What are your legal rights if you are injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania caused by a family member? It’s a question you might not even ask, thinking that you would have no claims because the accident was caused by a relative. It’s so awkward to even think about making a claim against kin.
The car insurance company is certainly hoping that you are thinking that way.
Car insurance companies make money by charging you premiums and lose money by paying accident claims. So, it’s unlikely that the adjuster or your insurance agent will tell you that you have the right to make an insurance claim against any driver who was careless and caused an accident that injured you, even if that driver happens to be your wife, mother, daughter, aunt or second cousin once removed.
The simple fact is that we all buy car insurance in Pennsylvania so that, if we make a mistake and cause an accident, the insurance company will pay for the damages including repairing or replacing property and paying money to any injured people to make up for their injuries and damages.
It may surprise you, but your Pennsylvania car insurance policy will cover claims made by any injured person, even a family member.
As I write this post, I have two active cases in which husband drove carelessly and seriously injured wife. Both wives have brought legal claims against husband seeking fair compensation for their injuries and damages. Throughout my career I’ve also handled cases in which children made claims against parents after being injured in a car accident.
If you think it through, it is appropriate for car insurance to cover claims by relatives. Premiums are paid for the coverage and the family member is an innocent victim who should be compensated. It would be unfair to exclude coverage just because the driver was a family member.
Tim Rayne is a Pennsylvania Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer with offices in Kennett Square and West Chester Pennsylvania. For over 20 years, Tim has been helping car accident victims receive fair treatment from insurance companies. Contact Tim at 6108400124 or trayne@macelree.com for a Free Evaluation of your case.