Glenn Mills Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious injuries when careless drivers fail to follow traffic laws. If you’ve been hit by a vehicle, you need experienced legal representation. Kingbird Legal’s pedestrian accident lawyers in Glenn Mills will fight to secure the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

What to Do if You’re Injured by an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver as a Pedestrian in Pennsylvania

Being injured as a pedestrian in a traffic accident is a traumatic experience. The pain from physical injuries can be overwhelming, and the financial stress that follows can be just as difficult to manage. If the driver responsible for the accident is uninsured or underinsured, it can add an additional layer of complexity to your situation. However, all hope is not lost, and there are steps you can take to recover compensation for your injuries and losses.

If you’ve been hit by a driver without enough insurance or with no insurance at all, here’s what you need to know about filing a pedestrian accident claim in Pennsylvania.

Understanding Pennsylvania’s Insurance Requirements

Pennsylvania follows a “no-fault” insurance system for car accidents, meaning that your own insurance company typically covers your medical bills and certain other expenses, regardless of who is at fault. However, this system is designed primarily for accidents involving vehicles, not pedestrians. If you’re a pedestrian and a driver hits you, the issue of insurance becomes more complicated, especially if the driver is uninsured or underinsured.

Under Pennsylvania law, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $15,000 in liability insurance for one person injured in an accident. However, this amount may not be enough to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the injuries are severe. This is where the distinction between uninsured and underinsured comes into play.

Uninsured drivers: These drivers do not have any liability insurance at all.
Underinsured drivers: These drivers have some insurance but not enough to cover the full extent of the damage they caused.

If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver while walking, it’s important to understand your options for compensation.

Seek Medical Treatment Right Away

First and foremost, you need to prioritize your health. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately after the accident. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or soft tissue damage, may not be immediately obvious. Seeking medical care will create a record of your injuries, which will be essential for your claim.

Why it matters: Medical documentation plays a critical role in proving the severity of your injuries and the necessary treatments. Failing to get prompt medical care could hurt your case later, especially if there’s any delay in documenting your injuries.

Report the Accident to the Police

Next, you should report the accident to the police. A police report serves as an official record of the incident and includes important details like the location, time, and nature of the accident, as well as any citations or charges issued to the driver. This report is vital in any pedestrian accident case, especially when you’re dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Why it matters: A police report will help establish the facts of the case and support your version of events. If the driver was cited for a traffic violation or acted negligently, this information will be valuable when proving liability.

Notify Your Own Insurance Company

In Pennsylvania, even if the other driver is at fault, your own insurance company might be involved in your claim. This is because Pennsylvania requires drivers to have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs after an accident.

Why it matters: If the driver is uninsured or underinsured, your PIP coverage can help cover your medical bills. It’s important to notify your insurance company of the accident as soon as possible so they can begin processing your claim.
What to do: Contact your insurance provider and explain that you were struck by an uninsured or underinsured driver while walking. You should also ask about any additional coverage options, such as Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM), which can help protect you in cases like these.

Investigate Your Own Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as part of your car insurance policy, it may apply to your pedestrian accident. This coverage is specifically designed to help protect you in the event that you’re involved in an accident with a driver who has little to no insurance.

Why it matters: UM/UIM coverage will help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver is either uninsured or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your damages.
What to do: Contact your insurance company to verify whether you have UM/UIM coverage. If you don’t, you might consider adding it to your policy in the future to protect yourself in case of another accident.

Consider Other Potential Sources of Compensation

If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, there may be other options for compensation.

Health insurance: If you have health insurance, it can help cover your medical bills after an accident. However, you may still need to pay deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses.
Workers’ compensation: If you were injured while working, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Other insurance: In some cases, the driver responsible for the accident might have other insurance policies that could help cover your damages. For example, if the driver was driving a company vehicle, the company’s insurance might apply.

Consult with an Experienced Legal Team

One of the most important steps you can take when dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver is to consult with a personal injury lawyer. These types of cases can be complex, and it’s important to have an experienced attorney on your side to help guide you through the process.

Why it matters: An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, including negotiating with insurance companies and ensuring that you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to. They can also assist you in filing a lawsuit if necessary.
What to do: Schedule a consultation with a personal injury lawyer who specializes in pedestrian accidents. They will review your case and advise you on the best course of action. Keep in mind that many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

Keep Track of Your Damages

As you recover from your injuries, it’s important to keep track of all expenses and losses related to the accident. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses you incur. Document your pain and suffering as well, as this will be a critical element in determining your compensation.

Why it matters: Detailed records of your damages will help you build a strong case and ensure you’re compensated for everything you’ve lost due to the accident.

Glenn Mills Pedestrian Accident Attorney

Suffering an injury as a pedestrian is a difficult experience, and dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver can complicate the situation. However, there are options available for pursuing compensation. By taking the right steps—seeking medical care, notifying your insurance company, considering your UM/UIM coverage, and consulting with an attorney—you can protect your interests and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

If you’ve been injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, it’s important to act quickly and avoid making mistakes that could jeopardize your case. Kingbird Legal’s pedestrian accident attorneys in Glenn Mills are here to help you seek justice and recover compensation for your injuries. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation and take the next step toward healing.