- March 20, 2020
If you get hit by an uninsured driver in Greenville, SC, you may fear that you won’t be able to recover compensation for your injuries. This is understandable since the at-fault driver’s insurer usually pays. Still, there is no need to be alarmed. As you will soon see, you may still be able to recover damages, especially with help from a local automobile accident attorney.
As you would expect, it is illegal to drive a vehicle without insurance in South Carolina. However, many motorists let their policies lapse or never even bother to get coverage in the first place. In 2015, an estimated 9.4 percent of drivers in South Carolina were uninsured. This compares to a national average of 13 percent. Uninsured drivers put themselves and other road users at great financial risk. If you get involved in an accident with an uninsured driver in Greenville, there are some things you should know.
Handling a Crash Involving an Uninsured Driver in Greenville
It’s important that you don’t give in to panic. You may not know this, but your insurance policy includes uninsured motorist coverage. This is mandatory in Greenville and elsewhere in South Carolina. The minimum amount of coverage required is $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident. Your insurance carrier may, therefore, cover some of your injuries and property damage.
However, even though you have coverage, your insurer may not honor your claim. Insurance companies deny claims for a wide variety of reasons. Even something as simple as making a mistake on your claim form can cause you to lose out on benefits. That’s why you must work with a South Carolina car accident attorney to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If you’re facing a long recovery period and lots of time away from work, you can’t afford to take chances.
Steps You Need to Take
What you do in the aftermath of the accident can make a big difference in your ability to get compensation. After any car crash, you need to collect as much information from the scene as possible. If you’re badly injured, you won’t be able to do much. However, if you can, get the driver’s name, contact details, and driver’s license number. You should also take photos of the damage to the vehicles.
It’s important that you call the police to the scene. The accident report will provide vital information for your insurance claim. If the driver is uninsured, they’re driving illegally anyway so it’s best to get the police involved. Sometimes uninsured drivers don’t remain at the scene after a crash. If this happens to you, be sure to tell the police everything you remember about the other driver and their vehicle.
After you’ve dealt with the other driver and the police, you should contact your insurer. This kickstarts the process of getting compensation so be sure to follow all the steps they set out. If the other driver was at fault, reporting the crash won’t drive up your premiums. When the motorist is uninsured, filing a claim with your insurance company is usually the best option.
The next step is to call a South Carolina car accident lawyer. You may not think you’ll need a lawyer to handle discussions with your own insurer. However, insurance companies don’t like to pay out large settlements. Accident victims who have lawyers are more likely to get faster, higher settlements. Your attorney will ensure your rights are protected.
How Your Attorney Will Help You
Car accident claims are often more complicated than they at first appear. When you hire an experienced attorney, you’ll benefit from their education and training. They will investigate your case thoroughly so they can accurately quantify all your losses. Attorneys also work with other professionals who can help to support your claim. They will negotiate with the insurance company or take your case to trial if necessary. You can focus on getting better while they handle all the issues surrounding your claim.
Contact a Car Wreck Attorney if You’ve Been Hit by an Uninsured Driver in Greenville
If you’re looking for skilled Greenville auto accident injury law firm, look no further than our experienced team. We’ll take on your insurance company and ensure you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.