Most car accidents can be confusing and complicated, but the situation becomes even more so when the other driver is uninsured.
Fortunately there is still a process for recovery, even if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver in Greenville.
South Carolina law requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage as part of their insurance policy. This is designed to protect the victims of car wrecks caused by uninsured drivers, providing a safety net that covers medical bills, property damage, and other losses.
At David R. Price, Jr., P.A., our car accident lawyers understand how frustrating and confusing situations with uninsured drivers can be. We’ve helped countless clients in Greenville deal with the complexities of accidents involving uninsured drivers. From filing claims to dealing with insurance companies, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.
What to Do if You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver
If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, it’s important to avoid the common mistakes drivers sometimes make after car accidents. The immediate steps you take can have a direct impact on your health and claim. So, Here are steps to take after an accident with an uninsured driver:
- Check for Injuries: Before anything else, assess yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away to get the necessary medical attention.
- Call the Police: The police will document the scene and create an official report, which is essential for your insurance claim and any legal action you might pursue.
- Gather Information: Collect as much information as you can from the other driver, including their full name, contact details, the make and model of their vehicle, and their license plate number. If they admit to not having insurance, make a note of this statement.
- Document the Scene: Use your smartphone to take pictures of the accident scene, all vehicles involved, any visible damage, and any relevant street signs or landmarks. These photos can provide crucial evidence for your claim.
- Look for Witnesses: If any bystanders saw the accident, ask for their contact details. Witness statements can strengthen your case, especially when the other driver lacks insurance.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident and inform them that the other driver is uninsured. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, they will guide you through the process of making a claim.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney: Contact a car accident attorney who understands local laws and can advise you on the best steps to take when dealing with uninsured motorists (UMs).
Should I File a Police Report After an Accident With an Uninsured Driver?
Yes, always file a police report! Filing a police report after an accident with an uninsured driver provides an official record of the incident, which is indispensable when you’re dealing with insurance claims or potential legal issues.
In South Carolina, the law requires that any accident resulting in injuries or significant property damage be reported. This ensures that the accident is documented by law enforcement, lending credibility to your account of events.
When you’re at the scene, it’s important to cooperate fully with the responding officers. Provide them with a factual account of what happened, but avoid guessing or making speculative statements. Stick to the details like the sequence of events, the impact, and any statements made by the other driver at the scene.
Having a police report can also streamline the process of filing a claim with your insurance company under your uninsured motorist coverage. It’s your evidence that the accident did occur and that the other party was uninsured, which is essential when claims adjusters review your case.
Without this report, your claim could face unnecessary delays or even a denial by your insurance company, complicating your path to receiving the financial support you need for recovery.
Role of Uninsured Motorist Coverage in South Carolina
In South Carolina, drivers are required to have uninsured motorist coverage. This insurance must include at least $25,000 in coverage for individual bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 per accident for property damage caused by an uninsured driver.
This coverage is designed to safeguard you financially if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have their own liability insurance to cover the damages they’ve caused. This type of coverage steps in to cover expenses for injuries and damages that would typically be the responsibility of the at-fault driver’s insurance.
UM coverage in South Carolina covers various costs, including medical expenses, which can accumulate quickly following an accident. It also addresses lost wages if you’re unable to work during your recovery.
Furthermore, it can compensate for pain and suffering, which acknowledges the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. In some cases, if there’s damage to your vehicle or property, UM coverage can help cover property damage repairs or replacements as well.
How an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
When you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make a significant difference. Here’s how a lawyer can help:
- Handling Insurance Claims: Your lawyer will help you file a claim with your insurance, especially under your uninsured motorist coverage. They know how to handle the paperwork and the technical details to ensure your claim is robust and complete.
- Gathering Evidence: Lawyers have the resources to thoroughly investigate the accident. They can gather crucial evidence, organize accident reports, secure surveillance footage, and obtain witness statements to strengthen your case.
- Expert Negotiations: Experienced lawyers are skilled negotiators who know how to deal with insurance adjusters and opposing counsel. They aim to negotiate settlements that cover all your losses, including medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
- Maximizing Your Compensation: An experienced lawyer understands how to calculate both economic and non-economic damages you’re entitled to, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. They’ll work hard to make sure you receive adequate compensation.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers in Greenville
While your uninsured motorist coverage can provide financial relief, it doesn’t mean the process will be simple, because insurance companies work hard to minimize payouts. This is why contacting our experienced car accident lawyers at David R. Price, Jr., P.A., can make a difference.
We will help you build a solid case, deal with insurance companies on your behalf, and fight to recover the compensation taht you’re entitled to for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured driver in Greenville, don’t wait to take action. Contact us at 864-271-2636 for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.