When a South Carolina auto accident turns your life upside down, your only comfort may be the knowledge that the at fault driver’s insurance policy will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Yet, if the accident occurs with an at-fault driver who is uninsured, you do not have even this reassurance. Rather, you are left with the question of how you’re going to get your expenses and damages covered without the benefit of the at-fault driver’s insurance. Contacting David R. Price, Jr., P.A. for a free consultation is a good place to start. Beyond this, you may have other options available to you, depending on your circumstances and preparedness.
Can You Turn to Your Own Insurance Policy for Coverage?
Having said that, as a South Carolina driver, you are not required to have this coverage on your policy. If you choose not to, perhaps to save money, then you may wind up without anywhere to turn for coverage of your damages. Yet, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the at fault party.
Do You Have UIM Coverage on Your Auto Insurance Policy?
If you do have UIM coverage, then you will be able to file a claim with your own insurance policy if you are in an auto accident with an uninsured driver in South Carolina. Your accident will be investigated, as will your medical history and evidence from photos and witness statements. The trouble with this is that your insurance company may not offer you an amount that you will be satisfied with, and you will not be able to file a lawsuit as you would if you were dealing with the auto insurance policy of the at fault driver. Instead, if you are not happy with what the insurance company is willing to give you, you can seek arbitration, taking your claim in front of judges to address the situation and fairly decide the case. If you don’t like the decision made at arbitration, there is nothing you can do to pursue further compensation from your auto insurance policy.
Do You Have Collision Coverage on Your Policy?
Collision coverage is available on your South Carolina auto insurance policy to address any property damage that can arise from an auto accident. It will be there to provide for your property damage, from hit and run accidents, and any property damages associated with an uninsured at-fault driver. What this form of coverage does not address is your personal injuries from such an incident.
Can You File a Lawsuit Against the At Fault Driver?
Filing a lawsuit is also an option when you’ve been injured by an auto accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver who was not insured. It is important to be aware, however, that you may not be able to get the damages that you seek, even if they are legally awarded to you. This is because there is a high likelihood that the at fault driver who does not have insurance is driving without it because they can’t afford it. If that is the case, then they probably can’t afford to pay the judgment against them. They cannot be forced to pay for your damages if they have no money to do so. If they have assets, then the judge may be able to put a lien on their property until you receive the awarded payment. Yet, in many cases, those without auto insurance also do not have such assets.
Is There Any Benefit in Hiring a South Carolina Auto Accident Attorney?
There is certainly a great deal of benefit from hiring a determined South Carolina auto accident attorney when you’ve been injured in an auto accident through someone else’s negligence, and that person has no auto insurance, themselves. Your lawyer can assist you by exploring all of your options and pursuing those that are a best fit for your situation and your needs. We will investigate your accident, the effects of that accident, and find the best solution for you. The initial consultation is 100% free with no obligation to hire, so we strongly encourage you to schedule that consultation by calling David R. Price, Jr., P.A. today. We will evaluate your claim and offer advice concerning the options available to you. Then, if you chose to hire us to represent you in your auto accident claim, we will walk with you every step of the way to ensure the best possible outcome, whichever route we take.
David Price is a Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Collections, and Criminal Defense Attorney who practices in Greenville, SC. He graduated from the University of Georgia School of Law, and has been practicing law for 12 years. David Price believes in helping those who have been injured. Learn more about his experience by clicking here.
