The Driver Who Caused My Accident Was Uninsured, Will I Still Be Compensated?
If you were injured by another driver’s negligence, you’ll look to their insurance to compensate you for the physical, financial, and emotional losses you experience. If, however, the at-fault driver doesn’t carry the insurance coverage required by law, the matter becomes more complicated. Consult with an experienced Charleston car accident attorney to explore your best options.
The Good News: You’re Likely Covered by UM Insurance
Although South Carolina is not a no-fault state when it comes to car accidents, auto insurance policies are required to include coverage for uninsured motorists (UM). If the driver who leaves you injured isn’t covered, your UM coverage – or the UM coverage of an immediate family member – may.
In some cases, UM policies can be stacked to increase coverage. This means that if your family carries a total of three UM policies for $25,000 each, you may be entitled to a total coverage of $75,000. The losses you experience in even a relatively mild car accident can be considerable, which makes ensuring maximum coverage well-advised.
Seeking Fair Compensation
The legal damages – or losses – you suffer in a car accident can be wide-ranging, but most fall into categories like the following:
- Medical Bills – The medical bills you face can pile up quickly, and it’s important to also factor in any related future medical needs, such as those that arise from complications or secondary health concerns.
- Lost Income – If you’ve been injured in a car accident, your recovery period may be extended, which can lead to significant losses in relation to your earnings on the job. This category of loss will be even more significant if your ability to do your job, to continue advancing your career, or to maintain your earning potential is affected.
- Pain and Suffering – The physical and emotional pain and suffering you experience in the wake of a violent car accident that was caused by another driver’s recklessness can be immense and can make achieving your fullest recovery more difficult.
Your uninsured motorist coverage can address each of these categories of loss.
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Even if you seek compensation through your own policy, it’s important to understand that your provider is in the business of turning a healthy profit and will do what it can do to minimize your settlement. This can include any of the following:
- Making an early offer that is far too low
- Making the claims process more complicated or lengthier than it needs to be
- Casting doubt on the extent of your covered losses
- Denying your claim outright
Work closely with an Experienced Charleston Personal Injury Attorney
Robert Wyndham at Wyndham Law in Charleston is a formidable personal injury attorney who is committed to harnessing the full scope of his imposing experience in pursuit of your case’s best possible resolution and in support of your fullest recovery. Your claim is important to your future, so please don’t put off reaching out and contacting or calling us at 843-279-5312 for more information about what we can do to help you today.