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How to Handle a Car Accident with an Uninsured Driver

If you get into a car accident, you can usually rely on an insurance claim against the at-fault driver to cover your associated costs and lighten your mental load. But what if the other driver does not possess enough insurance coverage to pay for your damages? Do you need to pay for everything out of pocket? Not necessarily. Read on, and let the Charleston car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC tell you what you need to know.

What Should You Do Immediately After the Accident?

In the moments following any collision, call 911 to request medical attention. Even if you do not feel injured, some internal damage can take a while to show symptoms, and the medical report generated will help you substantiate a claim down the road. Report the accident to the police while on the phone with 911, and collect contact information from the at-fault driver and any eyewitnesses. Take photographs of the accident scene, including damage to the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries. Also, consider documenting your experiences on a notepad or via a voice memo on your phone.

How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work in South Carolina?

South Carolina law requires insurance companies to offer Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage as part of every auto insurance policy, which can help cover your expenses after an accident with an uninsured driver. Under this provision, you can file a claim with your own insurance provider to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses resulting from the accident. UM coverage will also kick in after hit-and-run scenarios where you cannot identify the at-fault driver.

What Are Your Legal Options After an Accident with an Uninsured Driver?

If your UM coverage cannot adequately cover all the expenses related to your accident, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit to make up for the difference. However, you may find that the driver lacks the financial resources to pay for damages out of pocket. You could also negotiate directly with your insurer to increase your coverage amount, especially if the at-fault driver possesses a limited amount of coverage.

Why Is Legal Representation Important in These Cases?

If you need to kick off the insurance process or pursue alternative legal options, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you by analyzing the details of your case, negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf, and representing your interests in court if necessary. They can make sure that you consider all possible paths of compensation and put in all the paperwork you need on time.

Navigate an Uninsured Motorist Case with the Charleston Car Accident Lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC

The seasoned Charleston car accident lawyers at Rogers, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman LLC will guide you through every step of the process of your case. We have years of experience helping collision victims file uninsured motorist claims and pursue legal action if necessary. We will also help protect your rights and demand the compensation you deserve. Call us at 843-727-6500 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Our office locations in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Aiken, and Columbia, South Carolina, gladly serve clients throughout South Carolina.

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