HAVE YOU BEEN HIT BY AN UNINSURED DRIVER?
Being injured in a car accident is scary. Being injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured driver can be terrifying.
In the state of South Carolina, it is illegal to drive a car without liability insurance. Unfortunately, many motorists still choose to operate uninsured vehicles. In fact, according to a recent study, one out of every eight drivers in the U.S. is uninsured. These motorists put themselves, and everyone who shares the road with them, in great financial danger.
If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, there are some important things that you need to know.
- Don’t Panic. You may not realize it, but your South Carolina insurance policy actually covers you when you are hit by an uninsured motorist. South Carolina Law requires drivers to carry both liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. This means your insurance company will provide a certain amount of coverage for injuries and/or damages sustained as the result of an accident with an uninsured driver.
- Know Your Policy. While South Carolina law does require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, the minimum required liability is only $25,000 per person or $50,000 per accident. This may seem like a large amount of money, but if you are involved in a serious accident, these minimums might not sufficiently cover your medical expenses and/or damages. It is a good idea to check your insurance policy and make sure you feel you are adequately covered.
- Consider Purchasing Underinsured Motorist Benefits. In some cases, being hit by an underinsured driver can be just as disastrous as being hit by an uninsured driver. If you are seriously injured in an accident caused by an underinsured motorist, their minimal coverage may not be enough to cover your medical bills and damages. Check with your insurance company to see if they offer underinsured motorist coverage and find out what your options are.
- Seek Legal Counsel. If you or a loved one have been seriously injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you should consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure you get the compensation and benefits you deserve. The experienced team at Lewis Law Firm can help you navigate this difficult situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is not intended to provide legal advice. You should consult an attorney for your particular situation. If you would like to speak with one of the experienced Rock Hill, SC auto accident lawyers at Lewis Law Firm, please contact us for a free consultation.