When you are involved in a car accident, and the party who caused the accident is uninsured, you may still be compensated for your damages. For this to occur, you must file a car accident lawsuit seeking damages from the at-fault party. Shelly Leeke Law Firm will ensure you are paired with the right South Carolina car accident lawyer immediately.
Having a car accident attorney represent you through negotiations and litigation can ensure you are treated as favorably as possible. Reach out today so that our team can review the details of your accident. We will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your case.
Automobile Insurance in South Carolina
Drivers are required to have auto insurance coverage to protect themselves and others from the damages an accident can cause. Each state has a minimum car insurance requirement for their drivers to legally operate a vehicle. In South Carolina, to comply with the minimum insurance coverage standards, drivers must carry the following:
- $25,000 per person for bodily injury
- $50,000 for everyone injured in a single accident
- $25,000 for property damage in one accident. This may include other vehicles, equipment, landscaping, walls, or fences.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage is there to provide protection for the policyholder if they are involved in an accident with a motorist who does not have insurance coverage. It will pay out if the policyholder sustains an injury, if someone without insurance damages their property, or if the driver is not identified, such as in a hit-and-run type accident.
South Carolina requires that drivers carry uninsured motorist coverage equivalent to the liability coverage they are supposed to carry the above-mentioned 25/50/25. Drivers can expect a $200 deductible for this type of policy. Other policies are available with a higher deductible.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
South Carolina law mandates that insurance companies must offer underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage ensures payment for injuries and damages sustained in an automobile accident if the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance that will appropriately cover them. While SC law requires it to be offered, motorists in the state are not required to purchase such a policy.
How to Proceed If You are in an Accident with an Uninsured Driver
If you are involved in an automobile accident, and the at-fault driver was uninsured, there are some steps you should follow. These steps will protect your interests and your rights. Listed below are the measures the Shelly Leeke Law Firm suggests you take:
- Call 911: Let the authorities know an accident has occurred so a police report with the details of the accident can be filed, and medical help will be on the way.
- Seek medical attention: If there are injuries, the first responders will be on hand to attend to the injured. Go to the emergency room and get checked out, even if you do not believe you were injured at the time of the accident.
- Exchange contact information: It is essential to get information from the at-fault party and anyone else involved or who witnessed the accident so you will know how to contact them in the future. This should include their name, phone number, and email address.
- Gather evidence: If you can, snap photographs and take video of the damages to property and any injuries sustained at the scene. Keep a record of medical treatments and tests, their results, and costs.
- Refuse Offers of Payment From the At-Fault Driver: Sometimes, an at-fault driver will offer to pay you for the damages sustained in the accident. You will rarely have a positive outcome from going this route. Contact an auto accident lawyer instead to ensure you are adequately compensated.
Speak to an attorney with Shelly Leeke Law Firm as soon as possible. We will review the details of your accident and ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the maximum compensation to which you are entitled.
Seek Legal Counsel as Soon as Possible
It is crucial to hire a skilled auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Though the statute of limitations in South Carolina is three years, this does not mean you should wait that long. The memories any witnesses may have can become fuzzy over that amount of time, and witnesses can move away or be hard to get in contact with if you do not keep in touch.
It is best to hire an attorney to review the details while they are fresh in the minds of those involved and the witnesses who were on hand. By waiting too long to pursue damages, you may find it difficult to obtain them. For example, evidence at the scene may not be there the next day.
Taking pictures of the scene as soon as possible can help your attorney recreate the accident. In addition, each state will have its own statute of limitations. A lawyer with Shelly Leeke Law Firm can advise you of the policy in the state where your accident occurred.
Auto Accidents Resolved When the Driver Is Uninsured
Your auto accident lawyer will determine your damages and sit down with the defendant’s attorney to negotiate a fair settlement. At this time, both sides want to see how close they are to coming to a settlement. If the defendant’s team makes you an offer, we will review it to specify whether it is the best offer you can receive.
If the offer is a good one, we can resolve your case for you without proceeding to court. If we cannot arrive at a fair settlement, you can decline it. We can present a counteroffer.
If a settlement cannot be agreed upon, your case will proceed to court. There, our skilled litigators will fight for the compensation you deserve. We will take the evidence we have gathered and present it to the court to secure reasonable compensation for your damages.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm Is on Your Side
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, our goal is to provide you with skilled, experienced representation when handling your automobile accident with a driver who was uninsured. Contact us as soon as possible for a free consultation. We are happy to discuss the details of your case and let you know what we can do for you.
