Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Lawyers in Charleston

Car accidents can be stressful enough. You have to deal with your injuries, figure out how to get your car repaired or replaced, and manage your medical bills. But what happens if the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses? Even worse, what if the at-fault driver has no insurance at all? Our skilled Charleston Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve if an uninsured or underinsured motorist hits you.

Dealing with insurance after a car accident can be complex, and navigating it alone can be overwhelming. You will want an experienced Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist law firm to guide you through the process. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve and make the road to recovery smoother.

Car Insurance in Charleston, South Carolina

South Carolina law requires drivers to have automobile liability and uninsured motorist coverage. There are several components to car insurance in the state. The first two types apply if you are the at-fault driver, while the last applies if you are not at fault:

Liability Insurance for Bodily Injury: Drivers must have at least $25,000 for each person and $50,000 for each accident. This insurance covers medical bills, lost wages, and other losses for the injured party if you are negligent.
Liability Insurance for Property Damage: Drivers must have at least $25,000 in property damage coverage, which pays for damage to the other driver’s vehicle if you are at fault.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Drivers are required to have the same amount of uninsured motorist coverage as their liability coverage. This helps cover your costs if the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance.

Additionally, you can purchase underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, which is optional in South Carolina. While not required, UIM coverage can make a significant difference if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses. If the at-fault driver lacks sufficient coverage, your underinsured motorist coverage kicks in. Without this insurance, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for the remaining costs. That’s why we always recommend our clients add underinsured motorist coverage to their auto policy.

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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

You might have questions about the difference between uninsured motorist (UM) coverage and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. These types of insurance protect you if the at-fault driver lacks enough insurance or any insurance at all. Here’s how they work:

Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

This coverage kicks in when the other driver has no insurance. If the at-fault driver has no insurance, UM will cover your expenses, including medical costs and property damage.

Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

If the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your expenses, your UIM coverage will cover the remaining costs after the at-fault driver's policy limits are exhausted.

Both UM and UIM coverage are secondary insurance, meaning that after you file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, your policy will cover any remaining costs. If the other driver doesn’t have insurance, your uninsured coverage will pay for your damages directly.

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Stacking Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Policies

South Carolina law allows for the stacking of UM and UIM policies. For example, if your family has multiple cars, you can stack your uninsured motorist coverage to increase the payout in the event of an accident. This means if you have two cars, you could potentially double the coverage amount available to you for a claim.

It’s also important to note that under South Carolina law, you cannot purchase uninsured motorist coverage higher than your liability coverage, meaning your coverage limits are tied to your liability policy.

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Hit-and-Run Drivers and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, you might not know whether the driver has insurance. If this happens, your uninsured motorist coverage will kick in, but there are three important requirements to use your UM insurance in hit-and-run situations:

You must report the accident to the police within a reasonable time after the crash.
You must not be negligent in identifying the at-fault driver.
There must have been contact between your car and the hit-and-run vehicle.

Documentation is key in these situations. We stress the importance of gathering evidence, such as speaking with witnesses and taking photos or videos of the accident scene, especially in hit-and-run cases.

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Contact Our Charleston Underinsured/Uninsured Motorists Lawyers

We understand that car accidents can be stressful, and insurance companies can make the process even more difficult. Don’t try to handle the insurance companies alone. Let us focus on dealing with them while you concentrate on recovering from your injuries.

The experienced Charleston car accident attorneys at Crantford Meehan Attorneys at Law are here to help you navigate the complexities of uninsured and underinsured motorist claims. With over 50 years of combined experience helping clients through these insurance challenges, we are dedicated to getting the results you deserve.

Call us at (843) 832-1120 or contact us online to speak with one of our experienced attorneys today. We fight for your rights and only get paid if you do.

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“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.

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Increased Premiums For Using Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Clients often ask whether their insurance premiums will increase if they use UM or UIM coverage. South Carolina law does not prohibit insurance companies from raising premiums if you use your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. While they can increase premiums, it’s important to note that the amount your premiums may increase is usually less than the payout you would receive from your UM or UIM coverage. Therefore, paying for this coverage remains a valuable investment in case of an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance, while underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage covers the remaining costs when the at-fault driver’s insurance is insufficient to cover your expenses.
What should I do if I’m involved in a hit-and-run accident?

If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, report the incident to the police as soon as possible, and gather any available evidence, including witness statements and photos. Your uninsured motorist coverage can help cover your expenses if you meet the legal requirements.
Will my insurance premiums increase if I use uninsured motorist coverage?

In South Carolina, insurance companies are allowed to raise premiums if you use your uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. However, the increase is usually less than the payout you will receive, making it a valuable investment.
Can I stack uninsured motorist coverage on multiple vehicles?

Yes, South Carolina law allows you to stack uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage if you have multiple vehicles. This can double your available coverage in the event of an accident.
How do I know if I have enough underinsured motorist coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage is optional in South Carolina, but it is highly recommended. You should review your policy and speak with your insurance agent to determine if your coverage is sufficient to protect you in the event of an accident with an underinsured driver.