Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in North Carolina
Between 12.5% and 13.1% of motorists are uninsured. Some may have insurance, yet maybe don’t have enough coverage. As an uninsured/underinsured car accident lawyer, we know the struggle victims face after an accident.
You, as a resident of North Carolina with insurance in the state, will have uninsured coverage by default. Although underinsured coverage is not required by law, we always recommend it as a good option for peace of mind.
Since you’ve paid your insurance premiums, the last thing you should be dealing with is:
- Medical bills
- Car repairs or replacement
- Lost work
- Bills piling up
Contact us and we’ll discuss your rights and the next steps to take with you.
What are the Minimum Coverage Requirements in NC?
The Department of Transportation requires motorists to have the following:
- Bodily Injury: $30,000 (one person); $60,000 (two or more people)
- Property Damage: $25,000
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: If the opposing driver’s insurance doesn’t pay for all damages and injuries, your underinsured cover will kick in. Any driver with the minimum bodily injury and property damage limit will have uninsured coverage.
- Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the opposing driver doesn’t have insurance (far too common in the state), your insurance will pay up to your policy limits. This coverage is optional if you have the minimum coverage, but if you have higher limits, your insurer must include underinsured coverage.
Does Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage Cover a Hit-and-Run?
A hit-and-run accident leaves drivers with a lot of questions. You might not know who to seek damages from, and the requirements can be very strict because insurers want to avoid fraudulent claims.
Your uninsured coverage may help pay for damages, but you must report the incident to local law enforcement within 24 hours and the crash has to be investigated. It’s required to report the claim to your insurer in a “reasonable time,” which should be as soon as possible.
Insurers will require the accident to involve another vehicle and not a:
- Tree
- Guardrail
- Etc.
An uninsured/underinsured car accident lawyer from Edwards Injury Law will help you navigate these challenging requirements and take the burden off of you. Contact us today to discuss the unique details of your case.
NC Motor Vehicle Accident Statistics
- Upward of 1-in-5 drivers in Charlotte are uninsured
- 276,026 crashes per year statewide
- 32,053 crashes in Charlotte in 2021
- 37,115 average crashes per year in Mecklenburg County
What Should I Do After an Auto Accident?
If you or a loved one are in an accident, you should never settle without an attorney. The steps you take after an accident can mean the difference between receiving the settlement you deserve and struggling to pay mounting bills.
Your steps should include:
- Determine if you or anyone in the vehicle is hurt. Your top priority is to get to safety. If someone is hurt, you seek medical attention immediately.
- Get out of danger’s way. You can move yourself and the vehicle out of the road or highway. Put on your hazard lights, set flares if you have them and be sure to remain at the scene of the accident until law enforcement tells you to leave.
- Call 911 or your local police station to report the accident. Dispatchers will ask if you need medical assistance, and you should seek it if you do.
- Collect any information that you can, including vehicle models, types, years, license plate numbers, colors, witness contact information and insurance policy numbers.
- Document the scene of the accident if you can. Use your phone to take photos or video of the accident scene.
You should focus on calling your insurer, following your doctor’s recommendations and calling a lawyer to work with you to fight back against uncooperative insurance companies.
Can I Sue an Uninsured Driver?
In many cases, you can sue the other driver, but it may not be worth it. Often, an uninsured motorist doesn’t have the finances for an insurance policy, and they likely won’t have the ability to pay a court award.
Alternative compensation options are available and may be something that we can pursue, including:
Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim
If you have insurance as a resident of North Carolina, you have uninsured coverage. You’ll file a claim with your insurer, and they will pay up to your policy limit.
Filing Other Insurance Claims
- Health insurance: Your health insurance will, often, cover some or all of your medical costs.
- Long-term disability insurance: If you have long-term disability insurance, it may help cover care or replace some of your lost income.
- Workers’ compensation insurance: If the accident occurred while you were on the job, your injuries may be covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
Filing Third-Party Lawsuits
The uninsured or underinsured driver may not be the only party responsible for the accident and your injuries. Other businesses or individuals may also be held liable for damages, including:
- Manufacturers of defective automotive parts or products that contributed to the accident.
- A bar or restaurant that served alcohol to the driver may be held liable, especially if the driver was visibly intoxicated or underage when served.
Your attorney will review all of the details of your case and work to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
How to Choose the Best Uninsured Auto Accident Lawyer for Your Case
When you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, recovering damages can be challenging. That’s why it’s so important to work with an experienced uninsured/underinsured car accident lawyer who can help you achieve the outcome you’re looking for.
There are several factors to consider when choosing your attorney. Here are some of the most important ones:
Work with Your Attorney, NOT Paralegals
When choosing an attorney, one of the first things to consider is whether you’ll be working with them directly. If you have questions or concerns, you want that peace of mind that you can reach your attorney and get the answers you seek.
Do They Have Experience with Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Cases?
Uninsured/underinsured motorist cases are complicated and have unique challenges. An attorney who has experience handling these types of cases will know how to face and overcome these challenges. Their knowledge and skills will help you achieve a better outcome.
Do They Use Tailored Strategies?
No two cases are alike. Your attorney should be flexible and use tailored strategies to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Do They Have a Positive Reputation?
Experience is crucial, but your attorney’s reputation is equally important. Consider not only the results they achieve, but also the client experience. Is it a positive one, or do clients have complaints about communication and how their case is handled?
Choose an attorney who will put your interests first and be genuinely committed to helping you achieve the right outcome.
Do They Have a Track Record of Success?
Does the attorney get results for clients? Check their track record of success, especially for cases involving underinsured/uninsured motorists.
How Edwards Injury Law Can Help
At Edwards Injury Law, we understand that being involved in an accident can be a traumatic experience. It becomes even more stressful when the other driver has minimal insurance coverage or, worse, none at all.
We’re here to help. As your uninsured/underinsured car accident lawyer, we’ll fight to help you secure the compensation you deserve for your losses.
As a veteran- and black-owned firm, we understand the challenges you face. We’re built on a history of service and are continually client-centric because we believe our client’s goals are our goals.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help with your case.