Pennsylvania Uninsured Motorist Crisis Continues To Worsen - Don’t Always Listen to Your Insurance Agent
Philadelphia car accident and uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyers at the Philadelphia law firm of Reiff & Bily have consistently watched as the tight economy fuels a surge in the amount of uninsured and underinsured drivers. Statistics now reveal that odds are increasing nationally that a driver involved in a catastrophic car accident is uninsured. David Corum, Vice President of the Insurance Research Council, (IRC) states that company and state officials are expecting an increase of uninsured and underinsured motorists in the next year. Mr. Corum stated “As unemployment rates go up, you have to expect more drivers to take that risk”. Nationally, the 2007 estimated percentage of uninsured motorist drivers was 13.8% and is projected to reach 16.1% this year. The number of uninsured drivers in Pennsylvania is expected to climb even higher.
Unfortunately, as the economy tightens, people look to save and want to believe that they are never going to be in an accident. In the list of priorities, they would rather keep the house and lose the car and since many of these people are already “under water” with debt to equity ratio of their homes, it really doesn’t matter in their minds if they get in an accident because they are already buried in debt and what difference will it make?
Statistics show that there are an ever growing number of drivers who are unable to show financial responsibility and more concerning do not even have the money to pay to have their driver’s license reinstated after suspension or revocation. Many insurance agents I speak to regarding the situation have noted that many of their clients are calling in to see what they can do to save money and most of the time, in this attorney’s opinion, are erroneously taking cheaper coverage, asking for limited tort instead of full tort, as well as dropping collision and comprehensive, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and if it is an older vehicle, they are just taking the risk. We have even noted that many insurance agents are advocating and selling deficient insurance products that do not fully protect their clients and are recouping higher commissions. Unfortunately, this is not discovered by the injured client until it is too late.
After handling literally thousands of Pennsylvania uninsured, underinsured motorist accidents and third party car accident claims, we urge all of our clients and prospective clients to consult us for a free, no obligation insurance check-up and further urge them to make sure they do not let the insurance agents talk them into a cheaper, higher commission product that will not provide coverage when it is so sorely needed.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident with an uninsured/underinsured motorist, please call the experienced Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Reiff & Bily for a no obligation consultation or for a free auto insurance policy check-up. We can be reached toll free at 1-800-421-9595 or online at www.reiffandbily.com.
