The aftermath of a car collision can be frustrating. Your plans get delayed or canceled, and you have to handle unexpected bills. Things become even more complicated when the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured. Dealing with a motorist accident can be daunting, but understanding coverage and the legal steps to take can significantly ease the process.
Drivers typically work with insurance to pay for their medical bills and other expenses after a crash. When the other party does not have insurance, you may wonder how to recover.
The dedicated accident attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda have extensive experience handling lawsuits arising from uninsured/underinsured motorist accidents in Columbia and are ready to help you pursue accountability.
Local Insurance Requirements
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage protects you if you are involved in a collision with a driver without insurance. This coverage can help pay medical bills, lost wages, and other accident-related expenses.
In addition, Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but their coverage is insufficient to cover the damages you have incurred.
For example, if your medical bills and repair costs total $40,000, but the at-fault driver only has coverage of $30,000, your UIM coverage can help cover the remaining $10,000.
By law, South Carolina requires all drivers to carry the following minimum liability insurance:
- $25,000 for property damage
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
If you are unsure about any of these types of coverage, contact a personal injury lawyer for more information.
Options for Covering Losses
You have options available to recover the cost of your losses when you are involved in a wreck with a driver without insurance. The state mandates that motorists carry UM coverage with the same minimum limits as liability coverage. While UIM coverage is not legally required, it is strongly recommended for your own protection.
If you do not have that coverage, your next best option is to file a lawsuit. South Carolina is a tort liability state, meaning that the person who was not at fault in a vehicle crash can sue the driver who was.
Understanding the available routes for monetary damages is essential. UM/UIM coverage is a safeguard that provides financial protection regardless of the other driver’s insurance status. Even without it, you can file a lawsuit to seek financial compensation. A Columbia attorney could investigate the facts of your uninsured/underinsured car collision case to determine the best path for you.
Filing a Claim
You should call your insurance company after your accident to inform them that you plan to file an uninsured car crash claim. It is important to do so immediately to avoid missing any deadlines. Insurance adjusters can be harsh on claimants and search for anything implying that you are responsible for the wreck.
It will be essential to prove that the other driver did not uphold the requisite standard of care and was, therefore, liable. You need to demonstrate that you were injured, the other motorist did not have insurance, and their negligence caused the accident.
Having a professional personal injury attorney could make a significant difference in proving the extent of your injuries. Our lawyers will negotiate on your behalf and, if necessary, represent you in court to help you receive the full compensation you deserve for your crash with an uninsured/underinsured driver in Columbia.
Talk With an Attorney Who Handles Uninsured Motorist Claims
Figuring out the aftermath of a collision is difficult enough. When the other driver lacks insurance, it becomes even more stressful. Cases involving uninsured/underinsured car accidents in Columbia can leave you with serious injuries, medical expenses, and property damage.
Having a hardworking lawyer on your side could be invaluable in countering legal challenges and advocating for your best interests. Reach out to our reliable team at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda today for an assessment of your case.
