Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident

Summerville Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, our experienced uninsured motorist accident attorneys in Summerville are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. An experienced Summerville uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you handle your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Hiring an experienced Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) law firm can help you obtain the compensation and the justice you need to move forward. Contact Murphy Crantford Meehan today for a free evaluation of your case.

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What should I do if I’m involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver?

If you find yourself in such a situation, it’s imperative to take the following steps:

Ensure Your Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first and most important step after any car accident is to ensure everyone’s safety. Suppose you can move your vehicle to a safe location, away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights and call 911 to report the accident. Even if you don’t feel seriously injured, getting checked out by a doctor is always a good idea, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent. Some injuries, especially those related to the neck, back, or head, may not be immediately apparent but can cause long-term damage if left untreated.

Gather Information

If possible, collect the following information at the accident scene:

Even if the other driver is uninsured or underinsured, collecting this information is still vital. It can significantly bolster your claim with your insurance company and will come in handy when you contact an attorney to handle your case.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Suppose the other driver is uninsured or underinsured. In that case, your insurance policy may include Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which can help cover your medical bills, vehicle repairs, and other expenses. It’s essential to understand your coverage limits and the terms of your policy to ensure you’re aware of the compensation available to you.

Many people in South Carolina opt for UM/UIM coverage because it protects them when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. If the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your damages, your policy may help fill in the gap.

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Understand the Statute of Limitations

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the accident date. Your deadline for filing a UM/UIM claim is likely much shorter. Seek the aid of an experienced attorney as soon as you’ve been in an accident so you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

Stay Organized

Keep a detailed record of all communications related to the accident, including correspondence with your insurance adjusters, medical providers, and legal professionals. This detailed record will help you maintain control over your case and will come in handy if there is a dispute or a delay in processing your claim.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured driver can complicate your ability to receive the compensation you deserve. In cases of a hit and run accident, an experienced Summerville uninsured motorist accident attorney can help you handle the legal complexities and pursue compensation. This is where an experienced South Carolina attorney can be invaluable. They can assist you in navigating the intricacies of insurance claims, gathering necessary evidence, and, if necessary, filing a lawsuit to pursue compensation. Your uninsured motorist accident lawyer in Summerville can also help determine if the driver had assets that can be used to pay for your damages and whether additional claims, such as a claim against your insurer, are possible.

Explore Legal Options for Compensation

You may still have options for pursuing compensation even if you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver. These options could include filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver if they have assets or pursuing other claims depending on the case’s specifics. Your attorney will help you explore all possible avenues for compensation, empowering you to take action and seek the justice you deserve.

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A history of success in Truck Accident cases

How does uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage work in South Carolina?

Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is a type of auto insurance that provides a safety net, paying for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages if a driver without insurance hits you. Car accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers can lead to significant financial and emotional stress. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage offers a similar relief, coming into play when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover all your expenses. In both cases, UM/UIM coverage ensures you’re not left without compensation due to someone else’s lack of proper insurance, providing a sense of security in uncertain situations.

South Carolina law requires drivers to carry liability insurance to cover damages they cause in an accident. However, many drivers either don’t take enough insurance or don’t have insurance at all, leaving other motorists vulnerable to paying out-of-pocket for damages. UM/UIM coverage acts as a safety net in these situations, helping cover the costs that the at-fault driver’s insurance does not.

If you’re involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver or one whose insurance is insufficient, your UM/UIM coverage can help pay for the following:

TESTIMONIALS

$2,350,000

Tractor Trailer collision

$610,000

Boating Accident

$630,000

Tractor Trailer collision

$1,272,800

Single Car Collision

$650,000

Premise Liability Case (Fall from broken chair)

When Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply?

UM/UIM coverage applies when:

Limits of UM/UIM Coverage in South Carolina

UM/UIM coverage in South Carolina is not mandatory. However, your insurer must offer it when you buy your auto insurance policy. If you decline this coverage, you must do so in writing. The coverage limits for UM/UIM insurance can vary depending on your chosen policy. It’s important to note that South Carolina law does not require that your UM/UIM coverage limits match your liability coverage limits.

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Benefits of UM/UIM Coverage

The primary benefit of UM/UIM coverage is that it protects you financially in situations where you might otherwise be left with no recourse for damages. Even though it is an added expense on your insurance policy, in some cases, the cost is well worth the coverage it provides you. UM/UIM coverage helps provide peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.

Can I file a claim if I don’t have uninsured motorist coverage on my policy?

In South Carolina, if you don’t have uninsured motorist (UM) coverage on your policy, you may still have options for recovering compensation after an accident with an uninsured driver, but it will be more challenging. Some of the many potential avenues for recourse include:

The At-Fault Driver’s Assets

If the at-fault driver is uninsured and you don’t have UM coverage, you may attempt to recover compensation directly from their assets. However, this is often difficult because uninsured drivers may not have sufficient assets to cover their damages. Even if you win a judgment against them, collecting the money can be lengthy and uncertain.

Your Health Insurance

If you don’t have UM coverage, your health insurance might help cover medical expenses related to the accident. However, health insurance will typically only cover medical bills, not other costs, like vehicle repairs or lost wages.

Collision Coverage

If you have collision coverage as part of your auto insurance policy, this may cover repairs to your vehicle regardless of the at-fault driver’s insurance status. However, collision coverage does not cover medical expenses or other non-vehicle-related damages.

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Filing a Lawsuit

If other options are unavailable, you may have the option to file a lawsuit against the uninsured driver. Hire a Summerville uninsured motorist accident lawyer if you need legal help in filing a lawsuit.

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What compensation can I recover in an uninsured/ underinsured motorist accident claim?

In an uninsured/underinsured motorist accident claim in South Carolina, you can recover compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident. Your policy limits and the specifics of the accident will determine the amount you may receive.

Contact Murphy Crantford Meehan Today!

Handling the details of UM/UIM coverage is complex, and you’ll need the aid of our law firm to help you get the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, let the experienced Summerville car accident attorneys at Murphy Crantford Meehan help. Contact us today or call us at (843) 832-1120 for a free evaluation of your case. With our years of experience, our team of attorneys can help you pursue the justice you deserve.

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