Hit-and-run accidents are some of the worst seen on the road. A 23-year-old man was recently killed by a hit-and-run driver as he rode his non-motorized scooter along State Route 45. Another man recently pleaded guilty to the felony offense of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
For victims and their families, a criminal conviction does nothing to compensate for the pain of personal injury, or of losing a loved one. Many people assume that because the driver left the scene, they can only claim compensation if the hit-and-run driver is caught by police. In Pennsylvania, this is not always the case.
Required Insurance Coverage After a Hit and Run Accident
When an accident victim carries auto insurance, they may have many options for collecting compensation after a hit-and-run accident. All drivers in the state are required to carry auto insurance, but this coverage may also apply when a person has purchased a policy and is on another form of transportation, such as a bike or scooter. Under Pennsylvania law, drivers must have the following amounts of insurance:
- Bodily injury liability: A minimum of $15,000 in coverage for the injury of one person, and $30,000 in bodily injury liability for the entire accident.
- Medical benefits: A minimum of $5,000 in coverage is required to cover the medical expenses of the insured or others in the car, regardless of who was at fault for the crash.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Pennsylvania
For individuals who do not purchase uninsured motorist coverage, there is little chance to hold the hit-and-run driver liable for paying damages.
Uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist coverages (UIM) is available when a person is hit by a driver who does not carry any insurance, or does not carry the proper amount of insurance.
Our Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia Can Help with Your Claim
Even when working with your own insurance company, there is no guarantee that you will receive the fair settlement you deserve. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our Philadelphia car accident lawyer can negotiate with the insurer on your behalf and ensure you receive the fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at 215-515-6892 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.