Bucks County Underinsured / Uninsured Accident Lawyer

You did everything right behind the wheel, and yet you are sitting in a hospital bed, facing mounting medical bills, because another driver either had no insurance at all or carried a policy so thin it barely covers a fraction of your losses. In Bucks County, the risk of encountering an uninsured or underinsured motorist is not a remote possibility. It is a reality that thousands of accident victims face every year, leaving them to wonder how they will ever recover financially after someone else’s negligence turned their lives upside down.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand how frustrating and frightening this situation can be, and we are here to help you find a path forward. With over 65 years of combined legal experience and recognition as a Best Law Firm by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers® every year since 2010, our firm has guided Bucks County residents through the most complex personal injury claims in Pennsylvania. When the at-fault driver cannot cover your damages, we know how to pursue every available avenue of compensation on your behalf.

How Many Drivers in Pennsylvania Are Uninsured or Underinsured?

According to a 2025 report published by the Insurance Information Institute, one in three drivers nationally was either uninsured or underinsured in 2023, with more than 15 percent of motorists carrying no insurance at all. Pennsylvania’s rate is lower than the national average, but even a smaller percentage translates into a substantial number of drivers on roads like Route 1, Route 309, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike who do not have adequate coverage to pay for the injuries they cause.

The challenge is compounded by the fact that many insured drivers in Pennsylvania carry only the state-mandated minimums, which can be wholly insufficient when a serious accident results in significant medical treatment, lost income, or long-term disability. Being hit by a driver whose policy maxes out at $15,000 when your medical bills alone exceed that amount puts you in a position that is both unfair and financially devastating. Understanding your options in this scenario is critical, and that starts with knowing what types of insurance coverage may be available to protect you.

How Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Works in Pennsylvania

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage are two distinct but closely related protections that Pennsylvania drivers can add to their auto insurance policies. Together, they serve as a critical safety net when the driver responsible for your injuries lacks the financial resources to make you whole.

What These Coverages Actually Do

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the driver who caused your accident carries no insurance policy whatsoever, including situations involving hit-and-run drivers who flee the scene before you can identify them. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver does have insurance, but their policy limits are not sufficient to fully compensate you for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.

Both coverages are optional in Pennsylvania, meaning drivers must affirmatively purchase them. However, they can prove to be among the most valuable protections on a policy.

Stacking Coverage in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania law under 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. Section 1738 allows policyholders to “stack” their UM and UIM coverage limits across multiple vehicles on a policy, which can significantly increase the total coverage available following a serious accident. If you insure three vehicles and carry $100,000 in UIM coverage per vehicle, stacked coverage could make up to $300,000 available to you. 

Many drivers sign waivers rejecting stacked coverage without fully understanding what they are giving up, which is why reviewing your policy with an attorney can make a meaningful difference in what you are able to recover. Our car accident attorneys in Bucks County can help you analyze your own policy terms and determine which coverages apply to your situation.

Pursuing a Claim When the At-Fault Driver Is Uninsured or Underinsured

When the driver who caused your accident lacks adequate insurance, the claims process shifts in important ways. Rather than negotiating exclusively with the other driver’s insurance company, you may be filing a claim with your own insurer under your UM or UIM coverage. This does not mean the process is simple or straightforward.

Insurance companies, even your own, have financial incentives to minimize what they pay out, and UM and UIM claims are frequently disputed, delayed, or denied. You need an advocate who understands how these claims work and is prepared to push back when an insurer acts in bad faith. There are situations where additional sources of compensation may also come into play. 

If a third party contributed to the accident, such as a negligent vehicle owner, a company whose employee caused the crash, or a municipality responsible for dangerous road conditions, those parties may bear independent liability. In hit-and-run accident cases where the at-fault driver cannot be identified, your UM coverage becomes particularly important, as it may be the only realistic mechanism for recovering compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys carefully investigate each case to identify every potential avenue of recovery.

What Compensation May Be Available to You?

Victims of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers may be entitled to recover a broad range of damages, depending on the specifics of the accident and the applicable coverage. The types of losses that may be recoverable will vary by case, but the following categories are among the most commonly pursued:

• Medical expenses: Past and future costs of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment related to your injuries
• Lost income: Wages, salary, and other income you were unable to earn because of your injuries, as well as future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life resulting from the accident
• Property damage: Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the crash

The specific damages recoverable will depend on your policy, the nature and severity of your injuries, and how Pennsylvania’s tort election rules apply to your case. Discussing your situation with a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible after an accident can help ensure that you understand what you may be entitled to pursue. We also handle cases involving uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage disputes and can help you navigate the full scope of your policy’s protections.

Trust Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. for Your Bucks County Case

When you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver, the firm you choose matters. Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. brings over 65 years of legal knowledge to every personal injury case we handle, and our results speak for themselves. Our legal team includes attorneys recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, and our firm holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. These distinctions reflect the quality of representation we bring to every client we serve.

We approach each uninsured and underinsured motorist case with the attentiveness and thoroughness that Bucks County residents deserve. We listen to understand the full impact the accident has had on your life and to build a strategy tailored to the specifics of your situation. If you have been injured in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured driver in Bucks County, do not wait to seek legal guidance. Contact our office today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.  You can also reach us via phone at 215-822-7575.