Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Green Tree

Drunk driving accidents can lead to life-altering injuries, and the victims deserve justice. If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident in Green Tree, Porta-Clark & Ward will hold the responsible parties accountable. Our dedicated drunk driving accident lawyers will work to get you the compensation you need for your recovery. Call (412) 921-7350 today for a free consultation.

What to Do If a Drunk Driver Is Uninsured After an Accident

Being involved in a car accident is traumatic enough, but it can be even more challenging when the at-fault driver is intoxicated and uninsured. In Pennsylvania, as in many other states, insurance is required by law, and drivers who fail to carry proper coverage face significant legal consequences. However, this doesn’t always mean that victims of drunk driving accidents can easily recover damages. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver who has no insurance, you may wonder what legal options are available to you.

The Challenges of Uninsured Drunk Drivers

Drunk driving accidents are already complicated. When you add the element of an uninsured driver into the mix, it can seem even more daunting. Uninsured drivers don’t have the necessary car insurance coverage to pay for your medical bills, car repairs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, this means that victims may have to take additional steps to recover compensation for their injuries.

While the law can provide some recourse, dealing with an uninsured drunk driver can be a frustrating process, especially when you’re already coping with the physical, emotional, and financial effects of an accident. But there are still options to consider.

Your Options for Compensation 

If the drunk driver has no insurance, there are several potential avenues to explore for compensation. Some options depend on the specifics of your case, such as your own insurance coverage, the circumstances surrounding the accident, and whether the driver’s assets can be pursued.

1. File a Claim with Your Own Insurance Company

In Pennsylvania, drivers are required to carry auto insurance, and most policies include coverage for accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. If the drunk driver has no insurance, you may be able to file a claim with your own insurance company through your uninsured motorist (UM) coverage.

Uninsured motorist coverage is designed to protect you in the event that you are injured by a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the costs of the accident. In many cases, UM coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if the at-fault driver is uninsured.

However, it’s important to note that not all insurance policies include this coverage by default. If you don’t have UM coverage, it can be more difficult to secure compensation without relying on the at-fault party’s insurance or assets.

2. Seek Compensation Through Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If the drunk driver has some insurance, but it’s not enough to cover all of your damages, you may be able to pursue a claim through underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage applies when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your full losses, and it can help bridge the gap.

Like uninsured motorist coverage, UIM coverage can be added to your policy for additional protection. If the drunk driver’s policy limits are low, your UIM coverage can help compensate for the difference between what their insurance will pay and what you are owed.

3. Pursue a Lawsuit Against the Drunk Driver

If the drunk driver has no insurance and you don’t have UM coverage, or if your UM coverage is insufficient, you may need to consider taking legal action against the driver directly. In some cases, a lawsuit may be the only option for recovering compensation.

However, there are challenges to this approach. If the drunk driver has no insurance, they may not have the financial means to pay for the damages you’ve incurred. Even if you win the lawsuit, the driver’s assets may be limited or nonexistent, which can make it difficult to collect on the judgment.

Still, it’s worth consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine whether pursuing a lawsuit is a viable option. Your lawyer can investigate the drunk driver’s financial situation and determine if there are assets that can be seized to pay for your injuries, such as property, wages, or bank accounts.

4. Explore Other Insurance Coverage Options

In some cases, there may be additional forms of insurance coverage that can help you recover compensation. For example:

• Health insurance: If you have health insurance, your plan may cover medical expenses related to the accident. Depending on your health insurance policy, you may be able to pursue coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and other medical costs.
• MedPay (Medical Payments) Coverage: MedPay is an optional type of auto insurance that covers medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. If you have MedPay coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, it can be used to pay for medical expenses following a drunk driving accident, even if the drunk driver has no insurance.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Pennsylvania is a no-fault state, which means your own insurance company typically covers your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an extension of your auto insurance that can help cover your expenses following an accident. If you have PIP coverage, it may help pay for your medical bills and lost wages, even if the at-fault driver has no insurance.

5. Consider Filing for Victim Compensation

In some cases, Pennsylvania offers a victim compensation program to help individuals who have been injured in accidents caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. This program is known as the Pennsylvania Crime Victim Compensation Program (CVCP), and it provides compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the accident.

The program is primarily designed for victims of violent crimes, but it can also apply to certain types of accidents, including those caused by drunk drivers who are uninsured. However, the amount of compensation available through the CVCP is limited, and there may be restrictions on eligibility.

6. Investigate the Drunk Driver’s Assets

If you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the drunk driver, you may want to investigate their financial situation to determine whether they have assets that can be used to satisfy any judgment. This can include things like real estate, vehicles, savings accounts, or wages.

If the drunk driver has assets, you may be able to work with your lawyer to garnish wages or place liens on property. However, if the driver has few or no assets, it may be difficult to recover a meaningful amount of compensation through a lawsuit.

A Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Fighting for Justice

Consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Green Tree who deals with drunk driving accident claims can help you navigate the complexities of your case and maximize your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. nIf you or a loved one has been injured by an impaired driver, Porta-Clark & Ward will fight for maximum compensation. Call (412) 921-7350 today for a free consultation with a trusted drunk driving accident attorney.