Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accidents in Columbia
A car accident is generally frustrating, especially when it is not your fault. Plans get delayed or canceled, and you must handle unexpected bills. Normally, a person would expect the other driver’s insurance to cover their losses. However, things become even more complicated when the at-fault driver is underinsured or not insured at all.
When you are in a car crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you may be wondering how you can recover. Dealing with an uninsured or underinsured motorist accident can be daunting, but you have options. Exploring insurance coverage and possible legal steps you can take with help from a knowledgeable car accident attorney could ease the process. After getting into an uninsured/underinsured car accident in Columbia, let the Law Office of Chris Miller help you achieve justice.
Insurance Requirements
An auto insurance policy usually includes several types of protections or coverages. Some are required and included in a person’s policy, and some are optional. Drivers must decide what coverages best fit their needs, which may mean carrying higher limits than required. State law requires vehicle owners and drivers to have liability and uninsured motorist coverage.
- Every driver must have bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries to others caused by the driver.
- Property damage liability coverage of $25,000 per accident is required. This coverage pays for damages a motorist causes to objects, structures, or other cars.
- All drivers must have uninsured motorist coverage, which is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries to drivers and passengers caused by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver.
Sometimes, the state-required minimum coverages are insufficient to protect a person and their assets fully. Optional coverage for underinsured drivers can be purchased through your insurance policy to protect in the event that the at-fault driver’s insurance policy is not enough to pay for all of your damages. Drivers injured in uninsured and underinsured accidents should consult an experienced lawyer in Columbia.
Filing a Claim
Motorists should contact their insurance carrier as soon as possible after an accident to file an uninsured car crash claim. This is important to avoid missing any deadlines. The insurance company will analyze the situation carefully. Insurance adjusters can be tough on claimants and search for anything to prove they are responsible for the crash.
It will be essential to prove the other driver did not uphold the requisite standard of care and was, therefore, liable. Working with a dedicated attorney can make a significant difference for drivers who need to prove the extent of their injuries. Chris Miller is an experienced attorney in Columbia who could negotiate on behalf of injured people and, if necessary, represent them in court to ensure they receive the full compensation they deserve after a crash with an uninsured/underinsured driver.
What Happens Next
When a driver without insurance or insufficient insurance gets into a crash, an injured driver may have some recourse to recover costs. Other than filing a claim, the next best option is filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
Compensation, otherwise known as damages in a legal case, can be economic or non-economic. Economic damages are specific and can be documented or calculated through receipts or bills. Some examples are lost wages, lowered earning capacity, and medical care. Non-economic damages are subjective and usually not measurable in numbers. They compensate for losses like mental or emotional trauma, PTSD, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Reach Out to an Attorney in Columbia After an Uninsured/Underinsured Car Accident
Figuring out the aftermath of an accident is difficult enough. When the other driver does not have insurance, it becomes even more stressful. Accidents involving an uninsured or underinsured driver can leave you with significant financial burdens.
Having a dedicated attorney can be invaluable in countering legal challenges and advocating for your best interests. Contact the Law Office of Chris Miller for an assessment of your case.