Why is Having Car Insurance So Important?
Pennsylvania is what’s known as a no-fault car accident state, which means that if you’re in an accident, you’ll turn to your own policy to cover your losses – even if the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. As a result, motorists in the state are required to carry a specific amount of personal injury protection that covers their own losses in the event of car accidents. Because obtaining the compensation to which you’re entitled is so important to your recovery, consulting with an experienced Pennsylvania car accident attorney as soon after an accident as possible is always to your advantage.
Personal Injury Protection
If you’re injured in a car accident – even if it’s the other driver’s fault – you’ll file your claim through your own personal injury protection (PIP) policy. In other words, carrying this coverage is not only a legal requirement but can also play a key role in your recovery post-accident.
PIP coverage isn’t as comprehensive as a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver would be, but it does streamline the claims process.
The basic categories of compensation in a PIP claim include the following:
- Your related medical expenses
- A specific percentage of your lost wages
If the other driver’s negligence leaves you seriously injured, however, you can file a car accident claim with their provider for complete coverage that includes the full extent of your lost income as well as your physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can easily outpace your other losses combined.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
There is also the matter of underinsured and uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage in Pennsylvania. While motorists aren’t required to carry UIM in Pennsylvania, insurance companies are required to offer it, and the only way to decline it is in writing. This coverage can be extremely beneficial if you’re injured by a negligent motorist who doesn’t carry the liability coverage that they’re required to by law.
UIM policies offer the same comprehensive coverage that personal injury claims do. Additionally, this coverage can be stacked, which means that if you insure more than one vehicle in the same household, the coverage limits can be combined.
It’s in Your Best Interest to Be Fully Insured
Pennsylvania’s personal injury laws are complex, and because being well covered in the event of an accident can play a critical role in your ability to recover, having ample insurance is important. The more coverage you’ve got, the better protected you’ll be.
An Experienced Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
The accomplished Philadelphia car accident attorneys at HGSK Injury Lawyers have reserves of impressive experience helping valued clients like you recover compensation for their full range of covered losses, and we’ll leave no stone unturned in our focused efforts to do the same for you. Your claim is important to your future, so please don’t wait to reach out by contacting us online or call 267-551-8782 and schedule a free consultation to learn more about what we can do for you today.