Uninsured motorist accidents can be stressful, confusing, and expensive for victims in South Carolina. When another driver causes a crash but does not have insurance, you may wonder who will cover your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repairs. Thankfully, South Carolina has specific laws and insurance requirements that help protect people in these situations.
What Are Uninsured Motorist Accidents?
Uninsured motorist accidents happen when you are hit by a driver who does not have the legally required auto insurance. Even though all drivers in South Carolina must carry insurance, not everyone follows the law. If an uninsured driver causes a wreck, the injured party could face financial hardship without proper coverage.
Uninsured driver statistics
Did you know that approximately one out of every eight people on South Carolina roads is driving without insurance?
Those who do have insurance are only required to carry $25,000 of liability coverage. This means if you are in a car accident by no fault of your own, the at-fault driver’s insurance may only cover $25,000 of your losses. Therefore, it’s important for you to know all your insurance coverage options to make sure you are well-covered in the unfortunate event of an accident.
What vehicle insurance is required in South Carolina?
According to the South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI), “Drivers are required to carry liability and uninsured motorist coverage with the following limits: $25,000 Bodily Injury Per Person / $50,000 Bodily Injury Per Accident / $25,000 Property Damage Per Accident.”(DOI.SC.gov)
Underinsurance is not required in South Carolina; however, insurance companies are required to offer underinsurance for you to purchase.
Uninsured Motorist Accident Insurance versus Underinsured Motorist Accident Insurance
Uninsured motorist insurance covers your losses when the at-fault party has no insurance or leaves the scene without providing you with any information.
Underinsured motorist insurance covers your losses when the at-fault party has insurance, but not enough to cover all of your damages.
“The at-fault driver’s insurance will typically pay for all damages up to his or her auto insurance policy limits, then your underinsured motorist coverage may cover the excess amount up to the limits you select.”(AllState.com)
Why Uninsured Motorist Accidents Are Complicated
Uninsured motorist accidents can become legally complex. Insurance companies may try to limit what they pay, even under your own policy. Proving the extent of your injuries, property damage, and other losses is often necessary to receive full compensation. In some cases, you may also deal with underinsured drivers—those who carry insurance but not enough to cover the damage they caused.
What should I do after an uninsured motorist accident in South Carolina?
After an uninsured motorist accident, call the police, get medical attention, and report the crash to your insurance company right away. Because these cases can be complicated, it’s also smart to contact an attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Help After an Uninsured Motorist Accident
If you’ve been injured in an uninsured motorist accident, an experienced attorney can help protect your rights. A lawyer can:
- Review your insurance policy
- Negotiate with your insurance company
- Calculate the true value of your claim
- Represent you in court if needed
Having legal help ensures you are not left paying for damages that were not your fault.
The Law Offices of David L. Hood – Serving Car Accident Victims in South Carolina
If you have suffered a collision in South Carolina, the legal team at The Law Offices of David L. Hood will help you navigate the situation professionally. We have years of experience in helping people involved in serious accidents figure out the legal requirements and details needed to move forward after an accident. After gathering all the necessary information, we will pour our efforts into building your case to get a fair settlement or take it to court if the need arises.
Our entire team has years of experience representing various clients and car accident victims in South Carolina. Having a passion to help, we offer a free initial consultation where we provide candid legal advice on what options you may have. If you choose to work with us, we promise a contingent-fee based case. You don’t pay unless we get a recovery in your case.
Schedule your free consultation by calling The Law Offices of David L. Hood at (843) 491-6025 or filling out our brief online contact form.
For more information on how we can help with motor vehicle accidents, please click here.
Uninsured motorist accidents in South Carolina can leave victims facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress. Because these cases are often complicated, speaking with a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
