Getting into a car accident is frightening, but discovering the driver who hit you doesn’t have insurance can make a bad situation seem hopeless. Medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs can pile up quickly, and without a straightforward path to securing compensation from the other driver’s insurance to help cover it, many people are left wondering what to do next.
At Freeburn Law, we help Pennsylvania drivers and passengers navigate the aftermath of serious car accidents, including collisions involving uninsured drivers. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Our attorneys are here to help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you need.
What Happens If the At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance?
In Pennsylvania, all drivers are required by law to carry auto insurance. Unfortunately, not everyone follows that law. If you’re hit by someone without insurance resulting in a personal injury, you won’t be able to file a traditional third-party insurance claim. This can leave victims in a difficult position made worse when injuries are serious and bills begin to mount.
However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Depending on your insurance policy and the facts of the crash, you may still be able to recover compensation.
Understanding Pennsylvania's Insurance Requirements
Pennsylvania requires drivers to carry minimum coverage, including:
- $15,000 for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 for total bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 in property damage
This coverage is meant to protect others if the policyholder causes an accident. If the at-fault driver has no coverage, you’ll need to rely on your own insurance, or legal action, to recover.
Uninsured vs. Underinsured Drivers: What’s the Difference?
An uninsured driver has no car insurance at all. An underinsured driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your losses. Both situations can leave accident victims struggling to pay medical bills, replace a totaled vehicle, or get back to work.
You still have options regardless of which of these two drivers hit you. A dedicated car accident attorney can help lay out your options to recover the compensation you need.
Can You Still Get Compensation After an Uninsured Crash?
Yes. Many people are surprised to learn that their own insurance policy may offer coverage for accidents caused by uninsured drivers if they selected the right type of protection when they bought their policy.
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage in Pennsylvania
Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is an optional add-on to your car insurance policy. It covers your expenses if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance. It can help pay for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses (in fatal crashes)
If you selected UM coverage when you purchased your policy, you can file a claim through your own insurer, even if the at-fault driver has no coverage.
Other Insurance Options That May Help You
In addition to UM/UIM coverage, you may have access to:
- Medical Payments (MedPay) coverage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or First Party Benefits
- Collision coverage to pay for vehicle damage
- Health insurance for ongoing medical treatment
An attorney can review your full policy and identify every possible source of compensation.
Suing an Uninsured Driver—Is It Worth It?
Yes, you can sue an uninsured driver in Pennsylvania. Practically speaking, it may not help much. Pursuing a claim through your own insurance will be faster and more effective. While this isn’t always true, most uninsured drivers don’t have the personal assets to pay for your losses, even if you win in court. In that case, it is up to your own insurance policy to pay out for your wreck.
Before deciding to sue, it’s important to consult with a motor vehicle accident attorney who can assess whether a lawsuit is likely to result in actual financial recovery.
What to Do Immediately After the Accident
When you’re involved in a crash with an uninsured driver, the steps you take in the minutes and days that follow can make a big difference in your case.
Document Everything at the Scene
If you’re able, take the following actions:
- Photograph damage to all vehicles
- Capture the road conditions and surroundings
- Take photos of your injuries
- Collect names and phone numbers of witnesses
Ask the other driver for identification and insurance information, even if they admit they don’t have insurance. This information may still be useful if legal action is necessary.
Report the Crash to Police and Your Insurer
Always call 911 and file an official police report. Officers will document the scene, speak with witnesses, and confirm whether the at-fault driver had valid insurance.
Then, contact your insurance company and report the accident. Let them know the other driver was uninsured. This starts the process of evaluating your policy and coverage.
Get Medical Treatment Right Away
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek medical attention immediately. Some injuries aren’t obvious right away, and delays in care can make your recovery harder and could hurt your claim.
Medical records provide critical documentation that links your injuries directly to the crash.
Why You Need a Lawyer for an Uninsured Driver Case
Cases involving uninsured drivers are more complex than standard car accident claims. Insurance companies may look for ways to deny your UM claim or limit your compensation. A skilled attorney can help protect your rights and handle the process from start to finish.
Your insurance company can make a UM claim seem hopeless to try and prevent them having to pay out fair compensation. You pay your insurance to protect you from financial burden in these cases and they don’t have the right to deny you what you are owed.
At Freeburn law, we will work for you to make sure you are fairly compensated.
Navigating Complex Insurance Claims
Uninsured motorist claims require careful navigation. Your own insurer may treat the case like any other liability claim. requiring evidence, negotiations, and strong legal support.
Your attorney can:
- Handle communication with the insurance company
- Submit the required documentation
- Represent you in arbitration or court, if needed
Maximizing Your Settlement Potential
An experienced personal injury attorney will calculate your total damages. This includes not just current medical bills, but also future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Without legal help, many victims settle for far less than they deserve.
Freeburn Law’s Experience with Uninsured Claims
At Freeburn Law, we’ve helped countless Pennsylvanians recover compensation after being hit by an uninsured driver. We know how to analyze your policy, identify all sources of recovery, and build a strong case that gets results. It is not your fault that an uninsured driver hit you resulting in an accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Freeburn Law Today
You don’t have to face this situation alone. If you were hit by a driver without insurance in PA, our team at Freeburn Law is ready to help.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means there are no upfront costs and no legal fees unless we recover money for you. You risk nothing by reaching out.
Serving Clients Across Pennsylvania
From Harrisburg to York, Lancaster to Scranton, we represent accident victims across the state. Our attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, aggressive legal help when you need it most. A car accident can be a confusing, chaotic time for anyone, and we’re here to help untangle the mess and get your life back on track. You deserve compassionate legal service that will do whatever it takes to get the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact us at (717) 777-7777 today to schedule your free consultation. We’ll review your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your next steps.
Let Freeburn Law be your voice in your fight for equity and justice after your car accident.
