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Lancaster Auto Accident Attorneys Making Sure You are Protected from Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers

These days, car crashes, auto wrecks, motor vehicle accidents or whatever you want to call them are all too common in Lancaster County. To make matters worse, many of the wrecks, crashes and accidents are caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers. If you are injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident caused by someone else, as part of your claim for monetary damages, you first will have access to the liability coverage under the policy of the owner of the vehicle which caused the crash. If the vehicle is uninsured (which is a violation of Pennsylvania law) or underinsured (the amount of liability coverage is not sufficient to compensate you for your losses), then you can turn to the uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits you purchased under your own automobile, truck or motorcycle policy for additional coverage.

In this scenario, people ask, many times, why their own insurance should “have to pay” if the accident was caused by someone else. Well, the short answer is, just like you pay premiums for life insurance, disability insurance and every other kind of insurance, you are paying premiums to your own automobile insurance company for the protection of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Your insurance company does not feel bad taking your premiums, so there is no need for you to be hesitant to avail yourself of the benefits you purchased under the policy.

Also, when engaging in settlement negotiations or trying to obtain a lump sum settlement for your claim, an insurance company from which you purchase uninsured and underinsured motorist benefits owes certain fiduciary duties to you. Therefore, unlike the insurance company for the at-fault party, your insurance company is mandated by law to investigate your claim and provide you with its findings and the bases upon which it is relying, in a prompt fashion, and it must value your claim fairly and reasonably. While these duties and obligations exist for your auto insurance company, it is still critical to have an attorney whose practice specifically focuses on accident and injury law, like GLS Injury Law, P.C.

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Injury from Accident By Uninsured and Underinsured Drivers FAQs

At GLS Injury Law, we know that being injured in a motor vehicle accident is stressful enough. But when the person who hit you has little or no insurance coverage, your situation becomes even more complicated. Fortunately, Pennsylvania law provides a safety net in the form of uninsured (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which is part of your own auto insurance policy. The problem is, even your own insurance company can put up a fight when it comes to paying fair compensation.

That’s where we come in. With decades of experience advocating for accident victims throughout Lancaster County, our attorneys know how to navigate the intricacies of UM/UIM claims. We’ll work directly with your insurance carrier to ensure they uphold their legal obligations- and we’ll push back hard if they don’t. When it comes to getting you every dollar you’re owed, we don’t take shortcuts and we don’t back down.

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage provides compensation when the driver who caused your accident has no insurance at all, while underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your total damages. These policies can cover a wide range of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and more.

While UM/UIM coverage is optional in Pennsylvania, it’s one of the most crucial types of protection you can have. When another driver breaks the law by being uninsured- or simply carries the state minimums that don’t come close to compensating you- your UM/UIM coverage acts as a secondary policy to bridge the gap. This coverage follows you whether you’re driving your own car, riding in someone else’s, or even if you’re struck as a pedestrian or cyclist.

At GLS Injury Law, we ensure that your insurance company lives up to its contractual and fiduciary duties to you. We analyze every angle of your policy and negotiate strategically to help you access the maximum amount of compensation available under your UM/UIM benefits.

This is one of the most common- and understandable- questions we hear. The truth is, your UM/UIM insurance is a safety net you pay for. Just like health or life insurance, it exists to protect you in the event of unforeseen tragedy. Filing a claim under these benefits is not about blaming you; it’s about activating a policy you’ve purchased for your protection.

In Pennsylvania, when the at-fault driver either lacks insurance or carries insufficient coverage, your own insurance company becomes responsible for compensating you. This doesn’t mean your rates automatically go up, UM/UIM claims typically don’t impact your premiums because they are not considered at-fault claims.

That said, insurance companies don’t always play fair- even with their own policyholders. That’s why it’s critical to have experienced legal representation. At GLS Injury Law, we’ve spent years advocating for clients whose insurers were reluctant to pay. We’ll ensure that your rights are protected and that you’re not left footing the bill for someone else’s negligence.

After ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, the next most important step is to document everything and contact an experienced injury attorney immediately. Here’s a brief checklist:

  1. Call 911 and report the accident.
  2. Exchange information with the other driver, if possible.
  3. Take photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and surroundings.
  4. Seek medical care, even if your injuries seem minor at first.
  5. Get a copy of the police report.
  6. Notify your insurance company that you may need to pursue a UM or UIM claim.
  7. Contact GLS Injury Law as early as possible.

We will handle communications with insurance companies, preserve crucial evidence, and guide your claim toward the most favorable resolution possible. The sooner we are involved, the better we can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Absolutely. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage extends beyond just driving your own vehicle. If you were injured as a passenger, pedestrian, or even a cyclist, and the person who caused the crash has no insurance or insufficient insurance, you can still file a claim- typically through your own auto insurance policy, or sometimes through a relative’s policy if you live with them.

In these cases, the legal and insurance issues can get complicated. Coverage may be available from multiple sources, and there may be stacking options available in Pennsylvania that could increase the compensation you receive.

At GLS Injury Law, we meticulously review all potential sources of coverage. We’ve represented hundreds of injured victims in complex UM/UIM scenarios and know how to identify and maximize every possible avenue for recovery. You shouldn’t suffer financially for someone else’s law-breaking or irresponsibility- and we make sure you don’t.

You may not know right away, which is why it’s crucial to consult with an experienced injury attorney. In Pennsylvania, the minimum liability insurance required by law is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident- an amount that rarely covers the full extent of injuries in serious accidents.

Once a claim is opened, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may disclose its policy limits, usually after we file a formal request. If your damages exceed those limits, you can pursue the difference through your own UIM coverage.

At GLS Injury Law, we evaluate your injuries, gather medical records, lost wage documentation, and all other evidence to prove the full value of your claim. Then we compare that value with the other driver’s policy limits. If a gap exists, we initiate a UIM claim and fight for the compensation your policy entitles you to.

Generally,- your rates should not increase after filing a UM or UIM claim because the accident was not your fault. Pennsylvania law discourages insurers from penalizing policyholders for using the benefits they paid for when they’re injured by another driver’s negligence.

That said, some insurers may still attempt to raise premiums under the guise of “risk reassessment.” If they do, you have rights. At GLS Injury Law, we advocate strongly not only for your injury claim but also to prevent insurance companies from acting unfairly after the fact.

We know how to hold insurers accountable for their contractual and fiduciary duties. If your insurer attempts to punish you for using your coverage, we’ll help you fight back- just as we’ve done for countless others across Central Pennsylvania.

At GLS Injury Law, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. Our fee comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you- if we don’t win your case, you don’t owe us a dime.

This arrangement ensures that you get high-quality legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket costs. Our initial consultation is always free, and during that time, we will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline a path forward.

We believe every injured victim deserves legal help, no matter their financial situation. That’s why we make it risk-free to pursue justice and full compensation. With our deep knowledge of Pennsylvania motor vehicle law and our aggressive advocacy on your behalf, we make sure your insurer does what it’s supposed to do- compensate you fairly.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including UM/UIM claims, is typically two years from the date of the accident. However, because UM and UIM claims are considered contractual in nature, there may be additional time allowed under your insurance policy’s terms.

It’s important to act quickly, because waiting too long can result in the loss of critical evidence or even the right to pursue your claim. Additionally, each insurance policy has its own internal deadlines for notifying the company about a potential UM/UIM claim.

At GLS Injury Law, we ensure all deadlines are met and legal requirements are followed. Don’t leave your claim vulnerable to technicalities. Contact our experienced team as soon as possible so we can take swift action on your behalf.

Yes. If your insurance company wrongfully denies your UM/UIM claim, you have the legal right to pursue a lawsuit. Insurance companies have a fiduciary duty to act in good faith toward their policyholders. If they breach that duty by delaying, undervaluing, or denying a legitimate claim, you may be entitled to additional damages, including bad faith damages, attorney fees, and interest.

At GLS Injury Law, we’ve successfully held insurance companies accountable for bad faith in UM/UIM cases. We’ll examine the reasons for denial, gather supporting evidence, and take aggressive legal action if necessary. Your insurer is legally obligated to honor the policy they wrote and the coverage you paid for, and we won’t let them get away with anything less.

Because we focus exclusively on injury law, we have a proven track record of winning even the most complex uninsured and underinsured motorist cases. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured in motor vehicle accidents, and we know how to deal with reluctant insurance companies- whether they represent the at-fault driver or you.

When you work with GLS Injury Law, you get:

  • Attorneys who know Pennsylvania’s UM/UIM laws inside and out
  • A legal team with decades of experience
  • Relentless advocacy from start to finish
  • Clear communication and personal attention
  • A no-fee-unless-we-win promise

We don’t just handle paperwork- we fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. Don’t settle for less than expert representation. Put our experience to work for you.

Reviewed by Anthony M. Georgelis, Attorney at GLS Injury Law, on May 20th 2025.

Reviewed by Anthony M. Georgelis, Attorney at GLS Injury Law, on May 20th 2025.

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Get The Maximum Compensation for Your Auto Accident Claim

1

Call GLS Injury Law First!

We can be reached through our website or by phone at 717-394-3004.

2

Free, No-Obligation Consultation

We will take as long as you need to explain the process, answer all of your questions and put your mind at ease. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you!

3

Focus on Your Recovery

Let GLS Injury Law handle everything else. Your peace-of-mind is our priority. While we work our hardest to get you every penny you deserve, relax knowing that GLS Injury Law has your back.

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