Under Insured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage Claims
If you have been hurt in a hit-and-run accident or in a South Carolina car accident with a driver who does not have adequate insurance coverage, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and expenses.
In many cases, your own insurance policy has uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage to protect you. It is important to understand what this coverage is, and when it applies. It’s also critical to seek help from an attorney to seek proper compensation on a UM or UIM claim. Even though it is “your” insurance company, their goal is still to pay out as little as possible. You need an auto accident lawyer at Stewart Law Offices who will stand up for your rights.
Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage is required by law. Even if it wasn’t legally required, this coverage is essential to ensure you don’t end up struggling to pay expensive medical bills and car repair costs in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver.
Additionally, adding uninsured/underinsured motorist protection should not add much to your monthly premium. It is usually only 5% of your annual total, though it can vary depending on a number of factors.
You usually want a similar amount of coverage of UM/UIM coverage as your regular bodily injury coverage, generally around $500,000 worth of coverage. You can consult with your insurance agent to determine what the appropriate amount of coverage and what kind of plan is best for you and your family.
What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
An uninsured motorist is someone who either has no insurance at all, whose insurance does not meet state minimum requirements, or whose insurance company denied their claim. This can also be used to cover you in the event you are involved in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver could not be identified.
UIM refers to underinsured motorist coverage. If a driver only purchases the minimum coverage required by the state, it is likely that their policy will be unable to cover all of your expenses in the event of a serious accident. In this case, you can make a claim with your UIM coverage to supplement their payments and try to secure money to cover more of your losses.
How Our Law Firm Can Help with an UM/UIM Claim
Even if you have UM/UIM coverage, it is very likely that you will run into problems when it comes to seeking the compensation you need and deserve. Even “your own” insurance company may do everything it can to pay you as little money as possible. This is why it is important to get help from a lawyer at Stewart Law Offices.
Our experienced car accident lawyers can conduct an independent investigation of your accident and your injuries. They can gather all the necessary evidence and use their legal knowledge to determine the full extent of your losses. They can then help you properly file your claim and negotiate with the insurance company.
If you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, contact Stewart Law Offices for assistance with your claim today. Call us or contact us online now to schedule a free and confidential consultation.