Being hit by an uninsured driver is both frustrating and stressful. Questions about who will cover medical bills, lost wages, and other damages quickly arise. In Pennsylvania, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can protect you in these situations. At The Rummel Firm, we help accident victims understand their insurance rights and fight to get the compensation they deserve, even when the other driver has no insurance.
Uninsured motorist coverage is an optional—but highly recommended—part of your auto insurance policy. UM coverage protects you if you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have any insurance. It helps cover your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages that the at-fault driver cannot pay.
Pennsylvania law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage to all drivers. However, it is not mandatory that you accept or purchase this coverage—drivers must sign a waiver if they decline it. The state minimum UM coverage limits are $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. While this minimum meets legal standards, many advocates, including The Rummel Firm, advise carrying higher UM limits to better protect yourself.
UM coverage typically pays for:
Note that UM coverage applies only to bodily injury and does not typically cover damage to your vehicle. For vehicle repairs, collision coverage is needed.
In most cases, yes. Pennsylvania uninsured motorist coverage often extends protections to victims of hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified or does not have insurance. This means you can seek compensation from your own insurance policy even if the responsible driver flees the scene.
However, it’s important to promptly report the hit-and-run to law enforcement and notify your insurance company. Different insurers may have specific procedures and requirements for hit-and-run claims. The Rummel Firm can help ensure you follow the necessary steps to qualify for UM coverage in these cases.
Filing a claim within the required timeframe is critical. While Pennsylvania generally allows two years to file personal injury lawsuits against other drivers, UM claims against your own insurance company follow a different rule.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has clarified that UM claims are contractual in nature, and the statute of limitations (typically four years) begins when the insurance company denies your claim or breaches the contract. This means you may have more time to act than you think, but waiting too long can still jeopardize your case.
Because these rules can be complex, it’s essential to reach out to a knowledgeable attorney like The Rummel Firm who can ensure your claim is timely and properly submitted.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny valid claims altogether. They might use delay tactics, dispute your injuries, or offer lowball settlements. This can add frustration to an already difficult situation.
At The Rummel Firm, we handle all communications with insurance companies for you. We know their strategies, and we’re prepared to fight back—negotiating aggressively or taking legal action if necessary—to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. You can focus on healing while we manage the complexities of your claim.
An uninsured driver’s lack of insurance does not mean you’re without options. The Rummel Firm aggressively pursues UM claims on behalf of clients, fighting insurance companies that try to underpay or deny benefits. We:
Our mission is to ensure you are not left bearing the financial burden of another driver’s negligence.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. If you were injured by an uninsured driver, contact The Rummel Firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights under Pennsylvania law, and guide you through every step of the claims process. Call us now or fill out our online form to get started. Your recovery and peace of mind are our top priorities.
