You are driving down I-85 when, without warning, another vehicle collides with your car. Upon pulling over, it becomes clear that the other driver is at fault; however, you quickly discover they do not have insurance. In North Carolina, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage could be the safety net that saves you from financial disaster.
Background on Uninsured Motorist Coverage
State law requires every driver in North Carolina to have car insurance. However, a study by the Insurance Information Institute found that an estimated 13% of drivers across the United States do not currently have an insurance policy. This is why drivers in NC and across the nation are required to purchase uninsured motorist coverage. UM coverage provides protection when an at-fault driver without insurance injures you or another covered individual.
UM coverage typically includes compensation for:
- Bodily Injury
- Medical Expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Emotional Distress
- Lost wages
What is Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)?
Having insurance does not always mean sufficient coverage. Many drivers carry only the minimum liability limits, which may not fully cover the costs of a serious accident. This is why many drivers are required to purchase Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. UIM coverage provides protection when an at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover the damages you or another covered individual suffer and generally covers the same damages as UM coverage would.
North Carolina only requires UM Coverage for policies with liability limits exceeding state minimum limits. If your policy includes higher liability limits than these minimums, you must carry UIM coverage as part of your policy. However, if your policy only meets the minimum liability limits, UIM coverage is not required but can still be added as an optional protection.
Why is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Necessary?
Uninsured motorist coverage can be crucial to collecting the damages you deserve if you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Let’s revisit our earlier example of a collision on I-85.
The at-fault driver struck your car, causing significant damage to the vehicle and injuring two passengers. After a trip to the hospital, a visit to the mechanic, and endless paperwork, you’re left with $35,000 in medical expenses, $20,000 in lost wages, and $30,000 for pain and suffering—a total of $90,000 in damages.
In most cases, the at-fault driver’s liability insurance would begin to cover these costs. In North Carolina, liability insurance typically provides:
- $30,000 for bodily injury to one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage
While this coverage would only address $60,000 of your $90,000 in damages, underinsured motorist coverage could help bridge the gap if the driver carried minimal insurance. However, if the at-fault driver lacks liability insurance, they would be personally responsible for paying the damages out of pocket. Drivers without insurance often cannot afford to cover these expenses. This is where uninsured motorist coverage becomes critical in protecting you from financial hardship due to an uninsured driver, with policies offering up to $1,000,000 per accident, depending on your insurance company and policy.
Are Hit-and-Run Accidents Covered by an Uninsured Motorist Claim?
A hit-and-run accident can cause severe damage to your vehicle and extensive injury to the driver and passengers alike. This makes the driver at fault fleeing the scene even more frustrating and devastating. Thankfully, there is a way to file for damages!
In North Carolina, victims of a hit-and-run accident still have options for compensation, even if the driver remains unidentified. They or their families can pursue financial recovery through UM coverage and work with an attorney to ensure maximum compensation after a hit-and-run accident.
Steps to File an Uninsured Motorist Claim in North Carolina:
If you find yourself in an accident with an uninsured motorist, ensure you take the following steps:
- Report the Accident
- In the event of any collision, it is crucial to call the authorities and report the accident. Ensure you file a police report, especially when the collision is a hit-and-run or involves an uninsured driver.
- Notify Your Insurance Company
- Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the accident and that you intend to file an uninsured motorist claim.
- Gather Documentation
- Collect all necessary documents, including the police report, medical bills, repair estimates, and evidence showing the at-fault driver lacks insurance.
- File Your Claim
- Submit an uninsured motorist claim through your insurance company, providing the required documentation and details about the accident.
If your insurance company disputes your claim or offers insufficient compensation, seek legal assistance from the attorneys at Maginnis Howard to protect your rights.
Finding Personal Injury Representation
Getting the compensation you deserve after a collision with an uninsured motorist can be stressful, but Maginnis Howard is here to help. Our attorneys can help identify all potential sources of insurance coverage after an accident. Insurance companies often offer less than what an accident victim needs for full recovery, but our experienced attorneys will thoroughly explore all avenues to secure the maximum compensation available. Our attorneys are experts in personal injury cases and will work tirelessly to ensure you have the best representation for every case.
Maginnis Howard takes cases on a contingency basis to ensure the best service. You only pay Maginnis Howard when we win your case, or you receive a settlement. We only win if you do! We have three offices in North Carolina: Charlotte, Fayetteville, and Raleigh. Visit our contact page for more information and to schedule your free consultation today.
