If you’ve been in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver in Summerville, you may be worried about who will pay for your medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. The Summerville uninsured/underinsured motorist accident attorneys at Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law are here to help you navigate your insurance policy and pursue every dollar you are owed. Contact us today for a free case review.

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What to Do After an Accident with an Uninsured or Underinsured Driver in Summerville

If you are hit by a driver with little or no insurance, take these steps to protect your rights and strengthen your claim:

Ensure your safety and seek medical attention

Move to a safe place and call 911. Get checked by a doctor—even if you feel fine, as injuries can surface later.

Gather information

Get the other driver’s name, license, plate, and insurance details, and collect witness contact information. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries.

Contact your insurance company

Report the crash promptly and ask about your uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.

Understand legal deadlines

South Carolina generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but insurance claims may have shorter deadlines. Consult an attorney quickly.

Keep records

Save all accident-related communications, bills, and correspondence from insurers.

Contact a Summerville attorney

Legal help is crucial when dealing with uninsured or underinsured drivers. A lawyer can protect your claim and help you pursue all available compensation sources.

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How Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage Works in South Carolina

UM/UIM coverage is designed to help you if you’re injured by a driver who has no insurance or too little to cover your losses. In South Carolina, uninsured motorist coverage is required by law, while underinsured motorist coverage is optional but strongly recommended. UM/UIM insurance can pay for:

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Vehicle repairs

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, UM coverage can still apply.

When Does UM/UIM Coverage Apply and What Are the Limits?

UM coverage applies when the at-fault driver is uninsured or in a hit-and-run. UIM coverage helps when the at-fault driver’s policy is not enough to pay your full damages. South Carolina law sets minimum limits for UM/UIM, but your policy may have higher limits. Talk to your attorney about maximizing coverage and seeking all available benefits.

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Compensation Available in a Summerville Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Claim

Depending on your coverage and the facts of your accident, you may be able to recover compensation for:

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Vehicle repairs or replacement

Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law will thoroughly document your damages and fight to maximize your recovery.

$1,272,800 Single Car Collision
$125,000 Car collision
$100,000 Car collision
$400,000 Pedestrian v. Car Collision
$130,000 Single Car Collision

If you’ve been injured in a Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident in Summerville, contact us today for a free consultation. At Crantford Meehan, we are committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at (843) 874-6266 or reach out online for a case review.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Helped me through the hardest time in my life “

Crantford Meehan has helped me extremely through the hardest time in my life and has gotten me such an AMAZING recovery after my accident. I highly recommend them to any and everyone I know. Even after my own mother got into an auto accident, they have helped us both successfully move forward with our lives...

Harleigh Tenio
My ‘go to’ for legal help.

Attorney William Crantford has been great! He is my “go to” for legal help.

David Childress
Mr. Meehan was very professional.

Mr. Meehan was very professional. He made sure to address all of the questions and concerns that I had while working with him. I would absolutely recommend Crantford Meehan to anyone looking for an attorney who works hard to get you the best possible outcome.

Nikki M.

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Other Options for Compensation If You Don’t Have UM/UIM Coverage

If you do not have uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, you may still have options:

The at-fault driver’s assets: You may sue the other driver directly, but recovery can be difficult if they have few assets.
Your health insurance: It may cover medical bills but not lost wages or property damage.
Collision coverage: This optional coverage can pay for vehicle repairs, regardless of fault.
Filing a lawsuit: In some cases, you can sue additional responsible parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I file a UM/UIM claim after a Summerville accident?

Contact your insurance company promptly and notify them you were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Submit a written claim and provide supporting evidence. Consult an attorney to avoid mistakes that could harm your claim.
What if the uninsured driver cannot be found (hit-and-run)?

Your UM coverage can still apply. Report the accident to the police right away and to your insurer as soon as possible.
Can I still get compensation if I don’t have UM/UIM coverage?

You may be able to sue the other driver, use your health insurance for medical costs, or use collision coverage for vehicle damage, but recovery is often more difficult without UM/UIM.
How long do I have to file a UM/UIM claim in South Carolina?

The deadline for lawsuits is generally three years from the accident, but insurance claims can have much shorter deadlines. Contact an attorney immediately.
What damages are covered by UM/UIM in South Carolina?

Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage may be covered up to your policy limits.
Should I negotiate directly with my insurance company?

It’s best to have an attorney handle communications, as insurance companies may try to minimize your payout.
What if my UM/UIM claim is denied?

You can appeal the denial or pursue litigation with help from your attorney.

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