We’ve all seen the advertisements on television from automobile insurance companies like SAFE AUTO, who promises to "keep you legal for less!" Have you ever wondered how this affects you, a responsible driver?
If not familiar with Pennsylvania law, you may ask "what does ‘legal’ mean and what is SAFE AUTO talking about?" When it comes to automobile insurance, this refers to the minimum amount of "bodily injury liability insurance" a vehicle owner must purchase to comply with Pennsylvania law. Liability insurance protects a vehicle owner when he or she causes an auto accident that results in bodily injuries to another driver or pedestrian. "What is the minimum?" A mere $15,000.00 of coverage for a person injured in an motor vehicle accident!
Under Pennsylvania law, when an innocent driver, passenger or pedestrian is hurt in an accident caused by another driver, he or she can make a claim to the "at-fault" driver’s auto insurance company for the payment of any medical costs, lost wages, unreimbursed expenses, and in most cases, the pain and suffering incurred because of the accident. In most "fender-bender" accidents where injuries are usually minor and medical expenses are relatively low, $15,000.00 is often adequate to fairly compensate an injured person for their losses. However, in my law practice, I often come across a more common scenario--one in which a "barely legal" driver causes severe injuries and damages to an innocent driver or pedestrian.
Take for example, a recent case I handled where a 55 year-old gentleman was struck head-on by a drunk driver, causing permanent, disabling injuries to his shoulder and arm. My client owned and operated his own business, a business that required driving, standing, heavy lifting and repetitive motion. After months of treatment and physical therapy, the orthopedic surgeon informed my client that his injuries were permanent, thereby preventing him from operating his business ever again. The actual lost wages, future loss of earnings and medical bills incurred totaled over $150,000.00! When I made a claim to the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company, they paid him the state minimum of $15,000.00, which represented the liability policy limit that the driver had purchased. In other words, the driver only bought $15,000.00 of coverage, the amount needed to make him a "barely legal" driver in Pennsylvania. When all was said and done, $15,000.00 was all this irresponsible driver and his insurance company were required to pay. That driver had complied with the law, but my permanently injured client was out of luck.
Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this scenario. Of course, there are costs associated with the solution, but by purchasing "Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist" (UIM/UM) coverage under his or her own automobile insurance policy, a driver can provide additional money to help them pay for the damages caused by an uninsured or barely legal driver. This coverage is optional and of course, you only get what you pay for. Although your premium will increase, you certainly can protect you and your family from drivers insured by companies that "keep them legal for less!"
For a free consultation or review of your automobile insurance policy from an experienced automobile personal injury lawyer, call our office today.