Hit and Run with Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage

One of the strengths of our law firm is a thorough investigation into the most important details of each case. When combined with the knowledge we acquire by keeping up with Pennsylvania case law, we work to deliver our clients every available advantage. An example of this is evident in the case of a client who reached out to us after being involved in a hit and run accident. This client was a pedestrian who suffered a significant head injury after being struck by a vehicle late at night. Because the driver of the vehicle fled the scene, the case falls under the insurance protection of Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM). If purchased, this coverage will help pay for medical bills if you are the victim of a hit and run, or an accident involving an uninsured driver or underinsured motorist.

Although our client was not licensed, he was residing with his parents, and therefore, covered under his parents auto insurance policy. However, the parents had declined UM/UIM coverage. Typically, if someone rejects this type of coverage, they are not eligible for compensation, if they are a victim of hit and run. However, because our law firm keeps up with relevant case law and applicable statutes, we were aware that an auto insurance agent, or broker, must require a policy holder to sign and date a form rejecting UM/UIM coverage. If the agent fails to do so, then the policy holder may still be entitled to UM/UIM coverage. 

The details of the laws involving accidents and insurance liability are important and precise. In order to ask the right questions of the insurance company, your lawyer needs to fully understand the law and require the company to produce the necessary documents to determine the actual coverage. In this case, our inquiry resulted in the agent providing a form rejecting UM/UIM coverage, but it was not properly signed and dated. Because the document was not signed and dated, it was invalid, and the policy holders were entitled to UM/UIM benefits equal to the liability benefits on the policy. As a result, our client was awarded compensation from the insurance company to pay for his medical expenses and pain and suffering.

By keeping up with the details of relevant case law, we have repeatedly been able to achieve successful outcomes. In personal injury cases, it is especially important that you choose a lawyer who is highly knowledgeable about the specifics of your case and applicable insurance coverage. If you would like to talk about your matter, please contact us for a free consultation.

---

Get a Free Consultation

Contact us today for your free and confidential consultation.