No one expects to be in a car accident, let alone with a driver who lacks proper insurance. But knowing your options can help reduce hassles and financial stress if you find yourself in this situation.

According to data from the Insurance Information Institute, approximately 10.9 percent of drivers in South Carolina are uninsured. If an uninsured driver causes an accident, you’ll likely have to file a claim with your insurance provider. 

Uninsured motorist coverage pays for damage to your vehicle as well as any medical bills for injuries you or your passengers sustain. However, you may still be on the hook for your deductible and any amounts beyond your coverage limits.

Our team at Injury Medicine helps car accident victims recover and offers referrals to highly qualified personal injury lawyers. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Greenville office or one of our other locations in South Carolina!

A Lawyer Can Help If You’re Hit by an Uninsured Driver

If the at-fault driver doesn’t have car insurance, you’ll want help to recover damages. Hiring an experienced car accident lawyer is your best strategy.

An Attorney Can Investigate the Accident

A lawyer can conduct a thorough investigation to establish who’s at fault. They’ll review the police report, interview witnesses, and examine medical records and bills to build a strong case. Their investigative skills and legal expertise will uncover key details you may miss.

They Know How to Negotiate a Settlement

A car accident lawyer knows how to negotiate to get you the maximum settlement possible from your insurance company. They’ll determine a fair amount to cover all your costs and lost wages.

While you have the option to sue an uninsured driver directly, they probably don’t have the money to pay for your damages. A lawyer can advise you on the best way to proceed after reviewing your case and the coverage available.

They’re Experts in Insurance and Legal Matters

Dealing with insurance companies and legal procedures after an accident can be complicated and frustrating. An attorney understands the complex laws and insurance rules regarding uninsured motorists. They can handle communications with adjusters and file paperwork while you focus on recovering. 

Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim

Filing an uninsured motorist claim with your own insurance company after an accident can be frustrating, but it’s often your only viable option for compensation if the at-fault driver has no insurance.

As with any auto accident claim, there will be an investigation into the details of the crash and a review of your medical records to determine the extent of your injuries. Your insurance company will also likely want to take recorded statements from any witnesses to the accident.

One key difference in an uninsured motorist claim is that you cannot sue your insurance company if you disagree with their settlement offer. Instead, you can submit the claim to arbitration, where a panel of judges will hear both sides and decide on the compensation amount. Unfortunately, the arbitrators’ ruling is typically binding, leaving you little recourse to appeal.

Use Your Collision Coverage

If the at-fault driver in an accident doesn’t have insurance, you’ll have to rely on your policy to cover damages. This is where collision coverage comes in handy. Collision coverage will pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, even if the other driver is uninsured or flees the scene.

Most states don’t require you to carry collision coverage, but it’s a good idea in case of a worst-case scenario like an accident with an uninsured motorist. Collision insurance typically has a deductible, like $500 or $1,000, which is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. 

While collision coverage won’t reimburse you for medical bills or other expenses in the event of an accident, it at least provides peace of mind that repairs to your vehicle will be covered if an uninsured driver is at fault. Consider uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) in your auto policy for total protection.

Get Your Injuries Checked Out First

If the at-fault driver who caused your accident doesn’t have auto insurance, you’ll need to take action to make sure your medical bills and other expenses get covered. The most important first step is to get checked out by a doctor, even if you feel fine after the collision. 

Our team of physicians at Injury Medicine can perform a comprehensive exam to determine if you have any injuries from the crash and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. For auto accident victims, we work directly with attorneys, so you don’t pay anything out of pocket for your medical care. 

We provide the medical services you’d find at an Urgent Care, a Pain Management clinic, a Chiropractic practice, an Orthopedic Surgeon, and more, all under one roof. 

Call us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment at one of our six South Carolina locations. The sooner you get evaluated, the faster you can get on the road to healing.