you do have UIM, it provides more thorough protection that will address your full range of medical expenses, lost income, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. UIM coverage can also be stacked. As such, if you cover more than one car in your household, the coverage limits can be combined to offer more complete protection.
Discuss Your Claim with an Experienced Reading Car Accident Lawyer Today
The focused Reading car accident attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers are well prepared to unleash the full scope of our imposing experience and legal skill in pursuit of the compensation you deserve – and need to regain your health and well-being. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call 267-551-8782 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about what we can do for you today.