FREE CONSULTATION Car Accident Lawyer Monroeville
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Monroeville, you need a car accident lawyer who will fight for your rights and help you navigate the complexities of personal injury law. At Porta Clark & Ward, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a car crash can take on you and your family. Our team is dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today at (412) 912-2381 for a free consultation and let us help you get the justice you deserve.
What to Do After a Car Accident When the Other Driver Has No Insurance
Car accidents are stressful enough. When you find out the other driver doesn’t have insurance, the situation can feel even more overwhelming. Unfortunately, many drivers in Pennsylvania still operate their vehicles without any coverage, even though it’s against the law. If you’re in a crash with an uninsured driver in Monroeville, it’s important to know how to protect yourself, your finances, and your rights.
Stay Calm and Stay at the Scene
As with any accident, the first step is to stay calm and stay at the scene. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If you’re able to move safely, check on the other driver as well. Whether or not they have insurance, you’re required by law to remain at the scene of the accident.
Call 911 and report the crash. Even if it seems minor, it’s important to have an official police report. This becomes crucial later when you deal with your insurance company or pursue legal action.
Gather as Much Information as Possible
Even if the other driver tells you they don’t have insurance, you should still collect their information. Get their name, contact details, license plate number, and driver’s license number. If they refuse to cooperate, don’t argue. Just wait for the police to arrive.
Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, road conditions, and anything else that may help support your version of events. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact information.
The more documentation you have, the better. This can make a significant difference when filing an uninsured motorist claim.
Notify Your Insurance Company Right Away
Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance typically covers your medical bills and certain other expenses through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), no matter who caused the accident. But things get more complicated when property damage or serious injuries are involved—especially when the other driver is uninsured.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Let them know what happened and provide the documentation you gathered. If you have uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), you may be able to file a claim under that portion of your policy to recover additional losses.
Many drivers in Pennsylvania opt for this type of coverage specifically because of the high number of uninsured drivers on the road.
Understand Your Coverage Options
Uninsured motorist coverage (UM) can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and sometimes even pain and suffering if you were hit by someone with no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) helps when the other driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your losses.
Collision coverage may also help pay for vehicle repairs, regardless of who was at fault, but it usually comes with a deductible.
The key here is knowing what your own policy includes. If you don’t have UM/UIM coverage, you might have fewer options unless you decide to pursue a legal claim against the at-fault driver.
Consider Filing a Lawsuit
Suing an uninsured driver is an option, but it’s not always the most effective one. Many uninsured drivers lack insurance because they can’t afford it—which usually means they won’t have the financial means to pay a court judgment either.
However, in some cases, a lawsuit can lead to wage garnishment or other legal remedies if the driver has assets. If your injuries and damages are significant, it may still be worth exploring. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you weigh the pros and cons.
Watch Out for Time Limits
In Pennsylvania, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This time limit is known as the statute of limitations. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering any compensation at all.
Insurance claims often need to be filed even sooner. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and document everything from the beginning.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer Early
Handling a car accident involving an uninsured driver can quickly become complicated. If your injuries are serious, your medical bills can add up fast. Dealing with insurance adjusters, gathering evidence, and figuring out your options takes time and effort—especially when you’re trying to recover.
A personal injury lawyer in Monroeville can help you understand your rights and navigate the claims process. At Porta Clark & Ward, we’ve worked with clients across Allegheny County and know how to take on tough insurance cases. We offer free consultations, so there’s no risk in getting an opinion.
Protect Yourself Before the Next Accident
No one expects to be hit by an uninsured driver, but it happens more often than many people think. According to recent estimates, about one in eight drivers on the road has no insurance.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by reviewing your auto insurance policy. Make sure you have enough uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to cover serious injuries and major property damage. Increasing your UM/UIM limits may only add a few extra dollars to your monthly premium—and it can make a huge difference if the worst happens.
Don’t Let a Crash Define You—Let a Car Accident Lawyer in Monroeville Fight for Your Recovery
When a car accident throws your life off course, the right legal ally can make all the difference. At Porta Clark & Ward, our dedicated team knows what it takes to stand up to insurance companies and win the compensation you deserve. As your Monroeville car accident lawyer, we’re here to help you reclaim control and focus on healing. Call us at (412) 912-2381 for your free consultation—because your recovery starts with the right advocate in your corner.